International Hangul Calligraphy Exhibition and Performance Successfully Concluded

'Globalization of Hangul and Korean Culture: Harmony of Tradition and Modernity' International Conference Held

An international Hangul calligraphy exhibition and performance, organized by the Sejong Institute at Tallinn University in Estonia and the Korean Literary Creative Writing Association (Shin Sujeong), and sponsored by the Korea Calligraphy Design Association, was successfully concluded at Tallinn University on March 3, 2024.

This event was held alongside an international academic conference with the main theme of "Globalization of Hangul and Korean Culture, Harmony of Tradition and Modernity," making it an even more meaningful occasion.

The event confirmed the current status of the Sejong Institute at Tallinn University and the high interest in Korean culture, featuring presentations from participants with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The international academic conference, attended by six countries including Estonia, Georgia, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Korea, was the first Korea-related international academic conference held in the Baltic region, providing an important opportunity to introduce Korean culture to the Baltic area.

Min Yumin, CEO (novelist, Min Life Design Institute), participated in this international academic symposium and presented on the patterns of human rights violations in North Korea and the severity of human trafficking of North Korean women at Tallinn University in Estonia. She drew significant attention by emphasizing the seriousness of the issue using the short story "Baechosen Mama" by North Korean defector writer Kim Yukyung as an example.

The event also featured poetry recitations by poets Jang Okgwan, Lee Seungha, and Lee Gyuri. Consul Hwang Inseong of the Baltic region highlighted the importance of the event in his congratulatory speech, stating, "It is very meaningful to promote Korean culture and Hangul here in the Baltic region, where this is the first and a challenging academic conference to hold."

Students studying Korean at Tallinn University actively participated, demonstrating deep interest and passion for Korea. They are diligently studying Korean through exchange programs and scholarships, learning about the diversity of Korean culture. During the event, the students spontaneously sang "Spring in My Hometown," sharing Korean culture together.

Notably, artist Han Gyudong delivered a moving performance by beautifully expressing King Sejong’s saying, "The people are the foundation of the country," on a large canvas.

Additionally, 20 calligraphy works themed on King Sejong’s sayings were donated to the Sejong Institute at Tallinn University for permanent exhibition. Through this, students and visitors at Tallinn University will be able to understand Korea and appreciate the excellence and beauty of Hangul.

Artist Han Gyudong has played a significant role in promoting the beauty of Hangul worldwide. At the 1988 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, he wrote Hangul names and well-wishes for all athletes and participants, and last year, he performed a Hangul promotion event in Georgia. His performance and exhibition at Tallinn University also received great acclaim.

This event is expected to greatly contribute to widely promoting Hangul and Korean culture in Estonia and the international community, as well as to activating cultural exchange between Korea and Estonia.