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Korean Cultural Federation Showcases Traditional Craft at Gallery Mirae

31st Annual Exhibition Showcases Traditional Craft and Calligraphy Venue: Gallery Mirae in Insadong April 15–28

Diplomacy Journal David Kendall 기자 | The Association of Korean Culture Centers is presenting its 31st annual exhibition at Gallery Mirae in Seoul, running from April 15 to 28, 2026. Supported by the Association of Korean Craft Function, this year's showcase takes the form of a "small works exhibition" — featuring 49 pieces spanning traditional painting and craft disciplines. A Celebration of Human Creativity Honorary Chairman Song Jun-gyeong framed the exhibition within the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, arguing that craft art represents an irreplaceable expression of distinctly human creativity — one that transmits warmth in a rapidly changing world. Honorary Director Kim Yeong-bun echoed this sentiment, praising the intimate scale of the works for their ability to offer audiences deeper personal resonance than large-format pieces. Association Chairman Lee Geum-deok noted that this year's exhibition is notable for bringing together invited master artists, instructors, and students alike — underscoring the organization's mission of nurturing emerging creative voices alongside established practitioners. Handcrafted items by participating artists add another dimension of accessible craft culture to the event. Highlights from the Exhibition The works on display reflect the breadth of Korea's traditional art forms: Vessels and Branch (40×75cm) by Bae Yeong-gil was done with powder pigment and oriental paint on lacquered paper — a genre rooted in the classic Joseon-era tradition of depicting scholar's objects alongside flowering branches. Flower Painting — Large Pair (25×28cm) by Park Geu-ne offers a luminous depiction of hibiscus and autumn foliage rendered in traditional pigments on glue-treated paper, exemplifying the delicate botanical painting tradition known as hwahwedo. Among the paintings are traditional maedeup (knotwork) pieces. Feast of Knots (40×120cm) by Lee Yong-sim features three horizontal arrangements of elaborate decorative knotwork in black, gold, and dark cord — a form that traces its origins to royal court accessories. About the Exhibition The Korean Cultural Federation Exhibition has run for over two decades, with the association dedicated to discovering emerging artists and expanding public engagement with traditional Korean craft. Gallery Mirae can be found on the second floor of the SK Hub building near Anguk Station Exit 5 at Samildae-ro 461.
Slovak Illustrator Peter Uchnár Brings Award-Winning Vision to Seoul's Bukchon

Embassy of the Slovak Republic and the Chungnam Cultural Tourism Foundation co-sponsor international exhibition CN Gallery to display works through April 26

Diplomacy Journal David Kendall 기자 | On April 15, an international exhibition opened at the CN Gallery in Seoul's historic Bukchon neighborhood. The Embassy of the Slovak Republic and the Chungnam Cultural Tourism Foundation (CNCTF) jointly invited Slovak illustrator Peter Uchnár to visit Korea and display several pieces from his storied career. In his opening statement, Jiwon (John) Lee, Director of the CNCTF Cultural & Arts Promotion Headquarters, praised Peter Uchnár for his work on beloved children's books like Peter Pan and his reimagined version of Gulliver's Travels, for which he won his second Biennial of Illustrations Bratislava (BIB) in 2025. His first BIB award came in 1999 when -- as a recent college graduate -- he was honored for his original depiction of Gulliver's Travels. Director Lee said the exhibition marks "the beginning of a deeper and more meaningful exchange between Chungnam and Slovakia, and we hope it provides more opportunities for artists from Chungnam to connect with Europe and extend their presence on the international stage." According to Song Haemin from the Cultural Project Department of CNCTF, the provincial government of Chungcheongnam-do operates the CN Gallery in Seoul in part to provide artists from the Chungnam region more visibility and raise awareness of the province among Koreans and foreigners in Seoul. In his remarks, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic to Korea Marek Repovský said, "Mr Uchnár is able to visually revive literature in a way that appeals not only to children but also to adults." The Ambassador said Mr Uchnár's work has been widely exhibited across Europe and Asia. expressed, and he thanked him for helping children better imagine the worlds conjured up in stories and for providing all who view his work a bright and creative world into which they can at least momentarily escape. After the Ambassador, a quiet and unassuming Peter Uchnár himself thanked the Embassy of Slovakia and the CN Gallery for choosing to display his work. The artist was clearly much more in his element on the third-floor rooftop terrace, where he gave an impassioned live demonstration of his painting process after the opening ceremony. Guests were also treated to canapés and drinks as well as a view of nearby Gyeongbokgung Palace. Peter Uchnár's work combines illustration, painting, and printmaking to create dreamlike and fantastical narratives. The exhibition will run until April 26. The CN Gallery is located at Jongno-gu, Bukchon-ro 5 Gil 56-7. Opening Hours: Tues. to Sun. (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Korea and Poland Elevate Ties to 'Comprehensive Strategic Partnership'

