President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung visited the newly designated 'Korea Street' in Santiago, Chile, on July 30, where they engaged with the local Korean community and celebrated their long-standing efforts.
Deputy Spokesperson Ahn Gyu-ryeong stated in a written briefing that the presidential couple warmly greeted compatriots and citizens during their visit to Korea Street.
Korea Street is a 600-meter stretch located in the Patronato area, known for its concentration of Korean businesses and the Korean Association of Santiago. The designation was made by changing the name of an existing street.
The initiative to create Korea Street was driven by the Korean Association of Chile and was realized after obtaining approval from local government and council. The designation process gained momentum during President Lee's visit to Chile.
During a dinner meeting with the Korean community the previous day, President Lee congratulated them on the establishment of Korea Street. The couple visited the site as preparations for the installation of new street signs were underway.
At the location, compatriots and local residents waved flags and welcomed the presidential couple with shouts of “Welcome!” and “Hello!”
The couple first visited the Korean Association of Chile, where they received explanations from President Ha Sang-wook about the association's activities, its security system, and the space used for overseas voting.
They then walked through the street lined with Korean businesses, stopping at snack shops and barbecue restaurants. Diners stood up to high-five the couple and take commemorative photos.
President Lee engaged with citizens, asking, “Is Korean food delicious?” and inquired about the local business conditions from Korean merchants.
At a shop displaying a sign that read 'Pharmacy' in Korean, they looked at Korean cosmetics and discussed the growing popularity of K-beauty in Chile. A pharmacy representative noted that the number of local consumers seeking Korean cosmetics has been steadily increasing.
Throughout the street, citizens greeted them with “Welcome to Chile.” Some descendants of Koreans approached, saying, “My grandfather is Korean,” and requested photos. The presidential couple shook hands and took pictures with the citizens.
The Patronato area is also home to 'Seoul Street,' established in 2022. With the addition of Korea Street, this area has become a symbolic space showcasing the history of exchanges between Korea and Chile, as well as the settlement of the local Korean community.
Deputy Spokesperson Ahn announced that the Korean Association of Chile plans to promote environmental improvement projects and create a Korean-themed street connecting Seoul Street and Korea Street, aiming to develop it as a local hub for introducing Korean culture, including K-food and K-beauty.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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