Ashgabat, October 5 | ORIENT. When two worlds meet in art, something more than just an event is born – a dialogue full of respect and openness. Korean Culture Week in Ashgabat became just such a dialogue, offering residents of the capital not only a colorful spectacle but also an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of one of Asia's most dynamic and ancient cultures. Our photo essay is an attempt to capture this dialogue.
Korean culture seamlessly blends millennial traditions with incredible modern dynamism. At master classes at the Arkach Shopping Mall, guests were able to experience this depth: through the flowing lines of Korean calligraphy, where each character embodies philosophy, and through the aesthetics of hanbok-the traditional costume.
Hanbok, with its clean lines and vibrant yet subdued colors, has become a visual symbol of the beauty and harmony that Korea brings to the world. It is a culture where respect for elders and reverence for nature are inextricably linked with a thirst for innovation.
The Week culminated in a concert at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theater.
A performance by Korean opera stars—tenor Kwon Hwa-pyong and mezzo-soprano Kwon Mi-ji—accompanied by the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan under the direction of maestro Rasul Klychev, transformed the lively dialogue into a musical form.
The Korean artists not only performed classical music but also shared a piece of their soul and history with Turkmen audiences, expressed through song.
The cultural dialogue so vividly demonstrated during the Week is just one facet of the growing cooperation between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea.
As Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Mr. Kim Jun-chul, noted in an interview with ORIENT, bilateral relations are developing successfully in many areas:
"Korea supports Korean language education for young people at the Dovletmamed Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages, Turkmen State University, Secondary School No. 88, and the King Sejong Educational Center, and also contributes to the development of culture, sports, taekwondo, and archery.
Active cultural interaction (including through the annual Korean Culture Week) lays the foundation for the successful development of large-scale economic and infrastructure projects.
This year, Korean companies will begin construction of a mineral fertilizer plant in Turkmenabat and plan to complete the construction of a multipurpose cargo vessel at the Balkan shipyard in Turkmenbashi. We believe that cooperation between our countries will continue and expand."
Korean Culture Week in Ashgabat once again confirmed that a genuine interest in each other's traditions is the most reliable path to prosperity and mutual understanding. Culture opens doors, and mutual respect makes partnerships sustainable.
