By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo
Oman Embassy in the Republic of Korea hosted in its building in central Seoul, ceremony for the publication of the prestigious book “Oman: An Extended History of Friendship and Cooperation with Korea” by “Dr. Lee Hee Soo” on Sept. 24.
The book launch ceremony has been sponsored by H.E Kim Chang Mo, Secretary-General of Korea Arab Society and attended by H.E Chung Kwang-yong, Deputy Director General for African & Middle Eastern Affairs Bureau, MOFA, and many other stakeholders; academicians, publishers, local media, the book translating team; Dr. Kim Jae-hee and Nuran and others.
The ceremony launch with opening & welcoming remarks by H.E Zakariya bin Hilal Al Saadi, Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman in Korea, followed by brief speeches by H.E Kim Chang Mo, Secretary-General of Korea Arab Society and the author of the book, Dr. Lee Hee Soo, which displayed the historic and futuristic nature of relations of the Sultanate of Oman and Republic of Korea. This year in particular, commemorates the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between two nations.
In the speeches, H.E Ambassador welcomed the guests and attendees expressing his hope the book would serve as an opportunity for Korean readers to know Oman and to explore it in depth as they read the book translated in their own native language and authored by Korean point of view.
H.E Kim Chang Mo expressed his hope that the reciprocal relationship between Oman and Korea would be promoted even further through the next 50 years.
Professor Lee Hee Soo, expressed his great pleasure and honor to be an author of such meaningful book, hoping that the book could contribute to the introduction of Oman’s deep history and rich culture.
He also elaborated that his personal interest of Oman initiated in 1983 when he was researching for master’s thesis titled “historical and Cultural Exchanges between Muslim World and Korean Peninsula,” he then came across some Arabic references that Arab navigators form Oman and other Arabian Gulf nations had entered Korean Peninsula as early as 8th century, they used to travel through “Maritime Silk Road,” that was extremely interesting story for him, in the aftermath he started to work for the exploring that region anthropology and he initiated and participated in many works to introduce that region to Korean audiences including documentary film about Oman.
About book:
This book is authored by professor Lee Hee Soo, it has Seven chapters focused on the following topics: history and culture of Oman. A thousand years of exchange and cooperation between Oman and Korea. A fifty Years of diplomatic relations between Oman and Korea (1794-2024.) Traditions and customs of Oman. Tourism and heritages of Oman. Prospects for economic cooperation in light of Oman economic status and diversifying polices. Finally, “Oman vision 2024.”
The first edition of the Book is published with two versions one in Korean and the Other in Arabic.
The book has been translated into Arabic form Korean and published in South Korea in collaborated work under the management of the embassy of the Sultanate Oman in Korea and funded by the National Documents and Archives Authority of Oman.
About the Author:
Professor Lee Hee Soo is a Korean expert in “Cultural Anthropology,” and he earned his doctorate from the University of Istanbul in Turkey, his field researches in Islamic World had been conducted for about 40 years, he is an expert in history of Middle East & Islamic countries. Currently he is an honorary professor at Cultural Anthropology Department at “Hanyang University” in Korea, a professor and dean of the “Institutes for Islamic Studies” in “Sungkonghoe University”
Author’s works:
He authored more than 90 books with distinguished works; the book of “Islam” - sold versions exceeded 2000 books, and the book of “Islam & Arab Culture.”
