By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo
The Seoul Olympic Memorial Korea Sports Promotion Foundation (KSPO), led by Chairman Ha Hyung-joo, held a reoperation ceremony on September 16, 2025 for the fountain donated by Korea’s brother nation, Turkiye, during the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Held near the Turkiye Fountain in Olympic Park, the event was attended by Chairman Ha Hyung-joo; Ambassador Salih Murat Tamer of the Republic of Turkiye to the Republic of Korea; Songpa-gu Mayor Seo Kang-seok; Songpa Forum Chairman Hong Jae-sung; Kim Yong-jong, Superintendent General of the Songpa Police Station; Kim Na-mi, Secretary General of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee; Lee Hee-ryong, Secretary General of the Korea Paralympic Committee; and other KSPO staff and officials from related organizations. The gathering celebrated the fountain's restart, symbolizing the strong bond between South Korea and Türkiye.
Ambassador Salih Murat Tamer of Türkiye stated, “I am deeply grateful that you have created this occasion, remembering the fountain Türkiye donated to its brother nation,” adding, “Just as the Türkiye Fountain continues to flow, the relationship between our two countries will endure without end.”
Songpa-gu Mayor Seo Kang-seok conveyed, “Just as the fountain once again spouts fresh water, I hope the special bond between the two nations and the spirit of peace and harmony left by the Olympics will endure.”
Hong Jae-sung, Chairman of the Songpa Forum, also stated in his congratulatory remarks, “Together with the Turkiye Fountain, which holds such beautiful and precious meaning, we will all strive to pass on Olympic Park as a proud legacy.”
Chairman Ha Hyung-joo emphasized the precious bond between the two nations, stating, “This moment transcends a simple fountain reoperation ceremony; it is a meaningful occasion to reflect on the brotherhood built between Korea and Türkiye.” He added, “I pray this fountain will long shine as a cherished space symbolizing the friendship between our two countries and as a comforting resting place.”
Meanwhile, during the event, Chairman Ha Hyung-joo pledged the enduring friendship between the two nations and presented a plaque of appreciation to Ambassador Salih Murat Tamer of Türkiye.
