Diplomatic Circuit In series
Interviews and stories about the diplomatic corps in Seoul.

Diplomatic Circuit In series
Interviews and stories about the diplomatic corps in Seoul.
German publishers commend Korean readers
German publishers expressed admiration for South Korea’s literary culture and the appeal of Korean literature Seoul International Book Fair on Thursday. The German booth drew strong interest from Korean readers, with publishers praising the fair’s vibrant energy and organization. “Koreans have so many great ideas about publishing and how to do it. They are very, very well versed to understand what readers love to read,” Natalja Schmidt, Publishing Director at Knaur Fiction & Bramble from Germany
July 8, 2025 - 20:31:06People core of Philippines-Korea ties, says outgoing envoy
Philippine Ambassador to Korea Maria Theresa B. Dizon-De Vega cited people-to-people exchanges as core in bilateral ties with Korea in Seoul on June 23. She was speaking at the commemoration of her country’s 127th Independence Day. The Philippines has long historical and emotional bonds with Korea forged in the trenches of war, but thrived with culture, trade and technological exchanges. “The Philippines and Korea have stood side by side as allies in times of adversity and as partners in progres
July 8, 2025 - 20:29:54Uzbek Novel ‘The Days Gone By’ translated into Korean
The Uzbek Embassy in Seoul unveiled the Korean edition of the Uzbek novel "The Days Gone By" on Monday. Originally published in 1926 and authored by Abdulla Qodiriy, "The Days Gone By" is a foundational work of modern Uzbek literature. The Korean edition of the novel has been translated through a comparison of three English versions, a German translation, and the original Uzbek text for linguistic accuracy and cultural depth, according to the embassy. Qodiriy is regarded as the father of modern
July 8, 2025 - 17:45:49India marks Yoga Day in Seoul
The Indian Embassy in Seoul celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga on June 21. The United Nations General Assembly designated June 21 as the International Day of Yoga in 2014, with the support of 175 member states. This year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” emphasized the interconnectedness between personal well-being and the health of the planet. According to the embassy, yoga's origins trace back approximately 3,000 years, with its principles codified in the "Yoga Sutras" by H
July 8, 2025 - 17:42:23Belarus marks Independence Day, eyes deeper ties under Lee
Belarusian Ambassador Andrew Chernetsky looked to deepen ties between South Korea and his country while celebrating Belarus National Day in Korea. July 3 marks the liberation of Belarus from Nazi occupation in 1944. The day now serves as a somber reminder of the victims of World War II and the genocide of the Belarusian people. Chernetsky underlined the power of people-to-people Belarus-Korea ties, despite geopolitical headwinds. “Dialogue between the Belarusian and South Korean peoples develops
July 4, 2025 - 21:55:56Egyptian embassy showcases tourism sites
The Egyptian Embassy in Seoul showcased ancient and modern Egypt on Friday, with a presentation by Walid El Batouty, global brand ambassador of the World Federation of Tourist Guide Associations. El Batouty emphasized Egypt’s legacy and efforts to connect with global audiences through tourism, archaeology and culture. The event showcased sunsets over the Nile, awe-inspiring temples, and archaeological marvels — many of which were taken by El Batouty himself. “‘It all began in Egypt.’ Sometimes p
July 1, 2025 - 13:49:24Korea Herald, India’s film agency discuss content collaboration
Herald Media Group CEO Choi Jin-young and the head of media and communications at India’s National Film Development Corporation, Vidushi, discussed proposals for exchanges of film content on Friday. “Herald Media Group and NFDC can form a working-level group for film content,” said Choi, suggesting they focus such efforts on the Busan International Film Festival and the International Film Festival of India in Goa. "Films would connect Indians and Koreans strongly," said Choi. Referencing the Ind
July 1, 2025 - 13:49:12Central Asia, South Korea discuss renewable energy
South Korea and Central Asian countries discussed renewable energy at the 2025 Korea-Central Asia Next-Generation Dialogue on Monday. The annual forum, launched by the Korea Foundation in 2017, is part of an initiative to enhance cooperation by inviting emerging leaders from Central Asia to Korea. With the attendance of representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, this year's dialogue focused on the current status and mid- to long-term development strateg
July 1, 2025 - 13:48:50Turkey seeks renewable energy cooperation with Korea
Turkey is seeking cooperation with South Korea in renewable energy, said Zeynel Kilinc, vice president of Turkey's investment office in Seoul, speaking at an event on Tuesday. Kilinc highlighted the need for joint ventures and green technology partnerships with Korea, calling the country one of Turkey’s most trusted partners. He noted that 420 Korean companies operate in Turkey in the automotive, steel and energy sectors, but said collaboration remains limited, urging joint efforts as both natio
June 30, 2025 - 19:27:23South Korea crucial for Georgian wine: deputy minister
The southeastern European country of Georgia views South Korea as a strategic market for wine exports, ranking just behind the US in attractiveness, according to the country's Deputy Minister of Environmental Protection and Agriculture Solomon Pavliashvili, in an interview with The Korea Herald on Thursday. According to Pavliashvili, wine imports to Korea are growing at a steady 6 to 7 percent annually, with Georgia exporting 72,584 liters in 2024 — a 26 percent rise from 2023 —earning $335,000.
