By Yoon Sojung and Yoon Seungjin

Photos = Kim Sunjoo
Video = Kim Sunjoo and Lee Jun Young

Dutch Ambassador to Korea Peter van der Vliet says, "The state visit of President Yoon (Suk Yeol) to the Netherlands is the next step to broaden and deepen our ties and energize our strategic partnership for many years to come." 

"This is the first visit by a Korean leader since both countries forged the diplomatic relationship in 1961," he said in expressing high expectations for the president's four-day trip starting from Dec. 11. "It will be a historic moment for both of us."

The diplomat also expressed strong interest in Korean culture. He said the two favorite Netflix dramas of he and his wife on Netflix are both Korean: "Crash Landing on You" (2019-20) and "Extraordinary Attorney Woo" (2022).

The ambassador said his assignment in Korea is extra special because he is from the same hometown as Hendrik Hamel, a 17th-century Dutch sailor who first introduced Korea (then the Joseon Dynasty) to Europe through his travelogue "Hamel's Journal and a Description of the Kingdom of Korea 1653-1666." 

In 1653, Hamel was shipwrecked on Jeju Island on his way to Nagasaki, Japan, and later served as a symbolic figure representing the historical connection between Korea and the Netherlands. He wrote his journal after returning to his homeland based on life in Joseon for 13 years.

Ambassador van der Vliet's official residence in Seoul's Seongbuk-gu District, the venue of the interview, featured a welcoming mood for Christmas, with colorful decorations of a Christmas tree. It was also adorned with other beautiful Dutch symbols such as bicycles, tulips and orange ribbons, along with Dutch designer works of art such as furniture and vases.

The following are excerpts from Korea.net's Dec. 7 interview with the ambassador.

Dutch Ambassador to Korea Peter van der Vliet on Dec. 7 explained the significance of President Yoon Suk Yeol's visit to the Netherlands and bilateral ties at his official residence in Seoul's Seongbuk-gu District.

President Yoon Suk Yeol will pay a state visit to the Netherlands in December at the invitation of Dutch King Willem-Alexander. What is the significance of this trip?

We are indeed excited about the state visit. This will be a historic moment for all of us as it's the first state visit by a Korean leader to the Netherlands since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1961. The Netherlands and Korea are two like-minded countries, high-tech economies, and middle powers that uphold universal values such as freedom, democracy and rule of law. Trade and innovation are important aspects in our cooperation and we also play a unique complimentary role, especially in the semiconductor value chain. We also work together in many other areas such as smart agriculture and renewable energy.

The bilateral relationship has traditionally been centered on economy. But in recent years, geopolitical and security issues have become more and more important. President Yoon's state visit to the Netherlands is the next step to broaden and deepen our ties and energize our strategic partnership for many years to come.

What sectors does the Dutch government wish to boost cooperation with Korea?

I think the semiconductor industry is the biggest sector. Korean companies such as Samsung and SK Hynix use supplies from Dutch companies specializing in equipment and machines in order to manufacture advanced microchips and semiconductors, and both countries are keen to expand the cooperation. 

We also have a lot to offer to each other in a wide range of areas like renewable energy and agriculture. As highly innovative and open economies, we have shared interest in working together on issues of economic security. We can strengthen our value chain in the global supply network.

Many Koreans have a positive image of the Netherlands as the country of Korea's former national soccer coach Guus Hiddink, artist Vincent Van Gogh and the bunny character Miffy. What impressions do the Dutch have of Korea?

I think many Dutch see Korea as a very dynamic country and powerhouse of creativity and innovation. They are very impressed by Korean products such as automobiles, smartphones or other electronic goods. More recently, what caught their attention is how Korea has a global presence with K-culture. Whether it's K-pop, K-movies or K-dramas, such soft power has made Korea really hip and trendy around the world. I think the blend of innovative spirit and the global mindset of Korean people really make it a success.

What sectors of Korean culture are the Dutch interested in?

K-pop is, of course, hugely popular in the Netherlands. We love K-pop and the music of BTS, BLACKPINK and others. K-dramas and films such as "Parasite" are popular too. Incidentally, the two favorite dramas of my wife and I watch on Netflix are also Korean dramas: "Crash Landing on You" and "Extraordinary Attorney Woo."

Korean literature is another aspect of Korean culture also winning popularity in the Netherlands, such as "Kim Ji-young, Born 1982" and the books of author Han Kang, all of which have been translated into Dutch. These stories are really well produced and offer a window into Korean society. Readers can learn about the economic and historical circumstances of Korea through really compelling narratives and characters. I think Koreans are remarkable storytellers.

What aspects of Dutch culture would you personally like to introduce Koreans to?

We have a very vibrant scene in Dutch design that aligns very well with Koreans' forward-thinking spirit. Dutch design is not just about looking good. It's also about really pushing the boundaries and solving problems of the real world. For example, the annual Dutch Design Week, which is held every October in Eindhoven, is a showcase of our innovative spirit where you can meet such works.

Another part of Dutch culture can be found in the dance and DJ scene. Quite a few of the world's (most) famous DJs are from the Netherlands.

I also have to mention cycling as an unmissable part of Dutch culture because we are the cycling capital of the world. There is even a joke that the Dutch learn to bike before walking. We have more bikes in the Netherlands than people.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Armistice Agreement that ended fighting in the Korean War, a conflict that saw Dutch participation. How has the Netherlands marked this occasion?

Dutch participation in the Korean War is, of course, a precious part of our shared history. More than 5,000 Dutch soldiers fought on Korean soil, and we lost 120 of them. The Korean minister of patriots and veterans affairs in July invited Dutch veterans who fought in the Korean War and their family members to Korea for the 70th anniversary of the armistice. That was a very significant event and I was appreciative of the ministry. Last year, two Dutch veterans were laid to rest at the United Nations Memorial Cemetery in Korea located in Busan. I look forward to visiting the cemetery. 

You assumed your post in August this year. What plans do you have while serving in Korea?

Of course, I will work very hard to maintain and enhance the great relationship and friendship that the Netherlands and the Republic of Korea and the people of the two countries have. Also, I want to learn more about Korea including its history and culture. And I'd love to visit many places whenever I have a chance. Lastly, I will also cycle from Seoul to Busan on that famous bike route, which I believe is 633 km long.

I am actually from the same town as Hendrik Hamel, which makes it extra special to serve here in Korea. We have a museum and statue of Hamel there. I know Korea also has a memorial of Hamel on Jeju Island with a statue of a Dutch boat. I would like to visit there.

Do you have any concluding message for Korea.net readers?

Though the Netherlands and Korea are geographically far apart, we are now closer than ever in terms of common interests and values. So we are logical partners to work together in prosperity and stability both in East Asia and the wider Pacific region. That's what brings us together.  

Ambassador van der Vliet on Dec. 7 said his assignment in Korea is extra special since he is from the same hometown as Hendrick Hamel, a 17th-century Dutch sailor who lived on the Korean Peninsula for 13 years, adding that he hopes to learn more about Korean history and culture.