Celebrating Korea-Belgium friendship
By Choe Chong-dae
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Strong diplomatic ties between Korea and Belgium have existed since 1892, even before the two countries entered into a treaty of friendship in 1901. Accordingly, the first legation of Belgium was inaugurated in Korea in 1903.
Testament to this longstanding friendship is the unique Belgium Consulate building built in southern Seoul in 1905 and renovated in 1983. The building’s classical ionic columns and fireplaces have been kept intact, allowing it to serve as a tool for studying classical architecture of the 1900s as well as modern art. It is now part of the protected Korean architectural heritage as Historical Site No. 254.
With Japan annexing Korea in 1910, the majority of foreign missions were expelled. Belgium closed its diplomatic post in Seoul in 1918 but became one of the first countries to recognize Korea as a sovereign nation after Korea gained independence and established a new government in 1948.
It was not until 1970 that Belgium re-established its embassy in Korea. The most dramatic demonstration of Belgium’s involvement with Korea was the participation of 3,000 volunteer soldiers during the Korea War (1950-1953) under the flag of United Nations Command. More than 100 of these valiant Belgians sacrificed their lives for the freedom of Korea.
Commemorating the 110th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and Belgium, a special concert and reception were held at KBS Hall in September 2011. The organizers, the Belgium Embassy in Korea and KBS, treated guests to the delightful KBS Symphony Orchestra conducted by Patrick Davin, as well as the unique flavor and taste of Belgian beer. Some of the world’s finest beers hail from Belgium, which offers over 1,000 types.
Most recently, Korean dignitaries were honored to welcome Her Royal Highness Princess Astrid of Belgium to Seoul as she led a 256-strong Belgian delegation on its 4th economic mission to South Korea from June 10 to 17. Ever since King Philippe became king of Belgium, he has requested Princess Astrid to lead Belgian economic missions abroad.
On this occasion, Princess Astrid travelled to Korea with a delegation including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Didier Reynders and Secretary of State for Foreign Trade Pieter De Crem.
While in Korea, Princess Astrid was appointed an honorary citizen of Seoul. Another high-profile event during the mission was a visit to Panmunjom, a village in the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea called the “Joint Security Area,” or JSA. The JSA was created in 1953 after the ceasefire and is nowadays controlled by United Nations forces.
I was invited to attend the June 12 Korea-Belgium Friendship Concert and reception to celebrate Korea’s friendship with Belgium on the occasion of the Belgian Economic Mission to Korea. In attendance were Princess Astrid and other distinguished figures included Ambassador of Belgium to Korea Adrien Theatre, and Yonsei University President Kim Yong- hak.
Kumho Art Hall at Yonsei University offered the perfect venue for invited guests to enjoy the chamber music concert elegantly performed by exceptionally gifted musicians of the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel, which is under the honorary chairmanship of Her Majesty Queen Paola.
Unlike other past receptions held by the Belgium Embassy, on that night I was unable to savor Belgium‘s variety of beer as only soft drinks were served at the reception for the Korea-Belgium Friendship Concert. Nevertheless, the melodious notes that filled the air lifted my spirits despite the lack of the other kind of spirits.
Exchanging greetings and shaking hands with Princess Astrid was a great honor for me. I was pleased that she showed much interest in Korean culture and media at the reception. I believe the visit of Princess Astrid has paved the way for fruitful bilateral relations between Korea and Belgium.
Choe Chong-dae is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is President of Dae-kwang International Co, and Director of the Korean-Swedish Association. He can be reached at choecd@naver.com