By Honorary Reporter Alexandra Polcovnicu from Romania
Photos = Alexandra Polcovnicu

The Korean Embassy in Romania on Oct. 3 hosted a reception at the National Theatre Bucharest to celebrate Korea's National Foundation Day, commemorating the birth of the Korean nation. 

The event also highlighted the enduring friendship and cooperation between Korea and Romania, which mark 35 years of diplomatic relations this year.

Ambassador to Romania Rim Kap-soo (fourth from left) and other Korean guests pose for a group photo.

Attending the ceremony were Romanian dignitaries like Senate President Mircea Abrudean, former President Emil Constantinescu, Constitutional Court President Elena-Simina Tanasescu and Minister of Investments Dragos Pislaru along with diplomats and representatives from numerous countries.

In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador to Romania Rim Kap-soo highlighted 35 years of bilateral progress through high-level exchanges and stronger economic cooperation and cultural and people-to-people ties. He also mentioned the K-Initiative, which seeks to boost collaboration in diplomacy, economy, culture and democracy.

Abrudean said Korea was Romania's first Indo-Pacific Strategic Partnership partner, underscoring the importance of strong bilateral ties.

Romanian Senate President Mircea Abrudean (left) and Ambassador to Romania Rim Kap-soo deliver speeches at the event.

Afterward, the fusion Korean music group E-ro performed the national anthems of both countries, as well as a selection of traditional and contemporary Korean pieces. Its unique performance of the famous Romanian song "Waves of the Danube" received a warm applause from the audience. 

A haegeum (traditional two-string fiddle) performance of "Golden" from the soundtrack to the animated blockbuster "KPop Demon Hunters" added a modern and emotional touch to the evening.

E-ro performs "Boat Song" at the reception for National Foundation Day.

The food served included traditional Korean dishes including bulgogi (stir-fried marinated meat), tteok (rice cake), gimbap (seaweed rice rolls) and yaksik (sweet rice with dried fruit and nuts). 

Leading Korean companies such as Hanwha Aerospace and Samsung and LG affiliates also showcased their advanced technologies.

msjeon22@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.