By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

The Embassy of Hungary in Korea hosted a reception to celebrate the National Day commemorating the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 at the Pullman Hotel in Seoul on Oct. 22, 2025.

Delivering congratulatory remarks, Amb. Istvan Szerdahelyi of Hungary in Seoul said, “October 23, 1956 is one of the most significant days in Hungary's history, a day when our nation stood against dictatorship, Soviet military occupation in the fight for freedom. And the date marks more than just an important event for Hungary and it was a historical milestone that contributed to shaping the European community peace and cooperation.”

Commenting that peace and human life are the two most important things in our world, the ambassador said, “It's important to pay our respect to those sacrificing their lives in the fight for freedom.”

Amb. Istvan Szerdahelyi said, “In our growing bilateral relationship, our countries share core values, democracy and human rights while enjoying deep sustainable economic relations built on trust. Hungary has often been a frontrunner in our region by being the first country to establish diplomatic relations with the Republic of Korea in 1989.

“The Republic of Korea has become Hungary's most significant investor over the last five years with more than 250 Korean companies in Hungary, one of the biggest foreign business communities in our country.”

He stressed, “Together with the industrial cooperation, our multilateral cooperation should focus on building a cleaner, more sustainable and favorable food industry. The pharmaceutical and particularly the electrical fields are the key sectors in this cooperation. Advancing science and technology is also essential for tackling the pressing issue of climate change.”

Amb. Istvan Szerdahelyi added, “The economic innovation partnership between the Republic of Korea and Hungary is working together to overcome the challenges of transition, promote sustainable economic development and innovation.”

More than 300 guests, including foreign ambassadors and senior diplomats from the Foreign Diplomatic Corps in Korea, Korean government officials and other local and international dignitaries, attended the gala event.

In his congratulatory speech, Yune Yang-soo, deputy minister for international cultural affairs and public relations, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said, “The courage and sacrifice of that day continue to deeply move and inspire people around the world.”

Noting that Korea, too, is a nation that has walked a similar path in history, Yune said, “Having overcome many challenges to uphold the values of freedom and democracy, we deeply resonate with the Hungarian people’s noble sacrifices and their history of hope.”