By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo
The Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Seoul hosted a reception to celebrate the country’s national day and the 35 years of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of Korea at the Grand Hyatt Seoul on Feb. 28.
Delivering welcoming remarks, H.E. Petar Kraytchev, the ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to the Republic of Korea, said, “In 2025 we celebrate 35 years of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of Korea. Since 1990 the ties between our two countries have sustained a perpetual trend of enhancement through numerous exchanges across a vast spectrum of Government, public, and private sectors, trade, economy and investment, energy, culture and education, innovation and technology, environment and sustainable development, sport, tourism and more.
“At present, we enjoy a valuable convergence of favorable conditions, whose cumulative effect enables us to harness never before seen opportunities for cooperation between the people of Bulgaria and the Republic of Korea.”
Commenting that a new chapter is emerging and a rare opportunity has been bestowed upon us – in Bulgaria there is a genuine surge of interest in Korean language, history, and culture, the ambassador said, “Bulgaria’s vibrant magnificence is perceived with apparent enthusiasm in the Republic of Korea. Our two countries are amongst the very few in the world with their own authentic alphabets - the Bulgarian (Cyrillic) Alphabet and Hangul have shaped an unprecedented platform for recognition and friendship between Bulgarians and Koreans.”
It is an exceptional privilege to serve the Republic of Bulgaria in the Republic of Korea with its incredible charm and vibrant magnificence. I am grateful for the opportunity to further propel the relations between our countries, and I am truly humbled by the infinite kindness and hospitality of the Korean people – a precious gift I am yet to do my utmost to deserve.
Noting that Korean language is being taught in Bulgaria with increasing popularity, including at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, the oldest Bulgarian university, established in 1888, Amb. Kraytchev said, “In Seoul, Bulgarian Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies has been thriving with the dedication of Korean students over the last many years.”
He continued to say, “Both sides have recently ventured to expand Bulgaria’s nuclear power capabilities. There is a new promise for more Korean investments and companies to establish operations on Bulgarian soil.“
Amb. Kraytchev stressed, “In essence, both Bulgaria and Korea have established themselves as alluring destinations to acquire new knowledge, experiences, perspectives, and – crucially – new friendships as well.”
He added, “It is an exceptional privilege to serve the Republic of Bulgaria in the Republic of Korea with its incredible charm and vibrant magnificence. I am grateful for the opportunity to further propel the relations between our countries, and I am truly humbled by the infinite kindness and hospitality of the Korean people – a precious gift I am yet to do my utmost to deserve.”
Kim Hi-yong, the Honorary Consul General of the Republic of Bulgaria in Seoul, and Bae Jong-in, Assistant Minister for Planning and Coordination of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, delivered congratulatory remarks.
Over 700 guests, including foreign ambassadors and senior diplomats from the Foreign Diplomatic Corps in Korea, Korean government officials and other local and international dignitaries, attended the gala event.
