By Honorary Reporter Diana Kassandra Almarez from the Philippines


The program "ASEAN-Korea Train: Advancing Together" served as a bridge to celebrate the diversity of cultures among member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Korea. Participants shared their respective cultures and backgrounds while exploring the traditional and contemporary culture of Korea in Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan, Suncheon and Gwangju.

Oct. 16 marked the 40-day countdown to the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit 2019 slated for Nov. 25-26 in Busan. Two hundred delegates aboard the train were from the 10 ASEAN member states and Korea representing government, business, academia, art, media and youth. This event also celebrated the past 30 years of ties between both sides and wishes for another 30 years of greater prosperity and peace. The tour was an occasion to stress the importance of regional and global cooperation in protecting and preserving the cultural and natural heritage of both regions. Artists and performers also shared their talents through performances during the six-hour train ride.

Musical start to journey


The journey started on Oct. 15 with a welcoming ceremony in Seoul, which allowed participants to prepare for the trip and network with each other.

The KBS Open Concert held a special edition to mark the ASEAN-Korea summit set to air on Nov. 17. Performers from ASEAN member nations and Korea held traditional and contemporary musical performances.

As a symbol of unity, the classic Korean folk song "Arirang" was performed by pansori singer Park Ae-ri with a twist through collaboration with the contemporary Korean dancer Poppin Hyunjoon. Afterwards, the Apex Project from Singapore did acapella, then made way for soothing performances by Korean singer Sohyang. A theatrical performance followed by the Korean operatic pop group Contempo-Divo. Korean rapper Be Why and K-pop girl group Momoland performed a few of their best hits. Concluding the concert was a funky performance by veteran Korean singer Insooni.

Touring Gyeongju and Bulguksa Temple

Inside the ASEAN-Korea Train on Oct. 16 featured performances while the train went from Seoul to Yeoncheon-gun County, Gyeonggi-do Province, featuring acapella ensemble Yaemer and Sandy Kwon from Korea, RTB Artis Lelaki Popular Award winner Muhammad Hanif bin Haji Asli from Brunei, K-pop World Festival 2017 champion Tiffani Dwiarine Afifa from Indonesia, National Artists Troupe of Laos members Lotchana Anoulack and Hongta Keomanysouk, professional sape (lute) player Jackson Anak Michael from Malaysia, Star Awards 2018 Rising Star winner Myo Htut Naing from Myanmar, Radiance Duo from the Philippines, the Apex Project, saxophonist Sekpol Unsamran from Thailand and Bong Sen Theatre artist Nguyen Dong Trieu from Vietnam.

The train arrived in Gyeongju, the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom and now designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Participants went to the Buddhist temple of Bulguksa, which was built in 751 A.D. and restored in 1973. They explored the beautiful temple that houses beautiful historical structures, flora and fauna, and living creatures and boasts picturesque views.

Later in the evening, participants arrived in Busan, the host city of the ASEAN-Korea summit, to conclude the first day of the event "ASEAN-Korea Prosperity Night." City mayor Oh Keo-don also reaffirmed Busan’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with ASEAN over the next 30 years.

chaey0726@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.