“Night for Korea–Japan Friendship” for More Vigorous Exchanges between Two Countries

How was your weekend? Did you have a good time?
The Visit Korea Committee held a very meaningful event last Sunday, June 11.
“Night for Korea–Japan Friendship” it was!

Hosted by the Visit Korea Committee and sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Korea Tourism Organization, Asiana Airline, and Lotte Hotel, the event was to welcome Secretary-General Nikai Toshihiro, an envoy dispatched by Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, and his over 350 friendly delegates.

It was also attended by around 100 Korean representatives, the attendees summing up to more than 450 prominent figures from tourism, politics, economy, local governments, and media in Korea and Japan.

Chairman Park Sam-koo, at right, and Secretary-General Nikai Toshihiro, at left, entered the room with other guests, soon filling the room full.

Friendly greetings among attendees warmed up the air before the event formally began.

So many prominent guests joined in this event to strengthen the ties between Korea and Japan that I was very impressed and excited.

The event began with a welcoming speech by Chairman Park Sam-koo.
He mentioned that Korea and Japan are neighbors both physically and culturally close and that tourism may serve as a buttress to boost exchanges between the two countries.

He specifically highlighted his wish for the two countries’ close cooperation in PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Summer Games as a means of consolidating their bonds.

In his response, Secretary-General Nikai acknowledged that the two neighboring countries mean the most to each other and share many historic events in which they had helped one another and suggested that the two countries work together to build up a future-oriented relationship.

Subsequently, Secretary-General Nikai received souvenirs prepared by the PyeongChang Organizing Committee, Gangwon Province, and Korea Tourism Organization.

Head of the PyeongChang Organizing Committee Lee Hee-bum gave cushions; Governor of Gangwon Choi Mun-sun, dolls; and CEO of the Korea Tourism Organization Jung Chang-su, badges. All the gifts featured Soohorang and Bandabi, the mascots of the PyeongChang Olympics.

The photo time could never be forgotten for such an important event like this!
The picture above captures guests in Korean and Japanese politics!!
Although not everyone could appear in one picture as they were too large in number, thankfully all in attendance applauded and congratulated the event!

Then, a celebrating performance followed during dinner!
Designed to show Korean beauties, the performance was prepared by Bidan, a fusion Korean classical music team consisting of the haeguem (fiddle), the daeguem (big fiddle), the gayageum (zither with twelve strings), the ta-ak (a set of percussion instruments), and the pansori (dramatic song).
The beautiful melody echoing in the room felt refreshing everyone’s mind!

The warm welcome for the delegates went on and on even after the event was over! ^^
The committee gave farewells, wishing for the best times in Korea for the delegates.

The staff of the Visit Korea Committee worked hard preparing the event from early in the morning!
The committee continues its efforts until Korean kindly smiles spread all over the world!
We’ll keep up our good work!!!