Chinese diplomat joins Seoul palace walk, highlights cultural connection

Fang Kun Deputy Chief of Mission at the Chinese Embassy in Seoul delivers a congratulatory speech during the 2025 Seoul Royal Palaces Walk for Foreign Residents held on the morning of Jun 14 at the Uijeongbuji Historical Site Plaza in Jongno-gu Seoul Yoo Dae-gil — Fang Kun, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Chinese Embassy in Seoul, delivers a congratulatory speech during the 2025 Seoul Royal Palaces Walk for Foreign Residents held on the morning of Jun. 14 at the Uijeongbuji Historical Site Plaza in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Yoo Dae-gil

SEOUL, June 15 (AJP) - Fang Kun, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Chinese Embassy in Seoul, said he believes walking tours like the one held Saturday offer a meaningful way to appreciate Korea's heritage and deepen ties between the peoples of China and South Korea.

"I think this walking event gives everyone a chance to enjoy the beauty of Korea's historic palaces," Fang said during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Seoul Royal Palaces International Walk on Jun. 14. "Events like this help strengthen mutual understanding between our two countries. I hope everyone enjoys today, and I definitely want to join the next one."

The annual event, co-hosted by Aju News Corporation and AJP, drew around 1,500 participants, including some 700 foreign nationals. The 6.3-kilometer (3.9-mile) route began at the Uijeongbuji Historic Site Square and passed through central Seoul landmarks including Gwanghwamun, Gyeongbokgung Palace, the front of the former presidential office's Chun Chu Gate, Changdeokgung Palace, and Changgyeonggung Palace.

The opening ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including Kwak Young-kil, Chairman of Aju News Corporation, Lim Kwu-jin, President of Aju Business Daily, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, National Assembly member Kwak Sang-eon, Seoul Metropolitan Council Chairman Choi Ho-jung, council member Yoon Jong-bok, and Seoul Tourism Organization CEO Gil Ki-yeon.

Fang was joined by other members of the diplomatic corps, including Arman Narbayev, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Kazakhstan, and Naman Upadhyaya, First Secretary at the Embassy of India.

Speaking to AJP after the ceremony, Fang said, "This is really the perfect season for walking in Seoul. On a day like today, with clear skies and fresh air, this event offers a great opportunity to experience the architecture and history of Korea's palaces, right in the middle of the city."

He noted that a large portion of the foreign attendees were Chinese nationals living in South Korea. "From what I understand, about half of the foreign participants are Chinese residents here," he said. "Through cultural events like this, people can naturally experience Korean culture, and that helps broaden mutual understanding between our countries."

Fang added, "Human exchange between Korea and China plays a key role in strengthening our relationship. I hope events like this continue to bring our people together more often."

Park Sae-jin swatchsjp@ajunews.com