-
Korea-Uzbekistan cultural exchange exhibition to be held in Seoul
To commemorate the 33rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo A special exhibition will be held to strengthen cultural ties between South Korea and Uzbekistan in the new year of 2025. The 52nd International Cultural Exchange Exhibition will be held from March 5 to 11 on the second floor of the Insa-dong Museum of Korean Art in Seoul, marking the 33rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The international event was organized in consultation with Uzbekistan's Ambassador to Korea Alisher Abdusalomov and Diplomatic Journal Chairman Lee Jon-young. The exhibition will be a magnificent cultural exchange, bringing together more than 70 Korean artists and 50 works of art from Uzbekistan. The exhibition will feature works of various genres, including paintings, folk paintings, sculptures, and crafts, which will impress not only art lovers but also the public. In particular, a student from Uzbekistan will be selected as the 201st scholarship recipient at the event, and the second solo exhibition of 10 Korean artists invited by Korea Masters Association will be held at the same time. This will further enrich the artistic exchange between the two countries. Exhibition Highlights Celebrating the 33rd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Uzbekistan Held from March 5-11 on the second floor of the Korean Museum of Art More than 70 works by Korean artists and 50 works by Uzbek artists Scholarships awarded to a student from Uzbekistan in Korea The second solo exhibition of 10 artists invited by Korea Masters Association Awarding ceremony by the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Korea Ambassadorial awards and special events The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Korea has decided to award the Ambassadorial Award to all Korean artists participating in the exhibition. On the day of the award ceremony, foreign ambassadors and more than 100 Uzbek students studying in Korea will be invited, and from March 5 to 11, Uzbeks living in Korea will be invited to attend the ceremony. During the exhibition period, Uzbek embassy staff will be on hand to introduce the Uzbek works to visitors and spread the values of the two cultures. Sponsors and organizers The event is jointly organized by the Diplomacy Journal and the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Korea, and hosted by the World Culture Promotion Foundation and the World Peace Art Exhibition Steering Committee. In addition, it is sponsored by Damwha Cultural Foundation, the World Peace Art Exhibition Organizing Committee, K-Folk Painting Research Center, K Culture, Korea Culture, UN Journal, monthly K-Folk Paintings, and many other domestic and international organizations that contribute to the vitalization of cultural exchange. The significance and expectations of the exhibition This exhibition is not just an art exhibition, but an important opportunity to expand cultural exchanges and promote friendship between Korea and Uzbekistan. The special moment when traditional Korean art and original Uzbek art come together is expected to touch and inspire many people. The meeting of Uzbekistan's colorful culture and Korean traditional arts is also expected to contribute to the revitalization of new tourism exchanges. Beyond its diplomatic value, the event will serve as a bridge between culture and art and provide special memories for the people of both countries. Following this event, the 2025 Diplomacy and Reunification K-Folk Painting Exhibition with Diplomacy Journal will continue to be held from March 12 to 18 on the second floor of the Insa-dong Museum of Korean Art.
-
UN Secretary-General Guterres urges countries to drastically slash emissions
In New Year’s message, Guterres called for making 2025 “a new beginning”
By UN Journal Kayla Lee UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for making 2025 “a new beginning” in his message for the New Year, issued on Dec. 30, 2024. Reflecting on 2024, Guterres stated that “hope has been hard to find”, with wars causing enormous pain, suffering and displacement, and inequalities and divisions fuelling tensions and mistrust., the UN News reported. “And today I can officially report that we have just endured a decade of deadly heat,” he said. The Secretary-General noted that the top 10 hottest years on record have occurred in the past decade. “This is climate breakdown — in real time. We must exit this road to ruin — and we have no time to lose,” he said. “In 2025, countries must put the world on a safer path by dramatically slashing emissions, and supporting the transition to a renewable future. It is essential — and it is possible.” Guterres said that even in the darkest days he has “seen hope power change.” In this regard, he saluted activists of all ages who are raising their voices for progress, as well as “humanitarian heroes overcoming enormous obstacles to support the most vulnerable people.” The Secretary-General said he also sees hope in developing countries fighting for financial and climate justice, and in the scientists and innovators breaking new ground for humanity. He stressed that the Pact for Future, adopted last September by UN Member States, is a new push to build peace through disarmament and prevention. Other aims include reforming the global financial system, pushing for more opportunities for women and youth, and ensuring that technologies “put people over profits and rights over runaway algorithms”. Here, he also underlined the need to always stick to the values and principles enshrined by human rights, international law and the United Nations Charter. The Secretary-General concluded by stating that there are no guarantees for what lies ahead in 2025. He pledged to stand with all those working to forge a more peaceful, equal, stable and healthy future for all people. “Together, we can make 2025 a new beginning,” he said. “Not as a world divided. But as nations united.”
