Leaders of the cultural sector gathered in Korea from across the world for the 2014 Culture Communication Forum (CCF).

Representatives from 16 countries learned about diverse aspects of the nation from August 31 to September 2. They visited places where they were able to learn about both traditional and modern Korea, such as the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, the National Museum of Korea, Changdeokgung Palace and the Furniture Museum. They took part in discussion sessions and talked about better ways to strengthen cultural communication.

Marking its fifth year, the 2014 Culture Communication Forum is an extension of the C20 Culture Summit that was held on the sidelines of the G20 Seoul Summit in 2010. Since that time, the CCF has been held on a regular basis. The final event this year was the CCF Night, held on August 2 at the Westin Chosun Seoul hotel.


During his speech, former Prime Minister Han Seungsoo expressed his gratitude to the many people who travelled a long way to Korea to attend the forum. "You are prominent promoters of culture in your country and beyond. We expect you to become the channel of cultural communication in Korea and across the world."

Vice Minister Kim Heebeom from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) said, "Culture is an important, wordless, communication tool. It helps reduce gaps between social classes as well as generations. Participants here today are expected to share their experience, know-how and insights through cultural communication channels with nations from across the globe."





Meanwhile, U.S. Ambassador to Korea Sung Kim stressed the importance of cultural diplomacy. "The CCF is a wonderful example of global cooperation... Events like the CCF help to build strong people-to-people ties and promote mutual understanding. That, in turn, contributes to... peace and prosperity in the world."

President Choi Jungwha of the Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI), the host of the event, said, "Thank you for all who dedicated themselves to this forum. I would like to live up to your support and encouragement."

The CCF Night started at 7 p.m. Participants seemed to enjoy chatting and music, and the formal dinner was a fusion of both Korean and Western delicacies.

"I have visited Korea more than 100 times," said musical producer Li Dun from China. "The nighttime walking tour around Changdeokgung Palace was just wonderful. In fact, there are many much larger palaces in China. However, I was very much impressed by Changdeokgung's calm and serene atmosphere. It is in great harmony with nature. I was also impressed by the gayageum player that we met during our tour there."

Donna Williams, chief audience development officer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, said, "Everything was perfect. It was an exciting trip to learn about the country's traditions and modernity. I had too much food over the past three days and I think I gained a lot of weight."

Catherine Chevillot, director of the Musee Rodin Public Establishment in France, said, "The three-day schedule was amazing. If I had to pick just one item from the schedule, it would be the Furniture Museum. I loved the design, proportions, harmony and everything."





For over two hours, participants enjoyed traditional fan dances put on by the National Dance Company of Korea and the non-verbal dance and drumming show, "Nanta." Also, as a representative of all the guests, Japanese guitarist Yoshida Jiro played "Arirang" to a standing ovation.


Delegates promised to make further exchanges, to collaborate more together across a range of areas and looked forward to next year's forum.





By Lee Seung-ah
Photo by Jeon Han
Korea.net Staff Writers
slee27@korea.kr