Indo-Korean Center’s King Sejong Institute Pune has celebrated 50 years of India & Korea Diplomatic Relations
Pune, India: Korea-India bilateral relationship boasts of longstanding historical and cultural ties, spanning over two millennia. The two countries forged diplomatic relations in 1973, paving the way for a sound and steady development in bilateral relations across a wide range of areas, including politics, economy, and culture.
Cultural exchanges between India and South Korea have strengthened over the years. Efforts to promote people-to-people contact and understanding have included events, festivals, and educational exchanges. Nami Island Arts & Education (NAE), situated on Nami Island, is a renowned destination with an abundance of natural flora and fauna in Korea, is known for hosting international cultural festivals and engaging in various international arts and cultural exchange activities with a wide network of institutions across different countries including India being a prominent partner. NAE is dedicated to offering experiences that enhance cultural sensitivity by fostering interactions with nature.
To mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and India, this year’s Korea-India Artist Camp was held in September for ten days on Nami Island in Chuncheon, Gangwon-do Province. Ten artists from both countries gathered in Nami Island, Korea, and stayed back to complete their paintings under the theme “Tagore and Nature- A River” to promote bilateral cultural exchange and artistic collaboration. These paintings are now brought to Indo Korean center King Sejong Institute Pune (IKC KSI Pune), for the art exhibition.
On that momentous occasion which had captivated art enthusiasts and cultural enthusiasts alike, the Indo-Korean Center (IKC) and NAE proudly announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony along with the opening of the art exhibition held on 16th December 2023.
Adding a unique dimension to the event, talented dancers learning the Korean language from IKC KSI Pune graced the stage, breathing life into the paintings through an enchanting performance. Further enriching the experience, students from the IKC KSI Pune took the stage with articulate presentations on the Korean language regarding ‘Our role in the development of the Korea-India relationship’. Approximately 200 people attended the event held on 16th December.
As the event continued on 17th December, students of IKC KSI Pune presented their dance performances against iconic backdrops of Shaniwar Wada and also in vibrant Phoenix mall, Viman Nagar as an opening performance of the ‘Eldorado’ dance drama. The students showcased the rich tapestry of Indo-Korean cultural fusion through a series of captivating performances.
The art exhibition shall remain open for the general people from 19th December to 22nd December 2023 between 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm at the Indo Korean Center, Pune, 1st Floor, Recreational Hall. The admission for the Korean Language and Culture will begin in January 2024.
About King Sejong Institute Pune:
Indo-Korean Center (IKC) located at the Youth Build Foundation has been established to provide a platform to facilitate opportunities for the general public and to connect Indian & Korean people. On July 2023, this center received the designation of an independent King Sejong Institute Pune (푸네 세종학당) by the King Sejong Foundation under the Ministry of Culture, Sports & Tourism, Republic of Korea. IKC KSI Pune will provide Korean language and culture level-based certificate programs based on the curriculum designed in Korea by the King Sejong Institute Foundation for general people. Corporate employee training in Korean language & culture will also be provided. Classes will be conducted by native Korean teachers. It has all modern facilities for training in the Korean language and culture, featuring a smart classroom, recreational zone, executive office, library, and cafeteria, and has a fusion of Indo-Korean work culture.
