By Hina Kiyani
ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad King Sejong Institute (IKSI), Department of Korean Language and Culture at NUML celebrated the 580th Hangeul Day with great enthusiasm, highlighting the significance of the Korean language in fostering cultural understanding and strengthening people-to-people ties between Pakistan and the Republic of Korea.
The ceremony was graced by the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Pakistan, H.E. Han Sungho, as the Chief Guest. Rector NUML, Maj Gen Shahid Mahmood Kayani, HI(M) (Retd), Director General NUML, Brig Muhammad Rafiq Khan, along with Deans, Directors, faculty members and students, also attended the celebrations.
The event featured an essay writing competition, a calligraphy competition and vibrant cultural performances showcasing the richness of Korean language and culture. The activities provided students with an opportunity to demonstrate their linguistic abilities, creativity and appreciation of Korean traditions.
Rector NUML, Maj Gen Shahid Mahmood Kayani, HI(M) (Retd), commended the Korean people for their profound love for their language and their enthusiasm for celebrating Hangeul Day.
He reaffirmed NUML’s commitment to promoting languages as a means of fostering mutual understanding and strengthening people-to-people connections between Pakistan and friendly countries.
The Rector emphasized that learning a foreign language opens doors to diverse educational, professional and cultural opportunities.
He also congratulated the winners of the essay writing and calligraphy competitions and appreciated the students for their impressive cultural performances. He underscored that sustained engagement through language and cultural exchange can contribute significantly to stronger bilateral relations, emphasizing that people-to-people contact remains one of the most effective ways to bring the two nations closer.
Addressing the gathering, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea H.E. Han Sungho expressed his gratitude to the Rector NUML for his enthusiasm and commitment to the celebration and promotion of the Korean language in Pakistan. He congratulated the winners of the various competitions and appreciated the efforts made by NUML to promote Korean language and culture among Pakistani students.
The Ambassador emphasized that language is not merely a means of communication but also a bridge that connects people, cultures and nations.
He observed that individuals learning Korean contribute to bringing Pakistan and Korea closer by developing a deeper understanding of each other’s cultures, traditions and values.
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of prizes among the competition winners, recognizing their talent and dedication. Souvenirs were also presented to the Korean Ambassador as a gesture of respect and goodwill.
