South Korean Culture Week Lights Up Turkmenistan with Art, Music, and Tradition

South Korean Culture Week in Ashgabat has concluded after a vibrant series of events celebrating the rich cultural heritage and modern dynamism of the Republic of Korea.

Held across various venues in the Turkmen capital, the week-long program fostered cross-cultural dialogue through art, music, and educational exchange, The Caspian Post reports via Turkmen media.

The festivities opened with cultural workshops at the Arkach Shopping Mall, where visitors engaged in hands-on experiences such as Korean calligraphy and hanbok (traditional attire) displays. Each activity served as an introduction to Korea’s blend of ancient traditions and contemporary cultural expressions.

A highlight of the week was a joint concert at the Magtymguly National Music and Drama Theater, featuring renowned Korean opera stars Kwon Hwa-pyong (tenor) and Kwon Mi-ji (mezzo-soprano). Accompanied by the State Symphony Orchestra of Turkmenistan under the direction of Maestro Rasul Klychev, the performance drew enthusiastic applause and symbolized the harmony between the two nations.

Beyond its artistic showcase, Korean Culture Week highlighted the deepening partnership between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea. Speaking to ORIENT, Chargé d'Affaires of the Korean Embassy Kim Jun-chul emphasized the ongoing support Korea provides for language and cultural education in Turkmenistan. Korean language programs are currently active at several institutions, including the Dovletmamed Azadi Turkmen National Institute of World Languages, Turkmen State University, Secondary School No. 88, and the King Sejong Educational Center.

“Our cultural cooperation extends to sports, including taekwondo and archery, and supports broader people-to-people engagement,” said Kim.

Looking ahead, economic and infrastructure cooperation between the two countries is set to expand. In 2025, Korean companies will launch the construction of a mineral fertilizer plant in Turkmenabat and finalize a multipurpose cargo vessel at the Balkan shipyard in Turkmenbashi.

Korean Culture Week reaffirmed culture’s role as a bridge between nations. Through shared traditions and artistic collaboration, both countries continue to strengthen mutual understanding and lay the groundwork for long-term, strategic partnership.