The Belarusian Embassy in Seoul marked Orthodox Christmas Day on Friday, celebrating a unique tradition. According to the embassy, Belarus observes both Christmas on Dec. 25 and Orthodox Christmas on Jan. 7. "Christmas is a holiday that makes the old feel like children again. Because from the very beginning, Christmas was full of joy and magic," said Belarusian Ambassador to Korea Andrew Chernetsky, delivering remarks at the embassy event. Chernetsky recalled the enchantment of Christm

Diplomatic Circuit Jan. 9, 2024

Ukrainian Ambassador to Seoul Dmytro Ponomarenko on Wednesday urged the international community to condemn Russia's heightened aggression against Ukraine and take immediate and decisive action. Russian attacks have destroyed civilian infrastructure, and injured and killed civilians, including children, he told The Korea Herald, citing a second mass missile strike within just four days. The envoy suggested urgent measures that he believes the world should take to support Ukraine in its defen

Foreign Affairs Jan. 3, 2024

US former President Donald Trump’s return to the White House may increase Seoul-Pyongyang diplomatic engagement, according to an expert on US-Asia relations and foreign policy. Ted Gover, director of the Tribal Administration Program at Claremont Graduate University, said in an interview with The Korea Herald in Seoul last month, that President Joe Biden's re-election would likely keep the status quo of diplomatic relations, which have yielded little and have come close to being froze

Foreign Affairs Jan. 1, 2024

The Cambodian ambassador to South Korea pitched the country's new Pentagonal Strategy, aimed at transforming it into a high-income country for South Korean investors, underscoring the improved investment landscape. "Cambodia’s new investment law, sub-degree and its launch of Pentagonal Strategy Phase 1 provide a conducive investment environment and create more opportunities for businessmen and investors," Ambassador Chring Botumrangsay said at the 2nd Cambodia-Korea Business

Foreign Affairs Dec. 26, 2023

Strategic technological cooperation spanning space, 5G networks and green energy holds the key to advancing the future of bilateral relations between South Korea and India, Indian Ambassador to Korea Amit Kumar said. "I think technology will increasingly play a very important role in our partnership," Kumar told The Korea Herald on Dec. 14 at an interview held in Seoul, marking the 50th anniversary of establishing bilateral diplomatic ties. "We should explore a technology partners

Foreign Affairs Dec. 26, 2023

The Venezuelan Embassy in Seoul held a solemn ceremony commemorating the 193rd death anniversary of Simon Bolivar, a revered figure in South American history, on Monday. Simon Bolivar, born in 1783 in Caracas, was a Venezuelan military and political leader who is known for his key role in struggles for independence from Spanish rule in Latin America, leading to the independence of Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and Panama. Bolivar died on December 17, 1830. Delivering remarks at the

Foreign Affairs Dec. 21, 2023

Celebrating 50 years of diplomatic ties between Finland and Korea, Finnish Ambassador to Korea Pekka Metso talked about hurdles posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the collaborative spirit that shaped an enduring relationship between the two nations. "The COVID-19 pandemic, a challenge faced by mankind as a whole, became a test of our bilateral relations. Finland and Korea worked together for innovative solutions, with test samples sent from Finland to Korea for analysis due to your prime te

Foreign Affairs Dec. 18, 2023

The Indian Embassy underscored the milestones achieved in marking the 50th anniversary of ties with South Korea on Wednesday. India and South Korea established their diplomatic relations on December 10, 1973. The diplomatic bond gained momentum with India's Look East Policy in the early 1990s, an initiative by then-Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao, and his historic visit to Korea in 1993 that laid the foundation for a more robust partnership. Korea and India agreed to upgrade the Special

Diplomatic Circuit Dec. 18, 2023

A roadshow introducing tourist routes in Aktobe, Kazakhstan, was held at Seoul Cyber University in the city's Gangbuk district. The event featured exquisite works by Aktobe designers, artisans and jewelers, accompanied by traditional Kazakh sweets and treats. The Aktobe region in Kazakhstan is renowned for its sacred monuments, ancient oceans and Stone Age civilizations. Positioned at a strategic intersection of air, rail and highway routes leading to Russia, Uzbekistan and the Caspian Sea,

Foreign Affairs Dec. 18, 2023

The Indian Embassy in Seoul and the Korea Food Promotion Institute showcased Indian culinary traditions and the diversity of flavors, aromas and regional specialties that define Indian cuisine. Indian Ambassador to Korea spouse Surabhi Kumar outlined the spices, curries, regions and evolution of Indian cuisine, along with the influence of foreign and regional traditions at the event. “As societies continue to become more interconnected, the fusion of Indian food with global influences is s

Diplomatic Circuit Dec. 18, 2023

DOHA, Qatar -- Heads of state, UN officials, diplomats and experts called for a cease-fire in Gaza and humanitarian diplomacy to resolve conflicts and foster a sustainable, shared future at the 21st Doha Forum held Dec. 10-11. Under the theme, "Diplomacy, Dialogue and Diversity," the global forum discussed the interconnected nature of global challenges, the future of education, the energy transition, AI governance, economic systems, women's health in conflict, international law, g

Foreign Affairs Dec. 15, 2023

The Korea Herald and Verslo Zinios, a Lithuanian newspaper headquartered in Vilnius, inked a memorandum of understanding to foster international media collaboration Thursday. The agreement aims to elevate awareness of both Lithuania and South Korea through strategic cooperation in journalistic endeavors. The MOU covers the creation and exchange of journalistic content, the sharing of sources, comprehensive news coverage, heightened public awareness, joint event hosting, and conducting interviews

Foreign Affairs Dec. 15, 2023

Speakers for this week's Global Business Forum, hosted by The Korea Herald on Wednesday, suggested solutions to tackle Korea's falling economy. Decentralization is the key, said Lee Cheol-woo, the governor of North Gyeongsang Province, urging local governments to attract young Koreans with stable and well-paid jobs so that they can help to keep regions outside of Seoul young and vibrant. “We face the crisis of extinction. Yet, all young Koreans are going to Seoul and that’s

Foreign Affairs Dec. 14, 2023

Innovation Centre Denmark (ICDK) in Seoul highlighted pioneering Denmark-Korea cooperative ventures in science, technology and innovation, celebrating the 10th anniversary of its operation in Seoul. From demographic change to a green transition, Denmark and Korea have championed advances across areas based on mutual trust and shared values, the Danish Embassy in Seoul said in a statement. The ICDK is a joint initiative of the Danish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Higher Education and the Da

Diplomatic Circuit Dec. 13, 2023

The British Embassy and the British Association of Seoul (BASS) celebrated the annual Mince Pie Morning at the residence of British Ambassador Colin Crooks in Seoul on Thursday. The event featured traditional English mince pies — a sweet pastry filled with a delectable mixture of fruit, spices, and suet — marking the spirit of the holiday season in English-speaking traditions. “BASS is an important part of the vibrant expat community here in Seoul. It was, as always, a pleasure

Foreign Affairs Dec. 8, 2023