To begin with, please describe your impressions of Korea and Korean society.

I have been to Korea two times before, but through this visit, I came to have a different image of Korea. Before this visit, Seoul had only reminded me of its numerous tall buildings and houses, and heavy traffic, and I had regarded Korea merely as a country that has made a great leap forward economically in a very short period of time. However, during this visit, I have noticed there are broad green spaces in the heart of the city and a wide variety of cultural attempts are being undertaken.
These changes indicate that Korean society is now pursuing greater social value and higher quality in the lives of citizens, going beyond the level of simple economic prosperity. I could notice that Korea is
turning into an advanced country in a genuine sense, not only from the
external aspects of its economy but also from its internal nature.


Tell us about the goal and activities of Haus der
Culturen der Welt.

Haus der Culturen der Welt represents a very unique and pioneering
effort from global perspectives as well as German viewpoints, in that
the institution incorporates a wide variety of art fields. Our basic mission
is to introduce the diverse perspectives and experiences of other countries
and regions into the German context. In addition, we play an important role
in bringing attention to vital international issues, such as global warming
and the depletion of natural resources.
With the support of the German government, we also introduce works
of art that are novel and experimental from international viewpoints.
Every year, we organize and carry out diverse projects in cooperation
with numerous artists, curators, and experts around the world.

You have previously served at the Goethe-Institut in Pakistan and Mexico.
I would imagine that these experiences have helped you to acquire a globalized outlook.

Yes, indeed. When I was working in Pakistan, I traveled to many regions nearby, including the Indian subcontinent. Since the cultures in these countries were very different from those in the West, I could learn much about diverse ways of thinking and viewpoints in different societies. I had similar experiences in Mexico.
Since Haus der Culturen der Welt implements a variety of projects on a global dimension, it is indispensible to have a broad range of understanding in different countries, but at the same time it is very important to have specific experiences in other societies. In this respect, my experiences in those two countries offered me great opportunities to deeply understand and accept their cultures.

Due to our similar experience in territo-
rial division, the German people should
possibly think of Korea primarily as a
“divided country.”

I understand that since the unification of Germany in 1989, there have been growing exchanges between Korea and Germany. At the time, artists and intellectuals of our two countries had many discussions on matters of mutual concern, including national division and unification. Therefore, it is true that a considerable number of German elites still think of Korea as a country sharing similar historical experience.

However, these days, with Korean pop culture gradually gaining popularity in Europe, an increasing number of people have become interested in Korea. This is a very meaningful phenomenon. Previously, Korea merely brought up images of economic development, represented by Samsung and Hyundai, as well as territorial division. But nowadays, Korea is making itself known in various areas of culture enjoyed by numerous people.

Based on your itinerary, what would you
say you have found about Korean culture?

I believe the most notable field of Korean culture is its cinema. Korean movies are very well known in Germany, so much to the extent that many Germans recognize Korea as a “country of movies.” I am also very interested in Korean cinema and we plan to host a Korean film festival in Germany next year, through consultation with the organizing committee of the Pusan International Film Festival.
I have also visited various places, where I could get a sense of Korea’s cultural diversity, including Gallery Loop near Hongik University, which exhibits experimental works of art. Here, I had the impression that the colors of traditional Korean culture have been successfully incorporated into contemporary art. As a foreigner, I find this unique cultural landscape to be very exciting and interesting.

Who is your most favorite Korean artist?

First, I’d like to name Nam June Paik (Paik Nam-june). His works are very creative and passionate. Particularly, I admire him for developing such a profound understanding of Asian culture to suit European sensibility and modern culture. He is also unrivaled for his ability to integrate such artistic sensibilities with up-to-date technology. And the theater director Lee Yun-taek is another Korean artist that I like very much. He has also perfectly portrayed the traditional values of shamanism through contemporary methods of artistic .

Do you have any plans to promote cultural exchange between Korea and Germany?

As I have briefly mentioned, I plan to hold an event related to Korean movies at Haus der Kulturen der Welt next year, after having consultation with the organizing committee of the Pusan International Film Festival. My hope is that after successfully hosting the event, it can be developed into a permanent program to introduce Korean movies and culture to Germans on a regular basis, preferably every year. We are also carrying out a program together with young Asian curators. If possible, I’d like to have talented Korean curators participate in this program, if possible.

Moreover, the Korean National Museum of Contemporary Art recently announced its plans for the Seoul branch, which is currently under construction, to a space for interdisciplinary communication and integration similar to Haus der Kulturen der Welt, and proposed a cooperative partnership between the two institutions. As a partner equipped with related experience and know-how, we intend to have active exchange of information in the years to come.

I think my visit to Korea has been very meaningful and significant for further enhancing cultural exchange between Germany and Korea. I want to thank the Korea Foundation for giving me this opportunity.

Text by Ahn Ki-ok Photographs by Kim Hyun-min