June 30, 2025 - 19:19:26Uzbekistan's platform startup Uzum looks to Coupang, Kakao as model
Korea Herald correspondent TASHKENT, Uzbekistan — Korean companies can use the ecosystem of Uzum, Uzbekistan’s only billion-dollar startup, to enter Central Asian markets, says Nikolay Seleznev, co-founder and chief strategy and business development officer at Uzum. Uzum is an integrated platform offering e-commerce, financial technology and banking services for individuals and small and midsized enterprises. Its services include a marketplace, express delivery, traditional and digital banking,
June 30, 2025 - 18:49:56Kazakhstan eyes more connection with Korean capital markets: AIFC governor
Kazakhstan is looking for South Korea’s capital markets to position the country as a gateway to Central Asia for Korean investors, said Renat Bekturov, governor of the Astana International Financial Center, in an interview with The Korea Herald. The Korean market is one of the most advanced and liquid globally. And with blue-chip companies such as Samsung, the Korea Exchange ranks among the top five worldwide for initial public offering activity, Bekturov noted. He hopes to build institutional l
June 20, 2025 - 22:40:11UNESCO can multiply Korea’s Hallyu model, Egypt’s heritage, says director-general candidate
UNESCO has the potential to amplify cultural legacies of both Korea and Egypt, leveraging them as models of soft power and global cultural engagement, according to Khaled El-Enany, Egypt’s former Minister of Tourism and Antiquities and a candidate for UNESCO director-general for the 2025–2029 term. “The model developed by the Republic of Korea is remarkable, and I want to acknowledge its success,” El-Enany said in an interview with The Korea Herald during his visit to Seoul. “Hallyu is not just
June 20, 2025 - 22:31:15Azerbaijan keen for Korean manufacturing in Alat FEZ: chairman
Azerbaijan is keen for industrial cooperation with South Korea and is inviting Korean manufacturers to invest in the Alat Free Economic Zone, said Valeh Alasgarov, Chairman of the AFEZ Authority, in an interview with The Korea Herald. Alasgarov was in Seoul to showcase AFEZ’s legal framework, fiscal and non-fiscal incentives and strategic location as a gateway to European, Middle Eastern and Central Asian markets. “We are looking for Korean manufacturers that specialize in high-value-added and e
June 20, 2025 - 16:13:51Hungary showcases Rubik’s cube in Seoul
Hungary is showcasing Rubik’s Cube to the Korean public through the "Rubik 80/50: Fifty Years of Magic” exhibition from May 29 to August 12. Speaking at the opening of the exhibition, Hungarian Ambassador to Korea Istvan Szerdahelyi said that the Rubik’s Cube is more than a clever toy: it is part of Hungary’s cultural heritage — a symbol of creativity, curiosity and the power of human imagination. “For half a century, it has captured the hearts and minds of millions around the globe," Szerdahely
June 20, 2025 - 15:26:50