By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo

 

“Belarus is a country with an ancient history and rich traditions, beautiful nature and stunning architecture, industrial giants and well-developed agriculture, unique cuisine and hospitable people,” said H.E. Andrew Chernetsky, Belarus Ambassador to the Republic of Korea on May 20, 2025.

 

In an exclusive interview with the Diplomacy Journal, Amb. Chernetsky said, “The modern cultural life of Belarus is dynamic and diverse. The country hosts numerous art, music, theater exhibitions and film festivals. Belarus entertains its guests with a variety of events.”

 

 

Noting that Belarus is located in the center of Europe at the crossroads of many international routes, he said, “Here you can attend a theater forum or a folk culture festival, participate in a celebration, that dedicated to ancient crafts or national cuisine in an open-air setting or take part in a medieval reenactment.”

 

Asked about any cultural differences or customs between the people of South Korea and Belarus, Amb. Chernetsky replied, “In my work, I always try to concentrate on finding what unites rather than what divides. Perhaps, this is very typical of diplomacy in general – always finding common ground as a basis for further dialogue.
“Belarusians and Koreans are very similar mentally. Hard work and modesty are probably the most obvious features of our peoples.”

 

Amb. Chernetsky continued to say, “Despite the remoteness of our countries, there is much in common in the colors of the landscapes of Korea and Belarus - an abundance of flowers in the spring, green summer, red-yellow-green autumn and white winter are also characteristic of Belarus, as well as Korea. Of course, there is a little more snow in Belarus than in Korea, but now, under the influence of climate change, this difference is decreasing.”

 

He also mentioned, “There is also much in common in national culinary recipes – Belarusian potato pancakes (“Draniki”) are very similar to Korean “Gamjajeon”. Fermented cabbage (sauerkraut) has been included in the culinary menu of Belarusian families for centuries. By the way, there is also a difference here – Belarusian cuisine is much less spicy than Korean cuisine.”

 

 

The following is the full-text of the Diplomacy Journal's interview with Amb. Andrew Chernetsky of Belarus to Korea.

 

Question: This year commemorates very meaningful dates of the modern human history - 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the establishment of a universal fundamental peacekeeping organization - the United Nations. Please tell us about these historical events and their relationship with Belarus.

Answer: The date of victory over the fascist aggressor – May 9 – occupies a special place in the history of my country. The Republic of Belarus lost a third of its population during the years of battle.
But the treachery and cruelty of the enemy could not break the will of the people to win. More than 1 million Belarusians fought on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War. The partisan movement that unfolded in the territory of the republic occupied by the invaders has no analogues in world history in its scale and scope.
Among those who fought against the Nazi troops were also representatives of Korea: Mr. Innokenty Pak, who served as a pilot during the Second World War, took part in the liberation of our Motherland and Europe from the Nazi invaders, participated in the capture of Berlin.
After the end of the Second World War, the Republic of Belarus took the most active part in organizing the post-war world order, becoming, together with Russia and Ukraine, one of the founding countries of the United Nations – a universal international platform for ensuring dialogue and communication within the framework of the world community.
Today, Belarus remains deeply committed to the principles enshrined in the UN Charter. We strongly believe in the importance of preserving historical truth and honoring the memory of those who fought and fell for peace. By safeguarding this memory, we not only pay tribute to the past but also educate future generations about the high cost of war and the value of peace, cooperation, and mutual respect among nations.

 

 

Q: You came to Korea in October 2021 to serve as the ambassador of Belarus. What are your most memorable things while working in Korea?

