A resource space dedicated to the study of Korean culture and history on Jan. 16 was opened at the library of Central University of Chile in the South American nation's capital of Santiago. (National Library of Korea)

By Hong Angie

A specialized resource room dedicated to the study of Korean culture and history has been opened at the library of Universidad Central de Chile (Central University of Chile) in the South American nation's capital of Santiago.

The National Library of Korea under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Jan. 17 said the space was opened the day before as part of the library's promotional project "Window on Korea."

As the 34th of its kind worldwide, the room displays 1,607 items curated by the Korean library including materials on Korean history, culture and language. Its sliding doors and sitting desks featuring traditional patterns offer an immersive experience in traditional Korean beauty.

Since 2018, the university is the only institution of higher education in Latin America to offer a master's degree in Korean studies. On its campus, it researches and holds lectures on Korea at its King Sejong Institute branch and a think tank for comparative Korean studies.

The Korean library since 2007 has opened such rooms at 28 leading libraries in Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East in line with its related support projects. It has also provided about 130,000 Korean-related materials to such libraries to play a leading role in disseminating Korean culture.

shong9412@korea.kr