#South Korea #Seoul #Global Times #China-South Korea #Overseas China Week

Celebrating Friendship Through Art

The recent launch of the "Overseas China Week" photo exhibition by the Global Times in Seoul serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring friendship between China and South Korea. Hosted alongside the 2025 China-South Korea Media Cooperation Forum, the event attracted prominent figures from both nations, including influential politicians, business leaders, and cultural representatives who came together to celebrate shared values and build bridges for future cooperation.

The exhibition, titled "Harmony and Unity - China-South Korea Friendship Photo Exhibition," showcased a diverse array of stunning photographs that encapsulate the themes of technological innovation, agricultural development, environmental sustainability, and cultural exchange. Each theme was meticulously chosen to reflect both countries' aspirations for common development and mutual prosperity.

Highlighting Technological Innovation

In the segment dedicated to technological breakthroughs, attendees were treated to extraordinary displays illustrating advancements made in fields like semiconductor technology and new energy vehicles. These innovations demonstrate how both nations are leveraging their strengths to address common challenges, ultimately fostering a greater understanding and connection through technology.

Agricultural Revitalization Efforts

The exhibition also showcased China’s agricultural modernization efforts, particularly through its rural revitalization theme. This section highlighted cooperative achievements in agriculture, focused on sharing technology and enhancing trade in farm produce between the two countries. By spotlighting these partnerships, the exhibition aimed to inject new life into agricultural collaboration and promote a sustainable future.

Committing to Sustainable Development

With the ecological revival theme, the exhibition underscored China’s commitment to sustainable growth, fostering a cooperative spirit around environmental issues. By addressing shared ecological challenges, both nations can become pillars of green development, paving the way for future cross-border partnerships that exemplify cooperative environmental stewardship.

Cultural Connections and Shared Experiences

Cultural exchanges remain at the heart of the Sino-Korean relationship. The "Uninterrupted Cultural Connections" segment illustrated the rich tapestry of shared histories and experiences. This section aimed to underscore that though the two nations may have distinct cultural identities, there are countless moments of shared experience that bring them together.

Hankuk University of Foreign Studies’ Park Han-jin spoke to the heart of this sentiment, sharing personal reflections about his life in China and expressing hope for more exhibitions that promote such exchanges. He aptly pointed out that each step towards strengthening ties is critical, affirming optimism for future partnerships between the countries.

Enthusiasm from Young South Koreans

The exhibition also resonated with younger attendees, such as South Korean local Son Su-min, who noted its significance in showcasing milestones in China’s development and its impact on South Korea. Her enthusiasm for traveling to major Chinese cities, like Shanghai, paints a picture of growing interest and curiosity, particularly among youth eager to connect culturally and socially.

The exhibition drew many visitors with its appealing photographs, including breathtaking views of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and images featuring Fu Bao, the first giant panda born in South Korea. These captivating visuals brought hundreds of people to appreciate the beauty of the landscapes and the importance of wildlife conservation in promoting shared cultural values.

Fostering People-to-People Connections

Additionally, the exhibition sparked interest in a burgeoning “weekend tourism circle” encompassing China, South Korea, and Japan, signifying a much-needed avenue for people-to-people exchanges. Attendees were also invited to appreciate culturally-inspired products, illustrating how traditional crafts can be seamlessly blended with contemporary design, thereby cultivating a deeper understanding of intangible cultural heritage.

In the exhibition's guestbook, heartfelt messages reaffirmed visitors' hopes for enduring friendly relations and increased cooperation. As one remarked, “China and South Korea walk together toward a community with a shared future.” These words encapsulated a vision of optimism surrounding Sino-South Korean ties.

Having previously hosted exhibitions in countries like Brazil, Germany, and Kazakhstan, the Global Times aims to continue its mission of showcasing China’s growth story and promoting a dialogue between nations through cultural diplomacy. Ultimately, such exchanges are pivotal to nurturing friendships and building a more connected, cooperative future across regions.