60th Anniversary of Korea-Colombia Diplomatic Relations... Seoul City Hosts Cultural Exchange Event at Hangang Park

On the 5th, mural and performance Korean-Colombian cultural exchange event held at Ttukseom Hangang Park
City Hangang Project Headquarters creates graffiti murals by Colombian artists at Ttukseom X-Game Park

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] A cultural exchange event will be held to commemorate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Colombia and the 40th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Seoul and Bogota.

On the 29th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Hangang Project Headquarters announced that the "Korea-Colombia Cultural Exchange Event" will be held at Ttukseom Hangang Park on the 5th of next month. This event aims to introduce the rich Colombian culture to Seoul citizens by showcasing various cultural contents such as large murals, music performances, and dance in the Hangang Park, a popular spot for Seoul citizens, and to reflect on the significance of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

First, a large mural will be painted at the Ttukseom X-Game Park. For two weeks from May 21 to June 4, the Colombian mural creation team "Vertigo Graffiti" and about 300 volunteers from the Hangang Project Headquarters' mural volunteer group will create murals symbolizing mutual respect and eternal friendship between the two countries.

"Vertigo Graffiti" is a cultural group formed by three Colombian artists: Ricardo V?squez, Santiago Castro, and director Camilo Fidel Lopez. Since 2009, they have been creating and promoting projects related to graffiti and urban art. Their works can be seen in public spaces in various countries including the United States, Canada, Belgium, Turkey, and Brazil.

The completed mural will be unveiled to the public at the "Korea-Colombia Cultural Exchange Event" on the 5th of next month. The event is expected to be attended by Angelica Mayolo, Colombian Minister of Culture, Juan Carlos Caiza, Colombian Ambassador to Korea, and others.

After the mural unveiling, traditional dance performances and live band music will captivate the eyes and ears of citizens on the Ttukseom waterfront stage. The dance show introducing Colombian traditional dances and rhythms such as cumbia and salsa will feature dancers from both countries, showcasing cultural diversity and the friendship and bonds between the two nations. The performance by the "Julio Victoria Live Band," a top house and techno DJ and producer in the Colombian music scene, will blend traditional Colombian rhythms with modern beats, offering a unique and enjoyable experience.

Meanwhile, Seoul has established sister city relationships with Bogota City (1982, friendship) and Medell?n City (2019, goodwill) in Colombia. Last year, Colombian President Iv?n Duque M?rquez visited Seoul and was appointed an honorary citizen of Seoul, continuing and strengthening exchanges and maintaining a close friendship. A representative from the Colombian Embassy in Korea said, "We celebrate the development of relations between the two countries and hope that all citizens of the Republic of Korea will become special guests and brighten the event."

Yoon Jong-jang, head of the Seoul Hangang Project Headquarters, said, "We consider it meaningful that cultural exchanges between the two countries are taking place in Hangang Park to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Korea-Colombia diplomatic relations and the 40th anniversary of the Seoul-Bogota sister city relationship," and added, "We hope to continue cooperating in various fields in the future and create synergy."