The Indian Embassy hosted heads of tourism and airlines at the Indian Residence to promote exchanges between the two countries, in Seoul on Thursday.

“The reason it (cultural exchanges) is important is that India and Korea are two ancient civilizations and I think there is a lot that we have to offer each other,” said Indian Ambassador Vishnu Prakash.

For the ambassador, there is no better way to promote cultural exchanges than through tourism.

“I’m so happy that with the growing relationship including the cultural relationship, the tourism between our two countries is growing,” he said.

The ambassador also applauded the efforts of Seoul and New Delhi to simplify the visa process between the two countries. And with the logistical process in the works, the ambassador gave a firm pledge that the new visa system will be in place ahead of India’s peak tourism season in October, November and December.

Ties between Korea and India have continued to grow with the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement in 2009, Korea’s first with a BRIC country.

In 2011, India opened the doors of its cultural center in Seoul, amid Korea’s growing interest in Indian cuisine, music, dance and Bollywood.

Korea is in the process of setting up its own center in New Delhi.

(robert@heraldcorp.com)