SINGAPORE: As South Korea and Singapore reached their 50th year of diplomatic relations this year, the South Korean embassy has a string of planned activities on the drawing board. Thus, the entire year 2025 will be filled with arts and culture events taking place in several locations within the city-state.
According to the latest CNA report, while the dedicatory celebrations are designed to bring the citizens of both countries to a deeper understanding and collaboration, there will also be activities focused on children and students to strengthen the alliance between future generations via cultural, literary, and academic exchanges.
The calendar of events, according to the embassy, is meant to echo the achievements attained by Singapore-Korean relations, revel in the advancement of mutual ties, and look to future teamwork between the two nations.
What do South Koreans think and love about Singapore and Singaporeans?
In the online forum Quora, one Korean netizen said that they view Singapore as a ‘hyper-modern’ country that very well blends Western efficiency with Asian identity.
They also think of Singaporeans as ‘model Asians’ who exemplify the best of Eastern Confucianism—meaning hard work, integrity, respect, honour, and family—and Western rationalism referring to Singaporeans’ practicality, advocacy for science, law and order, and individual utilitarianism. The commenter further said that many Koreans are impressed by Lee Kuan Yew and that many study his life and works.
Another commenter thinks that Singapore is a tiny, wealthy, hygienic, secure, and very strict nation, but in a positive way.
One netizen confided that when her Korean friends travel to Singapore, they only have one goal, and that is to stay at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel just for the pool on the roof. Also, many Korean girls love to shop at Charles and Keith.
For another netizen in the forum, ‘enjoyment’ means eating at the Hawker Centre and hanging out at Clarke Quay. This commenter feels safe while walking even at 11 o’clock at night and confided that there were no stray dogs or dangerous-looking people. “I had mostly positive experiences and wouldn’t mind living there again,” he said.
Nurturing cultural exchanges
South Korea’s First Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Yong Ho-Seong, said that the two countries will continue to foster cultural interactions through the events that have been planned to take place. To recall, in January, South Korea and Singapore launched a logo in Seoul to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. The logo contains representational elements and colours inspired by both sides’ national flags.