First bilateral visit by a Polish Prime Minister in 27 years Polish PM’s first official visit to Asia since taking office

On April 13, Cheong Wa Dae (CWD) announced that President Lee Jae Myung held a summit with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk at Cheong Wa Dae on the same day. They engaged in in-depth discussions on ways to elevate bilateral relations and expand practical cooperation, as well as major regional and international issues. Marking the first bilateral visit by a Polish Prime Minister in 27 years and Prime Minister Tusk’s first tour of the Asian region since taking office, the two leaders agreed to elevate bilateral relations to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” based on the deep trust and friendship built since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1989. Accordingly, they adopted a joint statement expressing their commitment to broadening the scope of cooperation into comprehensive and future-oriented fields, including defense and defense industry, energy, and infrastructure, as well as high-tech industries, science and technology, and space. The two leaders highly commended the fact that the two countries have recently strengthened mutually beneficial defense industry cooperation based on mutual trust. President Lee highly commended the signing of a $44.2 billion comprehensive defense contract between the two countries in 2022 and the subsequent follow-up implementation contracts. He emphasized the efforts of Korean companies in local production, technology transfer, and workforce development, and requested that Prime Minister Tusk pay special attention to ensure the smooth conclusion of the remaining implementation contracts. In response, Prime Minister Tusk praised the reliability and technological capabilities of the South Korean defense industry and confirmed that cooperation between the two countries is contributing to the enhancement of Poland’s own defense capabilities. In the areas of trade and investment, the two leaders noted that economic cooperation has continued to expand, with bilateral trade exceeding $10 billion and cumulative investment reaching $8.8 billion. President Lee emphasized that South Korea is the largest investor in Poland among non-European countries and requested support to swiftly resolve delays in the issuance of local residence permits to ensure the smooth operations of the approximately 400 South Korean companies active in various sectors, including batteries and home appliances. Prime Minister Tusk expressed gratitude for the contributions South Korean companies are making to regional economic growth and responded that he would pay special attention to issues such as the issuance of residence permits. In the battery and energy sectors, the two leaders agreed to expand cooperation in the battery sector and build a partnership for a stable energy supply chain. President Lee proposed that the two countries expand cooperation into the energy storage system (ESS) sector, building on the battery ecosystem established in Poland through investments by Korean companies in battery factories. He also expressed hope that the difficulties faced by Korean battery companies would be resolved during the relevant legislative process in Poland. Prime Minister Tusk expressed his expectation for closer cooperation with South Korea in advanced technology sectors such as batteries, and responded that he would take an active interest in and address the difficulties faced by South Korean companies. The two leaders also agreed to further strengthen cooperation in the infrastructure sector, building on the achievements of existing bilateral infrastructure cooperation. In particular, President Lee requested Prime Minister Tusk’s support to facilitate the participation of Korean companies in major infrastructure projects in Poland, such as the new airport and high-speed rail projects, as well as the Warsaw tram replacement project. In the field of science and technology, the two leaders agreed to revitalize exchanges and cooperation between the two countries based on the Korea-Poland Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement signed in 1993, and to expand joint research and personnel exchanges in areas such as advanced science and technology—including hydrogen, nanotechnology, and materials—as well as space. Sharing the common understanding that the security of the Korean Peninsula and Europe are directly linked, the two leaders agreed to strengthen communication regarding major regional issues, including the situations on the Korean Peninsula and in Ukraine. President Lee explained the South Korean government’s efforts to resume inter-Korean dialogue and expressed gratitude for the Polish government’s support for South Korea’s policy toward the Korean Peninsula. Furthermore, they agreed on the importance of stabilizing global supply chains in light of the recent situation in the Middle East and decided to cooperate as necessary to achieve this goal. This South Korea-Poland summit is viewed as an opportunity to take bilateral relations to the next level and comprehensively expand practical cooperation with Poland, a key member of the EU and NATO and a strategic gateway for South Korean companies entering the European market. Furthermore, the joint statement adopted following this summit outlines concrete measures to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in various fields, including politics, security and defense, the economy, and science and technology. As the statement reflects the two countries’ shared commitment to deepening communication and coordination on regional issues and the global stage, it is expected to serve as an important milestone in the future development of the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" between the two nations. ----------------------------------- (Press Release translated by AI, edited by David Kendall)