A: Having spent almost four years in the Republic of Korea, I never tire of discovering new features and peculiarities of the rich Korean culture. Perhaps the most memorable event for me and my family was participating in the Temple Stay program.
Several days spent in one of the main monasteries of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism - Tongdosa temple, provided an excellent opportunity to immerse myself for a while in the philosophy of the oldest religion in the world, to get acquainted with the teachings of the harmony of nature and man. The impression from staying in the monastery was so strong that in July of this year our whole family intends to repeat this unforgettable experience.
In Korea, people love and appreciate sports events, and I always take part in them with pleasure. I received very strong positive emotions while participating in the Seoul Marathon and Half Marathon. The certificate of completion of the Han River Cross Swimming Challenge will remind me of my participation in this event. I truly enjoyed admiring the beautiful scenery of the east coast of Korea in the Samcheok region and the mountainous terrain of Jeonseon and Taebaek while participating in the “Spartan Race” held annually in Korea, where I twice conquered the Trifecta weekend standard - three distances of running with obstacles of 21, 10 and 5 km in two days.
I am very grateful to the Korean side for the opportunity to get acquainted with the festivals held in the provinces, each of which has its own characteristic feature. Particularly memorable were the Nonsan Strawberry Fectival, Pyeongchang Trout Festival, Geumsan World K-Insam Festival and many others, each of which gave me the opportunity to get acquainted with the diversity and rich heritage of the Republic of Korea.

 

 

Q: During your 3-year stay in South Korea, did you notice any cultural differences or customs between the people of South Korea and Belarus?

A: In my work, I always try to concentrate on finding what unites rather than what divides. Perhaps, this is very typical of diplomacy in general – always finding common ground as a basis for further dialogue.
I would like to note with satisfaction that here, in the Republic of Korea, I did not have to look for long for what our countries and peoples have in common, including in culture and customs. Let me start with the fact that Belarusians and Koreans are very similar mentally. Hard work and modesty are probably the most obvious features of our peoples.
There is also much in common in national culinary recipes – Belarusian potato pancakes (“Draniki”) are very similar to Korean “Gamjajeon”. Fermented cabbage (sauerkraut) has been included in the culinary menu of Belarusian families for centuries. By the way, there is also a difference here – Belarusian cuisine is much less spicy than Korean cuisine.
Despite the remoteness of our countries, there is much in common in the colors of the landscapes of Korea and Belarus - an abundance of flowers in the spring, green summer, red-yellow-green autumn and white winter are also characteristic of Belarus, as well as Korea. Of course, there is a little more snow in Belarus than in Korea, but now, under the influence of climate change, this difference is decreasing.
But this also follows from what our countries have in common - both Belarus and Korea attach great importance to the problem of global warming in their state policies and are extremely responsible in achieving Sustainable Development Goals and environmental issues.

 

There are also common features in the economic models of our countries. Belarus has long been an assembly shop for the states of the former USSR. Having managed to preserve this potential, the country has now demonstrated stable growth rates of 4 percent per annum for the second year in a row. I cannot help but note the role of Koreans in the development of some basic sectors of our economy - primarily mechanical engineering.
Briefly about the contribution of Koreans into the development of Belarus:
Aleksey Kim – a prominent scientist professor, who was awarded the title of "Honored Machine Builder of Belarus" for his participation in the creation of Belarusian engineering industry. Ms. Alexandra Pak, and his husband Pavel Pak worked for many years in the agricultural department of Belarusian Academy of Sciences, contributing to the development of the Belarusian agricultural sector of the economy. Aurora Ten was the first Korean woman in the USSR to become an architect, the only Korean woman to be a member of the Union of Architects of the Republic of Belarus. Therefore, our peoples have more in common rather than differences.

 

 

Q: What tourist attractions do you want to recommend to Korean tourists? Do you have any government programs to attract foreign tourists, including Koreans, to Belarus?

A: Belarus is a country with an ancient history and rich traditions, beautiful nature and stunning architecture, industrial giants and well-developed agriculture, unique cuisine and hospitable people. Belarus is located in the center of Europe at the crossroads of many international routes. The capital of the Republic of Belarus is the city of Minsk. Minsk is one of the oldest cities in Europe (first mention in 1067).
The modern cultural life of Belarus is dynamic and diverse. The country hosts numerous art, music, theater exhibitions and film festivals. Belarus entertains its guests with a variety of events. Here you can attend a theater forum or a folk culture festival, participate in a celebration, that dedicated to ancient crafts or national cuisine in an open-air setting or take part in a medieval reenactment.
Particular attention should be paid to the national cuisine. The national cuisine of Belarus has a centuries-old history. Its development and formation has been influenced by both the climatic conditions and the geographical location of the country at the crossroads of Western and Eastern cultures, as well as major world religions.
Moreover, in Belarus, each of the twelve months of the year is dedicated to a specific type of tourism: religious tourism in January, industrial tourism in March, ecological tourism in September etc.

