By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Thirteen spouses of foreign ambassadors to Korea who visited Hahoe Village in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, unanimously remarked on Oct. 14, “We truly felt that the deep history and culture possessed by North Gyeongsang Province form the roots of today's K-pop and the Korean Wave.”

They also described Gyeongbuk as “the hub of the Korean Wave where tradition and modernity coexist.”

Gyeongbuk Province hosted the Association of Spouses of Ambassadors to South Korea (ASAS) for a two-day cultural experience program starting on Oct. 13. The aim was to introduce Gyeongbuk's traditional culture and tourism resources to the spouses of diplomats from around the world and to promote Gyeongbuk's traditions and status as the host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit to be held in Gyeongju later this month.

The ASAS is a goodwill exchange group composed of the spouses of diplomats stationed in Korea. It was established to enhance understanding of Korean culture and society and to foster friendship among member countries.

Spouses from 13 countries, including Ecuador, Mexico, Russia, and Uzbekistan, spent two days in Gyeongbuk experiencing a program blending tradition and modernity.

They directly experienced the region's living culture through traditional cultural activities like kimchi-making, traditional liquor brewing, and hanji (Korean paper) crafts.

They also visited UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy and Hahoe Folk Village, learning about Korea's traditional beauty and historical significance.

Mrs. Catalina Bolanos, President of the ASAS and spouse of Ecuador's Ambassador to Korea, stated, “Through diverse experiences like kimchi, hanji, soju, and mask dance, we could truly feel Korea.”

She added, “Gyeongbuk's preparedness and potential as the host of the APEC Summit were particularly impressive and will surely remain unforgettable memories for the spouses of diplomats from each country.”

Governor Lee Cheol-woo of North Gyeongsang Province remarked, “The spouses of diplomats from around the world directly experienced a culture blending tradition and modernity, vividly sensing Gyeongbuk's charm and potential.” He added, “We will leverage APEC to propel Gyeongbuk beyond Korea into a global hub for culture and diplomacy.”