Korea Festival Demonstrates Strong Cultural And Diplomatic Ties
The Korea Festival, held yesterday at the Celebration Centre, marked a significant celebration of cultural exchange and diplomatic relations between Zimbabwe and Korea.
Hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, the event brought together Zimbabwean and Korean communities for a vibrant display of culture, music and cooperation.
There was a lot on offer with several booths that featured South Korean products and services. There were displays from leading Korean companies including Kia, Hyundai and LG.
Those who attended also had the opportunity to taste Korean food which was being offered at various stalls.
There were also numerous K-pop performances by young Zimbabwean dancers, which further demonstrated the cultural integration between the two nations.
The main attraction on the day was the the performance by the popular Kukkiwon Demonstration Team.
The team was led by Grand Master Nam Seung-hyeon, who on his sixtieth birthday last year set a new Guiness World Record for the “Oldest person to
perform a Taekwondo flash kick”.
When it comes to Taekwondo demonstrations, this group comes next to none and they proved it when they took to the stage yesterday.
Their acrobatic and martial arts skills drew loud cheers from the auditorium, with many left awestruck by the incredible feats that were on show.
Korea Festival, deepening partnership between two nations
In his remarks, Korean Ambassador Jae Kyung Park expressed his joy at the large turnout and praised the festival’s lively atmosphere.
“We are celebrating Korea’s National Foundation Day, a historic moment dating back to 2,333 B.C., alongside Chuseok, Korea’s largest holiday, which fell this week,” said Ambassador Park.
He noted that this year also marks the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Zimbabwe and Korea, a milestone that underscores the deepening partnership between the two nations, especially after Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s visit to Korea in June.
Ambassador Park took the opportunity to recognize the contributions of the Korean community in Zimbabwe, especially their efforts in supporting local projects.
From educational initiatives in Chitungwiza to empowering women and girls in Norton, Korean citizens have been actively involved in community service.
He also commended Zimbabwean artists like Hope Masike, who recently returned from a cultural exchange program in Korea and performed the Zimbabwean national anthem at the festival.
Also speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Sheillah Chikomo commended the enduring ties between the two countries.
“It has been a privilege for us in Zimbabwe to share experiences with Korea in fields such as education, agriculture, and technology as we work towards our goal of achieving Upper Middle-Income Status by 2030,” said Chikomo.
She also highlighted the importance of President Mnangagwa’s visit to Korea for the inaugural Korea-Africa Summit, where both nations explored opportunities for cooperation in sustainable growth and solidarity.
The deputy minister went on to acknowledge Korea’s pledge to increase Official Development Assistance (ODA) to Africa, with initiatives like the Korea Rice Belt and the Trade and Investment Promotion Framework (TIPF) expected to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
“These inltiatives will go a long way in strengthening economic and technical cooperation between our two countries, thus, immensely contributing to the Government of Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy (NDS) 1.
“We are grateful to the Korean government for its timely pledge to donate food to Zimbabwe, in response to the effects of the El Niño-induced drought.
“The recurrent nature of these droughts, which is a result of climate change, is a wake-up call to our governments to enhance our cooperation in water conservation and harvesting, irrigation development, climate-proofing agriculture, among other policies to enhance productivity, resilience and sustainability.”
Korean investors were also urged to explore opportunities in Zimbabwe, emphasizing that the Bilateral Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement (BIPPA), signed in 2021, ensures a secure environment for Korean businesses.
As the Korea Festival concluded, it left a lasting impression on attendees, celebrating three decades of friendship and cultural exchange between Zimbabwe and Korea. This annual event continues to be a symbol of mutual respect and cooperation, providing a platform for the two nations to further strengthen their ties across various sectors.