K-Defense Delegation Advances Arms Export Push Across Latin America

South Korean government and industry present unified front FIDAE airshow and K-Defense Forum in Chile and Brazil bring new opportunities

On April 12, the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) released a statement that said the government dispatched a joint public-private defense industry cooperation delegation to Latin America. MOFA and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) led the delegation with the intent of promoting K-defense exports across the region. From April 6 to 10, the delegation visited Chile and Brazil — two of the region's most promising defense markets — participating in the FIDAE aerospace and defense exhibition, hosting K-Defense Forums, and holding bilateral meetings with senior defense officials. The delegation was composed of MOFA, DAPA, KOTRA, the Korea Defense Industry Association (KDIA), the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), and seven major defense companies: HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Hanwha Ocean, Korea Defense Intelligence (KDI), Korean Air, Poongsan, and Hyundai Corporation. It was led by Kim Jin-hae, MOFA's Representative to CARICOM. Chile: FIDAE and High-Level Engagement The delegation arrived in Chile on April 6–7 to attend FIDAE, Latin America's largest aerospace and defense exhibition, held April 7–12 and drawing more than 370 companies from 33 countries. South Korea maintained a dedicated Korea Pavilion at the event. The delegation attended a Korea national defense promotion reception, strengthening networks with Chilean and regional defense stakeholders. In a notable highlight, Chilean President José Antonio Kast visited the Korea Pavilion at FIDAE, providing a high-profile opportunity to showcase K-defense capabilities directly to the host country's head of state. Prior to the exhibition, the delegation convened a Latin America Defense Export Council meeting with MOFA officials, KOTRA trade representatives, and defense attachés to review regional market trends and map out export expansion strategies. A separate industry roundtable gave South Korean defense companies an opportunity to present their products and raise concerns about market entry. Senior Chilean defense officials were also met to discuss avenues for deepening bilateral defense cooperation. Brazil: Strategic Partnership and K-Defense Forum From April 9 to 10, the delegation traveled to Brazil for high-level meetings and a K-Defense Forum showcasing South Korean defense capabilities and weapons systems. The visit built on the momentum of the South Korea–Brazil summit held in late February, at which the two countries elevated their relationship to a "Strategic Partnership." The delegation used this elevated bilateral framework to advance practical defense cooperation and identify new areas for collaboration. Official Remarks Kim Jin-hae, head of the delegation and MOFA's Representative to CARICOM, stated: "This mission brought government and industry together as one team to promote the excellence of K-defense and lay a bridgehead for expanding K-defense exports — previously concentrated in select markets — across Latin America as a whole. We believe it has made a meaningful contribution to establishing South Korea as a sustainable defense powerhouse." Park Min-ju, DAPA's Director for Asia and Latin America Cooperation, said: "This whole-of-government defense export cooperation delegation — bringing together DAPA, MOFA, KDIA, ADD, KOTRA, and seven defense companies — has strengthened the foundation for public-private cooperation and paved the way for a mutually beneficial defense partnership with Latin American nations going forward." ---------------------------------------------------------------- (Press Release translated by AI, edited by David Kendall)
2026-04-13 David Kendall 기자

NEWS

KGCCI and KNCW Sign MOU to Advance Women's Leadership in Korea

WIR program and KNCW join forces to strengthen inclusive leadership across industries

The Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI), the second-largest foreign chamber of commerce in Korea, announced on February 26 that its Women in Korea (WIR) program and the Korean National Council of Women (KNCW) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen cooperation in advancing women’s leadership and fostering inclusive professional networks. The agreement formalizes collaboration in areas that include women's leadership mentoring, joint initiatives, information exchange, and participation in flagship programs such as WIR and the 2026 Joint CSR "Harmony Marathon." Launched by KGCCI, the Women in Korea (WIR) program is a leadership mentoring initiative designed to support and connect women professionals across industries within the Korean–German business community. Through structured mentoring, networking events, and executive dialogue, WIR aims to strengthen leadership capabilities and promote cross-sector collaboration. As Korea's first and largest coalition of women's organizations, KNCW, established in 1959, has played a leading role in advancing women's rights and social status for over six decades. Today, it represents approximately five million members through 53 affiliated member organizations and 17 city and provincial women's associations nationwide. Through diverse initiatives addressing gender-related issues and leadership development, KNCW has contributed to empowering women across all sectors of society and has served as a significant force in supporting national development and shaping a forward-looking vision for women in Korea. Through this MOU, the two organizations intend to support the continued development of the WIR mentoring program, facilitate mutual participation in leadership and networking initiatives, promote joint engagement in the 2026 CSR "Harmony Marathon" in June, and enhance institutional collaboration. "Through this cooperation, we are strengthening a platform that empowers women leaders across industries,” KGCCI President & CEO Marie Antonia von Schönburg said, “At KGCCI, we believe that sustainable economic growth is closely linked to inclusive leadership and diverse decision-making. By working together, we aim to create meaningful opportunities for professional development, mentorship, and cross-sector dialogue." KNCW President Myung Huh added: "Through this MOU with KGCCI, we are pleased to strengthen our cooperation and support the development of women's potential, and we look forward to close collaboration to advance women's meaningful participation in the political, economic, and social spheres." This partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing leadership development while maintaining a strong focus on professional exchange and business-oriented collaboration. It further reinforces KGCCI's dedication to fostering inclusive leadership within the Korean–German economic community. KGCCI signed an MOU with the Sungjoo Foundation in 2024, and the two have been actively collaborating on women's empowerment initiatives since then. These initiatives underscore KGCCI's long-term commitment to creating sustainable social value beyond business, as reflected in its annual CSR Report.

2026 Seoul International Sculpture Festa Moves to Exhibition in National Assembly Complex

Speaker Woo Won-shik kicks off KSA event that highlights K-fine arts

From March 3 to March 6, the sculpture exhibition “Art is Industry – K-Art Where the People and the National Assembly Meet” will be held on the 2nd floor of the National Assembly Members' Office Building. Organized by the Korea Sculptors Association (KSA), this exhibition is the first official initiative to extend the achievements and discourse of the 2026 Seoul International Sculpture Festa to the National Assembly. Notably, National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik will personally attend, delivering a congratulatory address to honor the occasion and convey messages of encouragement for the advancement of K-Art. The KSA organized and held the 2026 Seoul International Sculpture Festa at COEX last January. It was the 15th Seoul International Sculpture Festa and showcased works by over 500 artists and more than 2,000 pieces. This National Assembly exhibition, according to KSA, was planned based on these achievements and critical awareness: “It adds significance as a public forum for converting the proposition “Art is Industry” into policy language and expanding institutional discussions for establishing art as a national strategic cultural industry.” The exhibition aims to shift K-Culture’s focus on music, film, and drama more to the fine arts sector. “Fine arts like painting and sculpture form the foundation of a high-value-added cultural industry with potential expansion into the art market, exhibition industry, public art, cultural tourism, and city branding,” a KSA statement read. “They are also strategic assets shaping a nation's cultural stature.” KSA Chairman Kwon Chi-gyu emphasized in the statement that “sculpture, as a three-dimensional art directly connected to architecture, urban regeneration, public spaces, and the tourism industry, is a field capable of contributing to regional economic revitalization and enhancing national brand value.” The venue can be reached immediately after filling out a form to secure a pass to enter the National Assembly Members' Office Building, which is to the left of the National Assembly Building when approaching from the main entrance. ------------------------------------------------------------------- KSA press releases translated by AI, edited by David Kendall

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UPDATE: 2026년 04월 18일 16시 37분