[Inside Chodong] Anticipating the Unfolding of the 'K-Silk Road' in Central Asia

Special Attention to President Yoon's Visit
Home to 170,000 Koryo-saram in Uzbekistan
A Land of Opportunity Rich in Mineral Resources

The entrance scene of Chorsu Bazaar, the oldest traditional market in Uzbekistan.

"The cost of living is low, the growth rate is fast, and above all, there is a high preference for Koreans."

A Korean guide met on the 14th (local time) in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, the last state visit destination of President Yoon Suk-yeol's tour of three Central Asian countries, answered the reporter's question, "How is it living as a Korean in Uzbekistan?" with a clear smile and said, "Very good."

The reporter's prejudice was that there would be some discomfort due to the significant difference in gross domestic product (GDP) between our country and Uzbekistan, as well as geographical and cultural differences. The Korean guide hinted, "The burden of living and housing costs is much less than in Korea, and recently, interest and popularity in Korean culture such as K-pop and K-dramas have surged, so the favorability toward Koreans has definitely increased."

At Chorsu Bazaar, Uzbekistan's oldest market located in the Old Town of Tashkent, which the reporter visited, the local merchants' interest in Korean tourists was exceptional. This market, affectionately called 'Cheolsu' by Koreans living locally, was lined with colorful bowls, abundant nuts, and spices. A merchant who saw the reporter warmly asked, "Are you Korean?" and repeatedly shouted, "Saffron!" Throughout the market, there were continuous attempts to attract customers to sell saffron, a spice favored by Koreans.

Bowls sold at the traditional market "Chorsu Bazaar" in Uzbekistan.

A local guide met at the Amir Timur Museum in Tashkent introduced himself in fluent Korean. This guide, who studied abroad at Suncheon National University in Jeollanam-do, was so well-informed about Korean news that he even knew that the Suncheonman International Garden Expo ended successfully last year. Local merchants met in Samarkand, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, greeted the reporter with warm smiles and greetings.

The popularity of the Korean Wave was also directly felt in Kazakhstan. On the 12th (local time), President Yoon and his wife, on a state visit to Kazakhstan, watched a joint cultural performance with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the Kazakh National Academy's 'Karlybek Kuanysh Drama Theater,' where actor Song Il-gook hosted the event.

The Korean drama 'Jumong,' starring actor Song, aired in Kazakhstan from 2008 to 2009 and was so wildly popular that it recorded the highest viewership rating of 80% in the history of Korean dramas there, making Song the most popular Korean Wave star. About 600 people, including the two countries' leaders, key Kazakh officials, and local Korean Wave fans, attended the event, making it a great success.

The Korean Wave fever was intense in Kazakhstan as well. Walking through the streets of the capital, Astana, Korean cosmetics stores were visible everywhere, and even a store with a signboard reading 'Pocha' in Korean was found.

President Yoon Suk-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee attended the "Korea-Kazakhstan Cultural Performance" held at the Astana Drama Theater in Kazakhstan on the afternoon of the 12th (local time). After watching performances by artists from both countries and the Koryo-saram, they showed a thumbs-up gesture.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 14th (local time), President Yoon attended the 'Korea-Uzbekistan Business Forum' held in Tashkent and expressed special affection, saying, "Our two countries are true friends who helped each other in difficult times," and "When about 1937, the Koryo-saram (ethnic Koreans) were forcibly relocated to Uzbekistan, the Uzbek people extended a warm hand of friendship." About 170,000 Koryo-saram live in Uzbekistan.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev responded, "History has shown that we have done well with Korean companies in everything," and "We are always ready to support any business Korean companies want to undertake in Uzbekistan."

Taking this visit as an opportunity, a contract was signed for the first export of 42 units (worth 270 billion KRW) of the high-speed train (KTX-Eum) developed with domestic technology to Uzbekistan. Korea possesses new technologies in energy, plants, automobiles, and IT, while Central Asia holds key minerals that Korea does not have. We hope that active cooperation and exchange with Central Asia, which has abundant growth potential, will unfold the 'K-Silk Road.'