Since China and South Korea established diplomatic relations more than 10 years ago, cultural relations have enjoyed a boom and have become a vital part of bilateral relations. Meanwhile, more than a hundred cultural exchange events are organized each year. The two countries are also looking into prospects for closer cooperation in developing cultural industries.
Korean National Dance Company, the largest Korean dance troupe has ever visited China in 1999. Making its debut in Beijing in 1999, the Korean National Dance Company treated the Chinese audience to exotic melodies, elegant movements, and a taste of Korean culture. The performance proved to be a great hit.
The dance performance is just one of a hundred plus such events held each year in China and South Korea. Since the Cultural Cooperation Pact was signed by the two sides in 1994, cultural relations have enjoyed steady growth and played a vital role in bilateral relations.
"Since 1994, we have had excellent cooperation in culture exchanges.. .." said Sun Jianchao, director of Asian Office of Cultural Exchange Bureau, Ministry of Culture.
The exchange activities climaxed last year, when the two countries celebrated the 10th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. That year was designated " the Year for Chinese－ROK Exchange" and a string of events were staged in both nations, ranging from symphony orchestras and traditional operas to exhibitions of all sorts.
These performances reach only a relatively small proportion of the population, but popular art, in the form of movies, TV shows and CDs have had a much wider appeal among the younger generation.
Go to a music store or a fashion shop in a Chinese city, and you may gauge the impact of Korean popular culture. Posters of the latest pop idols are easily found, and Korean sections are among the best－patronized.
A shopper said, "I like Korean TV series and music because of their beautiful melodies and scenes, and their gentle but fine touch on topics such as human relationships."
Meanwhile, the influence of Chinese culture is filtering through the increasing presence of Korean students studying in China. While most of them come to learn Chinese with an original aim to open up future job prospects, many say the learning experience opens up a window to another culture.
"After being here for a few months I am gradually used to life here and I begin to love China and Chinese culture more and more. " said a Korean student in China.
For many Chinese as well as Koreans, this scene during the China－Korea Singing Gala earlier this year had a lasting impression. A quartet of Chinese music group won the audience over with a modern rendering of the Korean folk song Alilang. As two cultures bearing many similarities as well as profound differences, it is believed that there will be much room for the two to complement each other in the future.
(CCTV.com July 10, 2003)
