By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo
To commemorate the successive Peruvian and Korean Presidencies of APEC 2024 -2025, the Diplomatic Journal co-hosted a cultural exchange exhibition with the Embassy of Peru in Seoul from Sept. 4-10 at the Maru Art Center in Insa-dong, Seoul.
The Korea-Peru cultural exchange exhibition featured 30 beautiful and amazing and 35 K-folk paintings by Korean Minwha artists. The Amazon is known as one of the world's most important biodiversity treasures, water reservoirs, and sources of natural resources.
Delivering welcoming remarks at the opening ceremony of the exhibition held on Sept. 4, Paul Duclos, Ambassador of Peru to Korea, said, “The Amazon basin stands as the world's most significant source of biodiversity, water reserves, and resources. Its diverse landscapes and climates foster unique flora, fauna, and ecosystems, complemented by a rich cultural and ancestral heritage. Covering about sixty percent of Peru, the Amazon positions the country as the second largest in Amazonian forest area and ninth globally in forest extent.”
Noting that Peru is also the fourth largest country in tropical forest area and one of the 17 mega-diverse countries, Amb. Duclos said, “The exhibition at the Maru Gallery in Seoul, a result of a collaboration with Diplomacy Journal, immerses us in the extraordinary and intense experience of exploring a remote and lesser-known region. This area reveals majestic landscapes, hidden wonders, fascinating wildlife, and indigenous communities living in harmony with their environment.”
He continued to say, “Given its high vulnerability to climate change, Peru prioritizes Amazon conservation through sustainable use. Deforestation from logging and burning contributes significantly to global warming and climate change through greenhouse gas emissions. Conserving our Amazon forests helps maintain ecosystems that mitigate and adapt to climate change. Notably, Peru holds a carbon reserve of 7 billion tons in its Amazonian flooded forests, which thrive on organic matter.”
The ambassador mentioned, “We share the Amazon basin with seven other South American countries, collaborating through the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO), established over 45 years ago. This organization promotes and supports member nations in preserving and sustainably developing the Amazon. Together, we tackle climate change, conserve renewable natural resources, manage knowledge, and enhance regional health, infrastructure, and transportation.”
Stressing that Peru is also committed to protecting the Amazon from threats such as illegal mining, logging, and wildlife trafficking, he added, “This effort involves differentiated national strategies, coordination with neighboring countries, and support from the international community. We hope these images transport you to this magical region, allowing you to experience the wild beauty, potential, and mysticism of this unknown land. They will invite you to visit and personally immerse yourself in the unparalleled diversity and splendor of the Peruvian Amazon.”
In welcoming remarks, Chairman Lee Jon-young of the Diplomacy Journal said, “It is my great pleasure to host this cultural exchange exhibition to celebrate the 61st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and Peru and commemorate the successive Peruvian and Korean Presidencies of APEC 2024 -2025.”
Noting that this exhibition is an important opportunity for Korean and Peruvian cultures to meet and communicate with each other., Chairman Lee said, “This exhibition is a unique opportunity to showcase Peru's Amazonian photography and Korea's 35 K-folk paintings in one place, and we believe that it will be a platform to experience the cultural values and artistic heritage of both countries together.”
Lee also said, “Its rich ecosystems and natural beauty are a source of pride for Peru and a treasure that attracts attention from around the world. This exhibition will provide an opportunity to deepen our understanding of these Amazonian wonders and Peru's natural and cultural heritage.”
Commenting that Korea's K-folk paintings are a unique artistic expression of traditional Korean art, and their originality and artistry capture the beauty and spirit of Korean culture, he said, “We are very excited to introduce this new aspect of K-folk painting to Peru and the world through this exchange exhibition.”
Lee continued to say, “We hope that this exhibition will have a positive impact not only on the cultural exchange between Korea and Peru, but also on the development of the tourism industry.”
He added, “Beyond the 61st anniversary of diplomatic relations, Korea and Peru will continue to deepen their friendship and cultural exchanges in the future. I sincerely hope that this exhibition will help people understand the cultures of both countries, respect each other's values, and promote further exchanges and cooperation.”
As a token of appreciation, Cultural Editor Lee Mi-hyung of Diplomacy Journal who is also professor of the Department of Cultural Content, the Institute for Adult & Continuing Education of Myongji University, presented a folk painting to Amb. Paul Duclos of Peru as a gift.
Korean folk painting
The paintings of the Korean Minhwa style are worthy of no less admiration. Originating in the Joseon era, Minhwa has become a traditional art form closely associated with the lives of the Korean people.
It perfectly embodies the customs, traditions and sentiments of the Korean people. Paintings of Minhwa style are said to have magical properties and protect the owner and his family from evil forces.
Minhwa colorfully presents perspectives, religions, symbols of daily life and desires, folk mythologies of ancient times. Minhwa's brilliant style and unconventionality make it aesthetically significant and a strong expression of the daily life of Koreans.
The variety of types of Minhwa style paintings best reflect the stunning diversity and grandeur of Korean culture, reflecting important elements of the life of the Korean people.
