On the 15th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the Republic of Korea, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrived in Seoul on Tuesday for an official two-day visit. The visit is sure to promote cultural dialogue between the two countries. Already, "China-ROK Exchange Year" events are underway to celebrate the milestone.

Culture Express takes a closer look at how the two neighboring countries share a common bond and appreciation for each other's art and culture. The "2007 China-ROK Exchange Year" got off to a strong start in Seoul at the beginning of the year.

A grand ceremony ushered in a year-long series of events aimed at enhancing communication between the two countries.

China and the ROK have a lot in common when it comes to culture.

Television dramas in the ROK often depict ancient stories in TV dramas. And it's easy to find Chinese characters, customs and fashion interspersed within them. That influence remains even today. Many ROK designers aim to mix Chinese-inspired traditional designs with new trends to create innovations that are popular even today. And these similarities in cultural sensibilities are welcomed both in the ROK and China.

Meanwhile, the Korean pop culture has attracted a lot of attention in China since early 2000. Especially among the younger generation. Young Chinese like to imitate the hairstyles, fashion and even lifestyles of characters on screen.

And also the lives of real-life stars in TV dramas and on the music scene. Some Chinese media have called this phenomenon -- the "Korean Wave".

One huge event that both young fans in South Korea and China won't miss is the annual pop concert co-presented by KBS and China Central Television. Initiated in 1999, the pop music extravaganza is held both in China and South Korea, every year.

The mention of South Korean culture usually brings to mind hot stars and popular, TV dramas. But traditional culture is also increasingly on display. Korean artists also come to China to show off their traditional Korean arts, some of which date back more than a thousand years.As in China, drums are often an integral part of an array of folk performances in South Korea. Some evidence suggests that drums were introduced into Korea from China in the 15th century.

And now, many in the young generation in South Korea have changed the environment for their traditional love of percussion instruments. A popular musical comedy called Cookin' Nanta has taken this art form to the kitchen, featuring artists who have fun beating nearly everything in sight.

Since October, 2004, China has played host and guest to many high-profile, culture year events, including those in France, Russia and Italy. And now it's South Korea's turn to celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of diplomatic ties with China. Both countries hope that by sharing their cultural treasures and new art forms with each other an even deeper era of friendship, cooperation and understanding can be achieved.
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(CCTV.com April 11, 2007)