 

 

The historical heritage of Belarus has long attracted people from all over the world. If you want to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of medieval Europe, stroll through the halls where the sound of swords once echoed and feel the breath of history, then you must visit Mir Castle – one of the most impressive architectural monuments in Eastern Europe. This majestic castle, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is located in the heart of Belarus and entices tourists with its mysterious beauty, legends and unique atmosphere.

The castle is a unique blend of various architectural styles. Gothic walls and towers, Renaissance arches, and Baroque elements create an unparalleled appearance that captivates at first sight.

Another castle that is equally popular is Nesvizh Castle. This architectural masterpiece surrounded by a picturesque park and filled with a spirit of grandeur is considered as one of the most beautiful attractions in Belarus.
Nesvizh Castle is not only a museum, but also a center of cultural life, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here knight tournaments, balls and classical music concerts take place and during the warm season, theatrical tours are organized. This place allows visitors to see how the princes of old lived, where lavish dinners and diplomatic meetings once occurred.

 

The ecological diversity and natural wonders are an integral part of Belarus. If you dream of witnessing the pristine nature of Europe, walking among ancient oaks and encountering the majestic bison, then Belovezhskaya Pushcha is a place you must visit. Belovezhskaya Pushcha is a remnant of the ancient forest that once covered all of Europe. Here, you can see mighty oaks that are over 500 years old. These trees are true living monuments of history.
The forest is home to the largest population of the European bison “Zubr” – a powerful forest giant that is considered a symbol of Belarus. In specially equipped enclosures tourists can closely see these magnificent animals.
This unique national park is the oldest forest area in Europe and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Another natural attraction in Belarus is Elnya. Elnya is the largest raised bog in Belarus, which is older than the Egyptian pyramids, formed during the glacial period. Today it covers over 20,000 hectares and consists of a system of pristine lakes and endless moss fields. Here nature has remained as it was thousands years ago.
Belarusians are renowned worldwide for their respectful attitude to heroes. One of the symbols of courage and memory that is worth visiting is the Brest Fortress – a place where the memory of heroism and resilience comes to life. This monumental complex in Belarus is known around the world for its role in World War II. Visitors of the fortress can learn about the heroic defense of 1941, when a small garrison held off the superior forces of the enemy for several weeks. The Brest Fortress immerses visitors in the atmosphere of those days, sharing real stories of soldiers and civilians caught in the epicenter of the war.

 

Also, Belarus is famous for industrial giants and remarkable technologies. The Belarusian Automobile Plant (BELAZ) is a true symbol of engineering excellence and industrial strength in Belarus. The plant is known worldwide for producing the largest mining dump trucks, including record-breaking 450-ton machines with wheel heights comparable to that of a three-story building.
For tourists BELAZ offers a unique opportunity to see how massive parts come together into a single structure, as powerful engines bring these giants of transportation to life. Visitors can also experience what it's like to be the driver of the largest dump truck in the world through modern interactive simulators.

The climate in Belarus is moderately continental, with no sharp temperature fluctuations, severe frosts, or sweltering heat. Heavy rains, hurricanes, and other extreme weather events are extremely rare.
In our country, centuries-old traditions, natural wealth and modern experiences intertwine harmoniously. We always welcome guests and know how to surprise them. Here every traveler will undoubtedly find what he is looking for on the journey.

 

Q: Diplomatic relations between Belarus and Korea were officially formed in 1992. How has the relationship developed over period?

A: I am pleased to note that there have never been insoluble contradictions between Belarus and Korea. The period of more than thirty-year of diplomatic relations between our countries has many successful examples of mutually beneficial cooperation.
And even despite the fact that now the position of our nations on certain issues of international politics is somewhat different, we are witnessing normal interaction between the business communities of our countries, positive development of contacts in the educational and cultural spheres. Once again, I would like to bring your attention that it is normal when people or countries have different point of views. It is abnormal when there is no room for dialogue or interaction on this difference. Normal interaction between Belarus and Republic of Korea is a good example for others. I am confident that these relations will continue to expand for the benefits of Belarusian and Korean people.

