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Ambassadors’ spouses explore Korea's heritage ahead of APEC summit

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By Kim Hyun-bin
  • Published KST
  • Updated KST
North Gyeongsang Province Governor Lee Cheol-woo, seventh from right, poses with the spouses of ambassadors' from 13 countries in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, Tuesday. Courtesy of North Gyeongsang Provincial Office

North Gyeongsang Province Governor Lee Cheol-woo, seventh from right, poses with the spouses of ambassadors' from 13 countries in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, Tuesday. Courtesy of North Gyeongsang Provincial Office

North Gyeongsang Province hosted a two-day cultural immersion program from Oct. 13–14, inviting the spouses of ambassadors stationed in Seoul to experience the heritage and charm of the region, provincial officials said.

Representatives from 13 countries, including Ecuador, Mexico, Russia, Uzbekistan, Mongolia and Bangladesh, participated in the “Gyeongbuk Culture Experience Program,” held in advance of the 2025 APEC summit in Gyeongju.

During their stay, guests took part in traditional Korean cultural activities such as kimchi‐making, traditional liquor brewing and hanji (traditional paper) crafts. They toured the North Gyeongsang provincial office, walked along the “Millennium Forest Path,” and visited UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Byeongsan Confucian Academy and Hahoe Village.

“I believe this invitational event allowed the spouses of diplomats from around the world to experience the harmony of tradition and modernity that defines our regional culture, and to truly feel the charm and potential of North Gyeongsang Province.” Governor Lee Cheol-woo said, “With APEC as a catalyst, we will do our utmost to help North Gyeongsang emerge as a global hub of culture and diplomacy beyond Korea.”

Catalina Bolanos, spouse of Ecuador’s ambassador and president of the Association of Spouses of Ambassadors in Seoul (ASAS), said Mungyeong and Andong offered warm hospitality and a glimpse into Korean traditions, noting that through meetings with local officials and experiences with kimchi, hanji, soju and mask dance, participants were able to experience the “real Korea.”

Provincial officials said the program was designed not only to introduce North Gyeongsang Province’s cultural and tourism assets to the diplomatic community, but also to promote the region ahead of the APEC summit.

ASAS is a social and exchange group composed of spouses of diplomats in Korea, with a mission to deepen understanding of Korean society and foster friendly relations among member states.