On March 6, 2025, starting at 3:00 PM, a special event was held to celebrate 35 years of diplomatic relations between Romania and Korea. The event took place at CN Gallery in Bukchon, a charming historic neighborhood in Seoul. CN Gallery in Bukchon, Seoul, serves as a dynamic cultural hub that breaks down boundaries between the center and the periphery, creating a space where the art of Bukchon and Chungcheongnam-do come together to exchange ideas, collaborate, and even challenge one another. More than just an exhibition space, CN Gallery offers a fresh perspective on culture, bridging the socio-psychological divide between metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas. By fostering dialogue between traditional and contemporary art, urban and rural influences, the gallery provides a unique platform for cultural expression, celebrating diversity while encouraging artistic innovation.
Attendees had the opportunity to explore the opening of three remarkable exhibitions: "Romanian Folk Traditions,""Romanians on Holy Days," and "The Intangible Cultural Heritage of Chungcheongnam-do." These exhibitions include a display of Romanian cultural heritage presented by Virgil Nițulescu, a photo exhibition titled "Romanians on Holy Days" by Minahela Năstase, and a showcase of traditional Korean crafts from Chungcheongnam-do, featuring hanbok and examples of Chimseon, a traditional Korean sewing art. The exhibitions aim to foster cultural exchange by showcasing Romania's traditional crafts alongside Korea's intangible cultural heritage.
The event began with a speech by the Romanian Ambassador, Cezar Manole Armeanu, who highlighted the strong diplomatic ties between Romania and Korea. He also acknowledged the presence of students from the Romanian Studies Department at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS), emphasizing their important role in strengthening cultural and academic connections between the two countries.
The speech by the Romanian Ambassador was followed by remarks from Seo Heung-sik, Director of the Chungnam Culture and Tourism Foundation, and Virgil Nițulescu, General Manager of the National Museum of the Romanian Peasant. Their speeches highlighted the importance of cultural collaboration and heritage exchange between Romania and Korea. As part of the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the National Museum of the Romanian Peasant and the Chungnam Cultural Tourism Foundation. This agreement focuses on the exchange of cultural and artistic exhibitions, fostering deeper collaboration between the two institutions.
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of 18 ambassadors and diplomats from Europe, Asia, and South America, highlighting the international significance of the partnership.
Korean students from the Romanian Studies Department at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) also participated in the event. To honor the cultural exchange, they wore traditional Romanian attire.
The event was followed by a Mărțișor workshop, where students handcrafted Mărțișoare for the guests. A Mărțișor is traditionally given on March 1st. It is a traditional Romanian and Moldovan symbol of spring, renewal, and good luck. It consists of a small decorative charm tied with a red and white twisted thread, representing the balance between life and purity, winter and spring. Originally, it was mostly given to women, but in some regions, men also receive them. The tradition is believed to bring health and happiness throughout the year. Many people wear the Mărțișor pinned to their clothes until March 8th (International Women's Day) or until they see the first blossoming tree, at which point they tie it to a branch as a wish for good fortune.
As a Romanian who is learning Korean language, attending this special event celebrating 35 years of diplomatic relations between Romania and Korea was an incredibly moving and significant experience. The event not only highlighted the strong cultural and diplomatic ties between our two nations but also showcased the beauty of cultural exchange through art, heritage, and tradition. The exhibitions at CN Gallery beautifully bridged the gap between Romania’s folk traditions and Korea’s intangible cultural heritage, providing a platform for us to learn, appreciate, and connect on a deeper level.
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