Korean Cultural Center to Open in Sakha Republic
By Kang Shin-who
Staff Reporter
A Korean cultural center will be established in the Sakha (Yakutia) Republic, a federal subject of Russia. It will be the first of its kind in that Siberian region.
Korea-Sakha friendship association announced Thursday its decision to set up the center in the Far Eastern country and will start construction work from the beginning of next year. The center will have a four-floor building accommodating seminar rooms, computer rooms as well as a Korean traditional culture room and library.
The cultural center will enable people to experience the traditions and history of Korea through various programs and events. While most cultural centers overseas are operated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the center will be built by non-government people.
Prof. Kang Duck-soo of Russian studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) has played a critical role in the establishment of the center. Kang designed the center construction plan, secured the site as well as raising funds for its establishment.
Kang was among volunteers who began the establishment of Korean schools in Sakha in 1994 and has coordinated various exchange programs between HUFS and Korean schools there. He was awarded civil decoration from the Sakha Republic for his translation of a Sakha history book and named honorary professor of Yakutia National University in the country.
The site for the center has been offered by the local government and the construction cost, which amounts to 2 billion won, will be funded by a Korean pipe company. ``After I realized the large interest of the Sakha population in Korean culture and people I decided to do something for the country,’’ Kang said. ``I hope the center will be a detonator to boost cultural exchanges and friendship between the two countries.’’