Central Asian nations

 

On the first Sunday of this month, in a plaza of Children's Grand Park in Seoul, a cultural festival was held to commemorate the 32nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Central Asian nations. It was hosted by Ai-Pery, a migrant organization with more than 3,000 members. The Seoul Metropolitan Government sponsored the event. Ms. Aisuluu, the original founder of Ai-Pery, is now a member of the Seoul Metropolitan Council.

Following a simple opening ceremony, the celebration performance began. Artists from Central Asia and Central Asians of Korean descent mingled and performed various songs, dances and traditional musical instruments, which were applauded by the audience. The rhythm and tempo were a bit similar to those of our traditional art, which made me feel more familiar. The stage show lasted about five hours.

In front of the stage, several booths were set up around the plaza, showing the culture and customs of the Central Asian nations. While enjoying the stage performances, interested audiences sometimes went to the booths to experience the actual things with the help of guides. What caught my attention was a booth for the “yurt,” a Central Asian mobile house model visitors could enter. Inside, traditional snacks and clothes were prepared, so you could wear costumes and take commemorative pictures while nibbling on treats.

These impressive experiences motivated me to learn more about the Central Asian nations. By general definition, Central Asia is a diverse region that comprises five landlocked nations: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

Kazakhstan, the largest Central Asian nation, is known for its vast steppes, mountains and deserts. Its rich natural resources, particularly oil and gas, have made it an economic powerhouse in the region.

Uzbekistan, located at the heart of the ancient Silk Road, is famous for its historical cities like Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. These cities hold stunning examples of Islamic architecture, including mosques, madrassas and minarets adorned with intricate tile work.

Turkmenistan is known for its deserts, notably the vast Karakum Desert, and the unique Darvaza Gas Crater, also called the “Door to Hell.” Turkmenistan’s economy is heavily dependent on natural gas exports.

Kyrgyzstan, dominated by mountains, is a paradise for nature lovers. The Tian Shan Mountains cover much of the nation, making it ideal for trekking and outdoor activities.

Tajikistan is the smallest and most mountainous of the five nations, with over 90 percent of its territory covered by mountains. The Pamir Mountains are a major geographical feature, attracting trekkers and adventure tourists.

Each nation has its own unique history, culture and landscape, and together they form a bridge between East and West, offering a blend of influences from both regions. These Central Asian nations also offer a unique blend of diversity, shaped by their geographic location and historical connections.

South Korea established formal diplomatic relations with the above five Central Asian nations, shortly after their independence in 1991. Since then, these relationships have grown significantly. South Korea has invested heavily in energy and infrastructure projects in the region, while Central Asia has benefited from South Korean technology and education initiatives. In recent years, South Korea has strengthened ties further through regular diplomatic meetings and forums, aiming to deepen partnerships in areas like trade, green energy and digital innovation.

I hope that exchanges with Central Asian nations will be more active in the future, and that events like this festival will be held more often and more grandly, which will serve as an opportunity to continue to develop stronger cultural and economic relations.

Sho Chang-young is a retired high school teacher and former principal of Gunsan Girls' High School.