Chungcheongnam-do

▲ The exploration program of Chungnam culture prepared for the ambassadors of South American countries included a new attempt for diverse cultural exchanges between South America and Chungnam and an introduction of the Great Baekje World Festival of 2010.

The ambassadors of nine South American countries including Peru, Ecuador, Panama, and Mexico were in Korea and their families were invited to explore the zone of Baekje culture and experience a Korean agricultural village on October 16 and 17, 2009.

The event was planned by Chungnam in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Association of Korea and Argentina to promote traditional Korean culture and agricultural life among the diplomats of South American nations stationed in Korea. The 35 participants include the ambassadors of Peru, Mexico, Ecuador, and Panama and their wives, as well as the diplomatic ministers and consuls of Paraguay, Argentina, El Salvador, Dominica, Guatemala, and Honduras and the foreign affairs staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

On October 16, they visited the Muryeong Royal Tomb of Baekje and Gongju Museum and marveled at the relics of Baekje, which created a splendid culture in the center of Korea, and the beautiful nature including the Geum River. Looking around the structures at the complex of reproduced Baekje history, the ambassadors were deeply impressed by the beautiful curves of the traditional tiled roofs.

Bringing along his two children, Mr. Jaime Lasso del Castillo, the ambassador of Panama, said, “Baekje is more beautiful in person than in books as I experience it here in Gongju and Buyeo. I would love to visit again along with my family.” On October 17, they enjoyed the autumn weather at the natural recreational forest of Anmyeon Island, Taean, visited the Sudeok Buddhist Temple in Yesan, and picked apples at an orchard in Yesan.

An official from the Chungnam provincial office said, “The program will help to promote Korea through the marvelous Baekje culture and the agricultural exchange with South America under development now. We’re planning to invite them again to the 2010 Great Baekje World Festival.”