SEOUL, September 10 (AJP) - The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Seoul hosted a cultural event on September 9, presenting Iran's history, arts, and traditions to South Korean guests through presentations, music, and dialogue.
Dr. Fatemeh Yousefi opened by placing Iran geographically and historically at the crossroads of Asia. She said, "Iran has more than seven thousand years of history and civilization," pointing to UNESCO-listed sites such as Persepolis and Pasargadae.
Her presentation highlighted notable heritage landmarks such as the citadel of Arg-e Bam, Persepolis and the tomb of Cyrus the Great. She also introduced Iran's natural diversity from the Caspian Hyrcanian forests to Mount Damavand and the Lut Desert. She described intangible traditions like Nowruz and Yalda, and spoke of sports, art, and cultural heritage numbering "29 world cultural heritage sites and 26 intangible heritage elements."
Music was an important part of the program. A santur master performed on the hammered dulcimer, followed by a setar performance on the traditional Persian string instrument. A Persian calligrapher was also on hand to compose custom inscriptions for attendees.
Hamideh Amini, Third Secretary for Public Diplomacy, offered a defining message. "Culture is the strongest way to connect us to our origins and to one another," she said. She explained that the event was named "A Window to Iran" to provide a glimpse of the country's cultural depth. "It is impossible to present all of Iran's heritage in one hour, but even showing a small piece of the vast ocean has meaning," she said.
During a question-and-answer session, she was asked how South Koreans and Iranians might become closer at the grassroots level. "In Iran, people know Korea well and have a positive image, but here in Korea, Iranian culture is less familiar. With more effort through cultural exchange, that can change," she said. When pressed to name one specific field, she identified cinema. "Iran has many internationally recognized directors, and cooperation in cinema would be a very good way to bring our peoples closer."
The program also highlighted the long history of Korea-Iran relations. UNESCO notes that Gyeongju, the ancient capital of Silla, was a hub of the Silk Roads, with Persian goods arriving via coastal and overland routes as early as the seventh century. Archeological artifacts such as a Silla-era dagger and sheath believed to originate from Persia confirm these long-standing exchanges.
In modern times, South Korea and Iran have maintained diplomatic and economic ties since relations were established in 1962. Despite sanctions and regional tensions, trade continues. According to the Tehran Times, South Korean exports to Iran reached about 56 million dollars in the first four months of 2025, including copper concentrate and petrochemicals.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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