By Ali Imran
ISLAMABAD: To commemorate 40 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the Republic of Korea, the Department of Archeology and Museum (DOAM) in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea organized a photographic exhibition titled “40 Years of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Korea and Pakistan.”
The exhibition, which opened on Friday, features photographs of historical sites and monuments in Pakistan and Korea, including Buddhist sites in Pakistan. It also showcases the work done during excavations, conservation, and restoration of important Buddhist sites in both countries.
In his opening address, notable speakers were Park Kijun, the Korean Ambassador, the Executive Director of the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation (KCHF), and Dr. Abdul Azeem, the Director General of DOAM.
The Joint Secretary of the National Heritage and Culture Division emphasized the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and South Korea, which have resulted in substantial advancements in their bilateral relations over the past four decades.
He highlighted the shared interest of both countries in ensuring a peaceful and prosperous South Asia, and their cooperation in various multilateral forums.
The Joint Secretary also stressed the broad spectrum of cooperation between Pakistan and Korea, encompassing areas such as cultural heritage. He mentioned that Buddhism, with its diverse tapestry of traditions and life teachings, was introduced to the ancient Baekje Kingdom in Korea from present-day Pakistan by Monk Maranantha nearly 1,500 years ago.
The Ambassador Park Kijun, in his speech, highlighted the vast potential for mutually beneficial collaboration in diverse fields. He said that the special exhibition promises to bring the cultural heritage of Pakistan and Korea together.
The exhibition features a diverse range of photographs, capturing the rich cultural heritage of both Pakistan and Korea. Some of the notable photographs include:
A panoramic view of the ancient city of Taxila in Pakistan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A close-up of a Buddha statue from the Gandhara region of Pakistan, dating back to the 2nd century AD.
A photograph of the Bulguksa Temple in Korea, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. A photograph of the Seokguram Grotto in Korea, home to a magnificent 7th-century Buddha statue.
The exhibition also features photographs of the ongoing conservation and restoration work at important Buddhist sites in both countries. For example, one photograph shows archaeologists working at the site of the ancient city of Mohenjo-daro in Pakistan, while another photograph shows conservators restoring a Buddhist mural at the Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond in Korea.
The photographic exhibition “40 Years of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of Korea and Pakistan” is a timely and important celebration of the deep cultural ties between the two countries. It is also a reminder of the shared commitment of Pakistan and Korea to preserving and promoting their cultural heritage. The exhibition is open to the public until November 10, 2023, at the Pakistan National Museum in Islamabad.
