Sometimes, it is not necessary to go on a journey to get acquainted with a distant country. It is enough to find yourself in an atmosphere where its culture, traditions and national flavor are revealed through a variety of details. It was precisely such an opportunity that the "Korean Culture Week – 2026," held in early November at the "Arkach" shopping center, gave to the residents and guests of Ashgabat.
The event, organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Turkmenistan, was dedicated to the first "Republic of Korea – Central Asia" summit. It became a kind of space for cultural dialogue, uniting those interested in the history, traditions and modern development of Korea.
From the very first minutes, visitors' attention was drawn to thematic venues dedicated to five Korean cities. Each of them introduced guests to the features and attractions of the represented regions, allowing them to gain a broader understanding of the country. National symbols, bright decorations and various thematic materials created the atmosphere of a real journey through Korea.
Particular liveliness reigned at the venues where one could get acquainted with traditional Korean games. Visitors with interest tried their hand at tuho – a game of accuracy, jegichagi, which requires dexterity and coordination of movements, as well as ttakjichigi, based on the art of flipping paper figures. These activities allowed people not just to observe national traditions, but also to become their direct participants.
No less interesting was the acquaintance with Korean decorative and applied art. Guests examined handmade items, learned about the features of traditional jewelry and could take part in creative activities. Such master classes especially attract attention because they give one the opportunity to try to create something new oneself, touching the culture of another country.
Of course, acquaintance with national culture would be incomplete without gastronomic impressions. Korean sweets, tea and soft drinks became another pleasant part of the program. For many guests, this was an opportunity to discover new tastes and learn a little more about the culinary preferences of the residents of Korea.
Separate attention was paid to educational opportunities. The King Sejong Institute in Ashgabat presented its own venue. Visitors could obtain information about learning the Korean language, educational programs and prospects for academic exchange. In particular, the opportunities of the "Global Korea Scholarship" (GKS) program, which provides foreign students with the opportunity to receive education in the Republic of Korea, were presented.
Thus, the event combined several directions at once: acquaintance with the history and traditions, folk art, national games, cuisine and the educational sphere of Korea. At the same time, particular value was given to it by the opportunity for direct communication, thanks to which the cultural features of a distant country became closer and more understandable.
Korean Culture Week became not just a festive event, but also another manifestation of humanitarian interaction between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Korea. Such initiatives contribute to the expansion of cultural ties, the development of interest in each other's languages and traditions, as well as the strengthening of mutual understanding between peoples.
After all, it is through acquaintance with culture that true mutual understanding begins, and interest in the traditions of another country becomes one of the first steps toward strong friendship.
