Islamabad :South Korea, officially named as ‘The Republic of Korea’, is very unique in its culture which makes it distinct from other countries. Though Korea is developing very fast on modern lines, its people are proud of their culture, family values, food and traditional attire.The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Suh Sangpyo strongly advocates promoting people-to people contact between Pakistan and Korea. Seminar titled “Hyecho in Gandhara-Footsteps of a Korean Monk”, visit of Gwangdae: Korean Traditional Performing Art Troupe, Taekwondo Championships, Film Festivals, Speech Contests, K-Pop World Festival, Hangul Day, Quiz on Korea etc. are the few events that the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Islamabad has held in this regard.
It was one such ‘Korean Culture Day’ organized by the Defence Attaché Office in the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, on Tuesday 16 March 2021, which afforded a chance to take a closer look at the Korean culture. With a limited number of guests observing compliance to the SOPs amid Covid-19 pandemic, the event was largely attended by the wives of the Defence Attaches and high ranking officials at the residence of Korean Defence Attaché in Islamabad.
The main centre of attraction at the event was the depiction of making of Korean lanterns and display of Korean traditional costume HANBOK. Hanbok has a history as colorful as the garments themselves. With unique Korean artistic significance, Hanbok is still donned today on special occasions and holidays. Video clips were also shown about how to wear Hanbok. The guest ladies practiced wearing Hanbok and to them it was a really nice experience. Also at the end of the event, guests enjoyed Korean cuisine which included Jug (Korean porridge), Kimchi, Bulgogi (Korean BBQ), Dak Ganjeong (Sweet & Sour Chicken), Japchae (Korean Noodles), Kimbab (Korean Rolls), Mandu (Korean Dumplings).
Korea has an incredibly rich, robustly preserved, and easily accessible history. And, after this event, one can say that history or ‘times gone by’ truly can come to life.