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네이버 공유 카카오 공유 트위터 공유 페이스북 공유

Korean-Spanish Relations: From Past to Present

According to Korean historical ation, the first European to arrive in Korea was a Spanish priest. In 1593, the Jesuit Gregorio de Cépedes went to the Korean Peninsula at the request of a Roman Catholic "daimyo" in the service of Japanese invader Toyotomi Hideyoshi. In a letter to his superior during the mission, Father Cépedes reported barbaric wartime behaviour by the Japanese. Another missionary chronicle written by Luis de Guzmán in 1601 described the Korean people as peaceful and intelligent.

In Spain, one can find a true icon of Korean patriotism in the life of maestro Ahn Eak-tai. He lived, married and died in Spain, on the Mediterranean island of Majorca. Ahn is well-known in Korea for having composed the Korean National Anthem. In Spain, he is revered for the musical eminence that left a testament of virtuosity in this country. He was the founder of the Palma de Majorca Philharmonic Orchestra, which he raised to world prominence.

The Republic of Korea and Spain have experienced very similar contemporary histories. Both countries suffered a tragic civil war. Afterwards, both countries achieved rapid economic development, a legacy other developing nations have sought to emulate. We share common values, and the democratic process is deeply rooted in both our political systems. At the same time, as a member of the European Union (EU), the Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) and the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), Spain implements the common policy that these bodies adopt and tries to have a role in Asia with active participation in regional affairs.

With respect to political contacts, a healthy atmosphere of cooperation exists between our two countries. Since diplomatic relations were established between Spain and Korea in 1962, regular working meetings at all levels have taken place, both in Seoul and Madrid. Apart from these cooperative relationships, in 1996, King Juan Carlos paid an official visit to Korea, and just this year, in February, President Roh Moo-hyun made a four-day visit to Spain, his first as South Korean President. Korea was chosen as the guest of honor of the "Feria Internacional de Arte Contemporáeo"(ARCO 2007), and 2007 was formally declared the "Year of Korea in Spain." This facilitated a re-launching of bilateral cooperation.

One of the advances made in cultural exchange has been increased Spanish-language learning in Korea. Since the foundation of Dongyang Institute for Foreign Language (1948), about 11 Spanish language and literature departments have been established in Korean universities (The Korean Times, 05-03-2006). Furthermore, the Spanish Cultural Centre in Daegu and the Korean Association of Hispanists play an important role in developing activities on Spanish literature and culture. The valuable work of these Korean Hispanists is evident in publications such as "Estudios Hispánicos," their yearly academic conferences and the fact that the "Asociación Coreana de Hispanistas" now has more than 300 members.

Spanish music and the movies of JoséLuis Garcia, Pedro Almodóvar and Alejandro Amenábar are already appreciated among film fans. But an exciting new event should be a turning point in increasing the presence of Spain in Korea. Very soon, the "Instituto Cervantes" will open a branch in Seoul. The "Instituto" is the largest organization in the world dedicated to the teaching of Spanish and maintains a presence in over 27 different countries through 44 centres devoted to Spanish and Hispanic American culture and the Spanish language. Its activities will help to expand, throughout South Korea, knowledge of the Spanish language as well as Spanish culture and art.

What about Korea in Spain? At present, the Korean language is taught at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Salamanca University and the Korean School of Madrid. There are two specific research institutions which focus on Korea, the Spanish Centre for Korean Research (Centro Espanõl de Investigaciones Coreanas - CEIC) and the Centre d'studis Internationals I Interculturals-Korea Section. In addition, two think tanks (Real Instituto Elcano and CIDOB Foundation) periodically address Korean affairs, particularly economic and political issues.

Korean literature is currently present in Spain and Latin American countries thanks to steady translation efforts. Works by many authors are now available, among them, Kim Dong-ni, Lee Mun-yeol, Su Jung-in, Yu Chi-hwan, Choi Seung-ho, Chong Chi-yong, Yun Dong-ju, Seo Jeong-ju, Oh Seo-young, Kim Eun-kyung, Kim Nam-jo, Yi Sang, Kim Chun-su and Hyun Gi-yeong. These are familiar names in universities, media and the world of letters. In addition to the success enjoyed by Korean artists at the lastest ARCO, Korean movies are greatly appreciated in film festivals (San Sebastián, Sitges), in specialty cinemas (Cículo de Bellas Artes and Filmoteca Nacional) and even in commercial cinemas. In fact, anyone with an interest in seeing Korean films has a golden opportunity at the moment as "The Host," by filmmaker Bong Joon-Ho, is showing in many commercial cinemas. A number of cultural events and performances have been sponsored by the Korean Embassy, Korea Foundation, Gyeonggi Cultural Foundation and Daesan Foundation.


▲ 3rd Korea-Spain Forum co-hosted by the Foundation and Casa Asia of Spain in Jejudo Island in 2006

However, there are still more areas to develop and progress to be made. Basically, these areas can be summarized as follows:

- Trade relations are a permanent source of divergence. In 2005, Korean exports were valued at $3.53 billion, while Spanish exports reached only $653 million. The Spanish government pursues more balanced trade relations. This issue could be addressed by promoting and implementing business and technological cooperation programmes. Meetings of the Chambers of Commerce and the "Bilateral Commission of Korean-Spanish Businessmen" should be expanded in the near future.
- We should take advantage of the synergies produced by a triangulation process of Korea-Spain-Latin America relations. These relations can be expanded to a network of events, particularly economic, academic, social and cultural activities. At the economic level, after joining the Inter-American Development Bank, Korean companies have shown a willingness to increase investment in that region. Spain is, after U.S., the second largest investor in Latin America and has accumulated valuable experience that could be transmitted to Korea. Cooperation for development is another topic of particular relevance. Unfortunately, we do not have a project for trilateral collaboration in place. A meeting could be organized to discuss strategies and research ways to improve interaction among the countries involved.
- Both Spain and Korea should promote their respective images in the other country. Both countries do not seem to be well understood or appreciated by the other. The Korea Foundation and Casa Asia (Spanish Asian House) are working hard to lead a wide range of programs and activities for fostering mutual understanding and building fruitful cooperation.
- There remain some areas of mutual interest that today have a "low profile," such as finance, energy, telecommunication, tourism, sports," cultural industries," gastronomy and cooperation among nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). These areas also need to be developed in the medium term.
- The sculptures by Subirachs in Seoul and Kang in Barcelona represent more than a symbolic gesture. To my mind, both sculptures mean that mutual understanding can be reached through cultural exchanges. Public authorities have to promote all these contacts at every level, whether national, regional or local, but the true success or failure of cultural interaction lies with our civil societies.




Alfonso Ojeda
ojeda@ccee.ucm.es
Director of the Spanish Centre for Korean Research Professor at the Complutense University of Madrid 		 

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