Korean-Spanish Relations: From Past to Present Alfonso Ojeda. Director of the Spanish Centre for Korean Research.

Professor at the Complutense University of Madrid.

According to Korean historical documentation, the first European to arrive in Korea was a Spanish priest. In 1593, the Jesuit Gregorio de Cspedes went to the Korean peninsula at the request of Roman Catholic daimyo in the service of Japanese invader Toyotomi Hideyoshi. In a letter to his superior during the mission, Father Cspedes reported barbaric behaviour by the Japanese in war. Another missionary chronicle written by Luis de Guzmn 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 Eak Tai Ahn. He lived, married and died in Spain, on the Mediterranean island of Majorca. Ahn is important in Korea for having composed the Korean National Anthem. In Spain, he is considered a musical eminence who left a testament to his virtuosity in this country. He was the founder of the 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 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 co-operation exists between our two countries. Since diplomatic relations were established between Spain and Republic of Korea in 1950, 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, the first by a South Korean head of state. Korea was chosen as the guest of honour of the Feria Internacional de Arte Contemporneo (ARCO 2007), and 2007 was formally declared the Year of Korea in Spain. This facilitated re-launching bilateral co-operation. 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 eleven 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 Hispnicos, their yearly academic conferences and the fact that the Asociacin Coreana de Hispanistas now has more than 300 members. Spanish music and the movies of Jos Luis Garci, Pedro Almodvar and Alejandro Amenbar 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 forty different countries through sixty centres devoted to Spanish and Hispanic American culture and the Spanish language. Its activities will help to expand throughout South Korea knowledge of 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 Espaol de Investigaciones Coreanas - CEIC) and the Centre dEstudis 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 America countries thanks to steady translation efforts. Works by many authors are now available, among them, Kim Tong-ni, Mun Yol Yi, Su Jung In, Yu Chi Hwan, Choi Seung Ho, Chong Chi Yong, Yun Tong Ju, So Chongju, Oh Seo-Young, Kim Eun-Kyung, Kim Namjo, Yi Sang, Kim Chusum and Hyun Ki Young. These are familiar names in universities, media and the world of letters. In addition to the success enjoyed by Korean artists at the last ARCO, Korean movies are greatly appreciated in film festivals (San Sebastin, Sitges), in specialty cinemas (Crculo 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 Korea Embassy, Korea Foundation, Gyonggi Cultural Foundation and Daesan Foundation. 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 $2.68 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 co-operation programmes. Meetings at the Chambers of Commerce and at 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 ones. At the economic level, after joining the Inter-American Development Bank, Korean companies have shown a willingness to increase investments in that region. Spain is, after USA, the second largest investor in Latin America and has accumulated valuable experience that could be transmitted to Korea. Co-operation 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 interactions among the countries involved. Both Spain and Republic of Korea should promote their respective images in the other country. Both countries tend not to be well understood or appreciated by the other. There are plenty of stereotypes on both sides. The Korea Foundation and Casa Asia (Spanish Asian House) are working hard to lead a wide range of programs and activities fostering mutual knowledge and building fruitful cooperation. There remain some areas of mutual interest that today have a low profile, such as finance, energy, telecommunication, tourism, sport, cultural industries, gastronomy, co-operation among Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), etc. They also need to be developed in the medium term. Two 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 inter-actions lies with our civil societies.