Korea and five Central Asian countries have established a cultural exchange platform centered around 'Arirang' and 'Hanbok.' Traditional music from each country harmonized on one stage, followed by a Hanbok fashion show themed on the Silk Road, reinforcing cultural ties between the nations.
The Korea-Central Asia Friendship Association, led by President Lee Ok-ryeon, announced on July 20 that it held the '8th Korea-Central Asia Friendship Day' event on July 18 at Dongguk University’s Namsan Hall in Seoul.
Sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and Dongguk University, the event aimed to enhance cultural exchanges between Korea and Central Asian countries, under the subtitle 'Arirang Meets the Silk Road.'
The opening ceremony featured remarks from President Lee Ok-ryeon, followed by speeches from Kim Sang-wook, director of the National Asia Culture Center, and ambassadors from Central Asian countries in South Korea.
Performers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan took the stage in Hanbok, presenting 'Arirang' infused with their unique musical styles. The performances included Kazakhstan's 'Jindo Arirang,' Kyrgyzstan's 'Gyeonggi Arirang,' Tajikistan's 'Jeongseon Arirang,' Turkmenistan's 'Miryang Arirang,' and Uzbekistan's 'Haeju Arirang.' Participants also showcased their traditional songs while dressed in their national costumes, introducing each other's cultures.
The event concluded with a fashion show by the Hanbok brand 'Hanbokgung,' themed 'Connecting Through Beauty.' The show opened with media and sound art, featuring 'The Fragrance of Tradition,' which highlighted the beauty of royal Hanbok, followed by 'Meeting the Silk Road,' which modernly reinterpreted the patterns and colors of Silk Road countries, showcasing both the elegance of traditional Hanbok and contemporary sensibilities.
Lee Ok-ryeon, president of the Korea-Central Asia Friendship Association, stated, 'This was a meaningful occasion for Korea and Central Asia to understand each other's cultures and share friendship through 'Arirang' and 'Hanbok.' We will continue to promote various initiatives for cultural exchange and friendship enhancement in the future.'
* This article has been translated by AI.
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