President Park Geun-hye has stated that Korea and Ethiopia can become closer friends in the near future.

She was speaking after the ”K-culture in Ethiopia” performance at Addis Ababa University on May 28. In her speech, she said that the two nations can bolster bilateral ties through cross-cultural exchanges.

President Park said, “Our countries have cultivated beautiful traditions throughout our long histories. Our two nations also have their own, unique alphabets,” as she highlighted the cultural similarities between Korea and Ethiopia.

“As both countries share common cultural roots and sentiments, I hope that we can become closer friends with more active cross-cultural exchanges in the future,” she said.

Mentioning the growing popularity of taekwondo, President Park said, “I am told that there are 30,000 athletes in Ethiopia who practice taekwondo, and that the number of K-pop fans here is on the rise."

“I hope that tonight’s event can help both our nations have a much closer relationship,” she said.

During the show, performers from the National Gugak Center gave a samulnori drum performance, and athletes from the K-sports Foundation put on a taekwondo demonstration. Dancers from the Ethiopian National Theatre also put on a traditional dance with singing and drumming.

The audience showed an enthusiastic reaction and gave a big round of applause during the musical performances and taekwondo demonstrations.

Eden Binege, studying at Addis Ababa University, said the cultural event was really important as both countries communicate through the arts by introducing traditional music and dance. Binege also added that the event offered a chance for Ethiopians to learn more about Korea. Another Addis Ababa University student, Eyob Hagos, said, “The Samulnori performance was very exciting. It seems to have a familiar rhythm to Ethiopian music.” The 19-year student added that such concerts should be held more often in Ethiopia so that more people can enjoy Korean martial arts and music.

About 400 people attended the show, and among the attendees were Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome and other high-profile Ethiopian government figures. President Teshome said that his country welcomes President Park from the heart. He also added that he is happy that her state visit has been successfully wrapped up thanks to this concert.


By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: Jeon Han Korea.net Staff Photographer
arete@korea.kr