 

Talking about the area of diplomacy, I would characterize the current state of diplomatic relations between our countries as a quite pragmatic partnership. Mutually beneficial contacts and diplomatic dialogue continue even in this difficult period, including through the embassies of the two countries in Seoul and Minsk, as well as multilateral platforms under the UN umbrella. The Republic of Belarus supported the candidacy of the Republic of Korea for membership in the UN Human Rights Council during the recent elections. The Republic of Belarus is grateful to the South Korean side for the ongoing projects of international technical assistance to Belarusian healthcare institutions.
In my opinion, Belarusian-South Korean cooperation in many ways could serve as an example for the world community of how states one could cooperate normally and efficiently even despite different views on a number of international issues.

 

 

Q: In Belarus, what kind of industrial sectors are attractive to Korean investors?

A: Nowadays, despite all the difficulties, normal interaction between the business communities of our countries is continuing. Korean companies are evidently interested in purchasing Belarusian goods from the agro-industrial complex, wood processing and other industries, whose products have a high reputation in world markets. The best evidence of it is a continuing growth of trade turnover for both countries in terms of Belarussian export to Korea and Korean export to Belarus.
Currently, Belarus is developing innovative industrial clusters which include research and processing companies, suppliers and service providers to boost production of innovative products. Such clusters cover a wide range of industries, from agricultural biotechnology and "green economy" to the high-tech cluster in the area of complex medical equipment. Joint projects in the abovementioned directions could evidently benefit Korean companies.
Some of the potential benefits include accessible and cheap raw materials and energy resources, skilled labor force.
Very important factor is duty-free access for goods produced in Belarus to the markets of the Eurasian Economic Community. The membership of the Republic of Belarus in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization also provides additional opportunities for interaction in this format, including on economic projects.
The Embassy is working to unlock the existing potential for mutual cooperation in the above areas. For example, in May 2025, the Mission will be participating in Busan Global Gathering demonstrating the spirit of Belarus, its economic and tourism potential.

 

 

Q: Are there any programs of your Embassy planning to hold this year?

A: Yes, the Embassy of the Republic of Belarus is actively engaged in a wide range of public and cultural diplomacy activities throughout the year, aimed at fostering mutual understanding and strengthening people-to-people ties between our countries.
Several important events have already taken place in the first half of the year. On February 3, the Embassy held a Press briefing to present the outcomes of the recent presidential elections in Belarus. On May 2, on the eve of Children's Day in the Republic of Korea, we organized a creative event for young Korean children, where participants learned the art of painting on glass — an initiative that was warmly received by our guests.
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, the Embassy participated and co-organized in a series of meaningful events: the Immortal Regiment march on May 6, a photo exhibition honoring the heroism of the Belarusian people during the war (held from May 5 to 9), and participation in the official Victory Day reception hosted by the Russian Embassy on May 9.
On May 18, Belarus has joined the 2025 Seongbuk Food Festival “Nurimasil” in Seoul, presenting traditional Belarusian dishes and sharing our rich culinary heritage with Korean and international guests.
Looking ahead, we are preparing for participation in the Busan Global Gathering 2025 on May 24, where Belarus will once again showcase its culture and traditions.

 

On June 20, in cooperation with your esteemed organization – Diplomacy Journal, we will hold a film screening and a photo exhibition dedicated to the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Belarusian People during World War II.
A highlight of the summer will be the Embassy’s annual Independence Day Reception, scheduled for July 1, bringing together our Korean partners and friends of Belarus, as well as representatives of diplomatic corps in Seoul.
In the second half of the year, we are planning a number of other exciting initiatives. These include a Belarusian Cuisine Day in mid-September, participation in sporting events such as the Spartan Race, and several additional cultural and diplomatic projects aimed at enhancing the visibility and presence of Belarus in Korea.
We are always open to cooperation and new ideas that contribute to the deepening of Belarusian-Korean friendship.