[INTERVIEW] Lee Beom-jin and the Study of Korean Culture: An Interview with the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in St. Petersburg
2025-06-18On May 16th and 30th, and June 6th, 2025, the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in St. Petersburg hosted a series of educational and cultural events entitled A Walk Through History: The Korean Diplomatic Mission in St. Petersburg, 1900–1911. The events took place in the Memorial Hall of Envoy Lee Beom-jin, where Consulate officials delivered a lecture on his life and mission. The program concluded with a walking excursion of sites associated with the diplomat’s activities, including his residence and workplaces.
I attended the lecture and excursion on May 30th, and following the completion of the event series, I interviewed representatives from the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea. The interview provided detailed insights into the objectives of such projects, Lee Beom-jin’s role in Russia-Korean relations, and the strategy for promoting Korean culture in Russia.
This is not the first time such an event has been held. What is the purpose of these walking excursion of historical sites in St. Petersburg? Why was this format chosen?
Lee Beom-jin served as Korea’s envoy to Russia during a turbulent period of the 20th century, leaving a significant mark on the history of Russia-Korean relations. He also stands as a symbolic figure representing the history of the Korean independence movement in Russia. His legacy can be found in numerous locations throughout central St. Petersburg.
Our Consulate General actively engages with the residents of St. Petersburg through a variety of events, and we have observed a strong interest and affection for Korea among many people. Therefore, we organized this event in the format of a joint walking excursion to share information about the history of Russia-Korean relations preserved in these locations, as well as to hear the perspectives and impressions of the participants.
We conducted our first excursion last year, and registration filled almost immediately after it was announced. Many expressed regret at being unable to attend, leading us to organize another excursion this year.
Throughout the excursions, participants have expressed a great deal of interest in the histories of both Korea and Russia while learning about Lee Beom-jin. Consequently, when preparing for each new excursion, we strive to incorporate questions of interest to residents and prepare thoroughly.
How important are these types of events for strengthening cultural dialogue between the Republic of Korea and Russia today?
Cultural exchange serves as a vital channel of communication in Russia-Korean relations, and dialogue is particularly important . Our Consulate General plans and conducts events across various fields to consistently maintain connections with Russia and its citizens, and this excursion is also part of those efforts.
As Lee Beom-jin is a symbolic figure in the history of Russia-Korean relations, the Consulate General organizes a variety of events dedicated to his legacy.
The "Scientific Research Competition for Students named after the First Resident Envoy of Korea to the Russian Empire, Lee Beom-jin" is being held for the fifth time, and in December 2023, the "Lee Beom-jin Memorial Museum" opened its doors on the first floor of the Consulate General.
What is needed for these types of projects to become an effective means of promoting Korean culture in Russia?
Promoting Korean culture requires support and interest from many Russians, as well as collaboration with local Korean compatriots and the media. Fortunately, in Russia recognizes the significance of Lee Beom-jin, and numerous organizations actively support projects related to him. We are collaborating with various institutions and universities in St. Petersburg to promote and implement projects dedicated to Lee Beom-jin, and through these events, the popularization of Korean history and culture naturally occurs.
How would you assess the level of mutual understanding between Russians and Koreans? What brings our cultures closer together?
We believe the level of mutual understanding between the peoples of both countries is very high, as we are genuinely interested in each other and possess a strong understanding of one another.
The number of individuals taking the Korean language proficiency test (TOPIK) is consistently increasing, and we were impressed by the level of knowledge demonstrated by participants in the preliminary round of the recent "Quiz on Korea". Furthermore, it is becoming increasingly common to encounter Russians who readily express their enjoyment of K-POP, Korean dramas, the language, and the history.
In Korea, there is also a marked interest and affection for Russian culture. Alexander Pushkin’s poem "If Life Deceives You" is so beloved that it can even be found displayed in Korean subway stations, and the works of Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and other great Russian writers are included in the required reading lists for Korean middle and high school students. Undoubtedly, no Korean would fail to be impressed by the classical music of Rimsky-Korsakov, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, and Shostakovich, and all acknowledge that Russian ballet is among the best in the world.
We believe the path to further cultural rapprochement lies in the willingness of both nations to recognize the appeal and attractiveness in each other’s cultures. Therefore, our Consulate General strives to make culture more accessible through various events and programs.
The event A Walk Through the Pages of History: The Korean Diplomatic Mission in St. Petersburg 1900-1911 served as a compelling example of how the past can bridge the present and the future. Through recollections of Lee Beom-jin, lectures, and tours of the locations of his activities, the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea not only preserves historical heritage but also opens new avenues for cultural dialogue.
As representatives of the Consulate General emphasized, the success of such projects depends on the mutual interest between our peoples. And St. Petersburg, where the destinies of Russia and Korea have intertwined, remains a vibrant reminder of this connection.
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