By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

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The second Kurultai (Assembly) of Kazakhs of Asian countries took place in Seoul, South Korea on April 5~6, bringing together over 200 participants, including members of the Kazakh community from Korea, Malaysia, Japan, China, and Mongolia.

The event was organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan in the Republic of Korea, the "Otandastar Foundation," and the "Qazaq Nomad" Kazakh Association in Seoul. The gathering was held at the Global Campus of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies.

The main goal of the Kurultai was to strengthen cultural ties and promote economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and Asian countries with ethnic Kazakh communities.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Nurgali Arystanov, Ambassador of Kazakhstan, highlighted the growing investment cooperation between Kazakhstan and South Korea. He noted that South Korea ranked as the third-largest foreign investor in Kazakhstan in 2024, with investments totaling USD 1.2 billion. Today, 876 companies with Korean capital are operating in Kazakhstan, with major joint projects underway in innovation and infrastructure.

Ambassador Arystanov also emphasized the growing connectivity between the two countries, with 13 direct flights operating weekly. He noted the increasing people-to-people exchanges that contribute to mutual understanding and trust. In 2024, a total of 40,180 Korean tourists visited Kazakhstan – a 12% increase from the previous year. At the same time, 53,224 Kazakh citizens traveled to South Korea, representing an 8% year-on-year growth.

The first day of the Kurultai featured a conference, including a plenary cultural session and an economic session. Honored Artist of Kazakhstan Svetlana Aitbayeva introduced the audience to the rich traditions of Kazakh jewelry art. Ethnographer Aygerim Musagazhinova delivered a presentation on the nutritional value of traditional Kazakh cuisine. In the cultural segment, renowned Kazakh artist Zhubanysh Zheksenuly performed iconic songs alongside the audience.

Another highlight of the first day was the first-ever public speaking competition in the Kazakh language held in South Korea. Organized by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Seoul, the contest featured students from the Department of Central Asian Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies who are currently studying Kazakh language. Seven finalists competed before a jury chaired by Kanat Aitbayev, People's Artist of Kazakhstan.

Sophomore student Lee Seo-yeon took the first place, impressing the judges with her fluency and eloquence in Kazakh. “To build closer cultural ties, we need to meet and communicate more often,” she said. “I want to master the Kazakh language and contribute to the cooperation between our two countries.” She was awarded a round-trip flight from Seoul to Almaty or Astana and a two-day stay at a Pana hotel – her first trip to Kazakhstan.

Second place went to senior Son Won-jin, who received a hand-crafted gold Kazakh ornament. Third place was awarded to junior Jeon Jae-hong, who received a traditional Kazakh musical instrument – the dombra.
On the second day, participants celebrated Nauryz, the spring equinox and a traditional Kazakh holiday. The celebration included live performances, traditional dances, folk music, and displays of Kazakh national attire, crafts, and cuisine.

The Kurultai served as a vibrant platform to deepen cultural understanding, strengthen community ties, and foster long-term cooperation between Kazakhstan and its Asian neighbors.