Sweden goes for fun, enjoyable celebrations

By Kang Hyun-kyung

The Swedish Embassy celebrated Sweden Day 2015 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Seoul on June 3.

Hundreds of people, including foreign diplomats, Korean government officials and business leaders, joined the celebration.

Swedish Ambassador Lars Danielsson said the theme of this year’s celebration is “a fun and enjoyable Sweden.”

“This is a day to give you a small piece of modern Sweden and some examples of our best cooperation with Korea,” he said during a speech at the reception.

“We want it to be a fun experience.”

The envoy said he won’t mention all statistics or data showing bilateral trade and investments because he was afraid his guests would get bored.

The envoy said his embassy placed a priority on creativity to demonstrate the Korea-Sweden partnership in the creative economy.

“In all the activities of Swedish companies, Swedish organizations and the embassy, we would like to contribute to the goal of the Korean government to form a more creative economy,” he said.

“One excellent example of creativity and Korean-Swedish cooperation can be seen in the media art installation, titled ‘Image of Sweden’ in the foyer. Don’t miss enjoying it.”

During the reception, Swedish boys and girls wearing traditional Swedish costumes performed a traditional Swedish midsummer celebration. The Swedish Women’s Educational Association prepared the performance for the Sweden Day celebration.

Some Swedish companies set up booths in the ballrooms to promote their brands. A Swedish style buffet and the Swedish Absolut Bar were available to guests.