By UN Journal Kayla Lee |  To commemorate the 32nd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and Belarus, the Diplomatic Journal and the UN Journal are co-hosting a cultural exchange exhibition with the Embassy of Belarus in Seoul from July 3-8 at the Grand Hall on the third floor of the Maru Art Center in Insa-dong, Seoul.  

In particular, the exchange exhibition will feature 20 tourist photographs of Belarus, 11 works by Belarusian color magician Marc Chagall, and 30 works by Korean folk artists. 

Marc Chagall is a French expressionist painter who is called “the magician of colors”. 

Marc Chagall (1887-1985) was an artist known for his distinctive and colorful style, which combined elements of Cubism, Fauvism and surrealism. He was born in Liozno (Belarus). Chagall's early years and his Jewish heritage had a profound impact on his work. His childhood spent in Vitebsk (Belarus) became a part of his work, and Vitebsk scenery can be seen in his most famous paintings like “Over the City”, “Blue House”, “Walk”. 

He is known for his fabulous paintings, which often feature fantastic images such as floating figures, animals, and village scenes reflecting themes of love, nostalgia, and Jewish folklore.

Chagall's works were executed in various genres, including paintings, stained glass, ceramics and stage decorations. Some of his most famous works, including “Me and the Village”, “The Violinist”, can now be seen on the ceiling of the Paris Opera. 

His use of vibrant colors and original compositions made him an important figure in 20th century art, and his legacy continues to be celebrated around the world.

In an exclusive interview with the Diplomacy Journal, Belarusian Ambassador to South Korea Andrew Chernetsky said, “If we take a rational view of the direction of South Korea's economic growth, the need for peaceful nuclear energy development is largely consistent with the priorities in the economic sphere, which are mostly being implemented in Belarus. Therefore, both countries should join forces to combat this global threat."  

When asked how to promote trade between South Korea and Belarus, Ambassador Chernetsky said, “Increasing trade exchanges between countries should be beneficial for both sides. In this regard, taking into account Belarus' well-developed food production sector, Belarus can supply high-quality meat and dairy products to the Korean market at low prices."

"Partnerships with Belarusian companies can help Korean SMEs reduce production costs due to labor, energy, and affordable raw materials. Korean SMEs are showing great interest in cooperation with Belarusian companies in the fields of agriculture, industry, mechanical engineering, petrochemicals and fertilizers." 

The Republic of Belarus has a lot to offer Koreans. First of all, Belarus is a mostly forested country with many rivers and lakes. Therefore, spring, summer, and winter are very similar to Korea, and the various colors of fall and spring, the lush greenery of summer, and the white snow and bright colors of winter are very much the same. 

Of course, it snows more in Belarus than in Korea, but it's not as cold as it is on the Korean Peninsula. In summer, the maximum temperature is around 32 degrees, and the air in Belarus is very clean, so it is very comfortable to breathe outside at this time of the year.

Among them are unique European forests, fabulous medieval castles and palaces. Belarus is so unique in its natural specificity that it is called the “Land of Blue Eyes”, with 11,000 lakes and over 20,800 rivers and streams totaling 90,600 kilometers in length. The architecture, nature, and culture of Belarus are all very interesting to Korean tourists.   

In order to attract foreign tourists, the Belarusian government has introduced a visa-free program that allows Korean citizens, including citizens of more than 80 countries, to enter Belarus visa-free for 30 days.

In addition, the Damwha Media Group will co-host a cultural exchange exhibition commemorating the 61st anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Peru and the 2024 APEC Chairmanship from September 4 to 10, and an exchange exhibition commemorating the 32nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Kazakhstan from September 24 to October 1. 

Following the Belarusian cultural exchange exhibition, the Peruvian and Kazakh cultural exchange exhibitions will feature 30 works of art and photography from each country, and 30 folk paintings from the Korean side.