-
Seoul will launch Hangang Bus, a new mass transit system in 2025
Each vessel can transport up to 199 passengers
By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo Seoul Metropolitan Government will launch the Hangang Bus, a new waterborne means of transportation, with two newly constructed catamarans ready for service, this year. These vessels’ specially designed low-profile hulls will minimize wave impact and allow them to pass under Jamsugyo, the city bridge with the lowest boat clearance, that sits right below Banpodaegyo Bridge. Their white base color with a gradient of blue hues echoes the river’s shifting appearance throughout the day, creating a visual connection between the vessels and the natural surroundings. Eunsung Heavy Industries constructed the first two vessels in the Hangang Bus fleet. Both are currently undergoing maritime trials and safety inspections in coastal waters under the supervision of the Korea Maritime Transportation Safety Authority. After their scheduled delivery in December, the Hangang-based operational fleet will be expanded gradually through the construction and delivery of six additional vessels, with four more to be held in reserve. The service will connect four strategic locations along the river – Magok, Yeouido, Oksu and Jamsil – when launched in March, with stops at Mangwon, Jamwon and Ttukseom added by November, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Each vessel can transport up to 199 passengers and crew and will be available to commuters and tourists alike. The planned hours of operation are 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekends. The “going up” service will start in Magok and terminate in Jamsil, with the “going-down” service operating in reverse. Regular departures are scheduled to take place every 30 minutes. The riverine buses are set to run every 15 minutes during weekday rush hour traffic (6:30 to 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.). The initiative aims to reduce traffic congestion while enhancing the city’s tourism appeal and modernizing its public transportation system. The carefully selected stops provide access to key business districts, residential areas and recreational spaces, maximizing the service’s utility. The Hangang Bus offers passengers an engaging travel experience complete with modern amenities and facilities. The vessels’ interior layout prioritizes comfort while maximizing viewing opportunities. The large windows and well-planned seating allow passengers to fully appreciate the riverside scenery that ranges from Yeouido’s towering financial district to Ttukseom’s parklands. The service demonstrates Seoul’s commitment to sustainable urban development, potentially serving as a model for other cities worldwide seeking innovative solutions to transportation challenges. The Hangang Bus will undergo extensive testing to ensure smooth vessel operations and dock management and be put into service only after passenger comfort and safety can be guaranteed. These trials will focus on verifying service quality and identifying any operational issues that need to be addressed. A full-length trip from Magok to Jamsil will take about 75 minutes. During rush hours, express service with only one stop at Yeouido will cut about 20 minutes off of that time. Each trip is expected to be 3,000 won, and the Seoul Metropolitan Government is in talks to arrange discount passes for regular bus and subway commuters and to make the service available to all Climate Card holders as well. The Hangang Bus project represents a harmonious blend of practical transportation solutions with aesthetic and environmental considerations, promising to become an integral part of Seoul’s urban infrastructure while offering residents and visitors an innovative way to experience the city. This waterborne transportation system not only addresses current urban mobility needs but also positions Seoul at the forefront of sustainable transportation innovation, creating a blueprint for other metropolitan areas facing similar urban development challenges.
- “Global solidarity key to future pandemic preparedness”
- UN General Assembly adopts milestone cybercrime treaty
- Foreign Minister Cho hosts 4th Overseas Nationals Protection Committee Meeting
- 2024 Jongno-gu Saemaul Leadership Convention concluded successfully
- Diplomatic Journal, December, JPG, 외교저널 12월호 JPG 전체보기
