On the 10th of June, 2019, Vladimir Nikolaevich Beik who is the President of the Association of Korean organizations of the Far East and Siberia (AKOFES) was invited to the program “Eastern gate “of the radio station” East of Russia”.

Vladimir Nikolaevich brought the subject of the historical significance of the Korean Peninsula for Russia and the relations between two Korean States and our country (in economic, cultural and historical spheres). He paid a special attention to the relations between the Republic of Korea and Vladivostok with Khabarovsk. He also mentioned the last Eastern economic forum, which was attended by South Korean President Moon Jae-In.

Besides, the President of AKOFES talked about the cultural exchange of delegations between the Khabarovsk territory and the Republic of Korea. Every year a lot of  Russian ensembles like “Gorenka”, “Elan” and “Senkure” come to Korea and represent the culture of our country in a good way. Korean ensembles also come to Khabarovsk for the international festival of Korean culture, which take place every year in the second half of August.  In 2019, such festival will be held on August 16 and 17. The city Palace of Culture will host a concert of Korean artists and groups, and on the second day of the festival will be held open-air event on the riverfront (master classes, various creative spots and etc.).

Not so long ago Vladimir Nikolaevich Beik was given the title of laureate of Yakov Dyachenko Prize. He mentioned, that it was a deserved reward for this huge work he made for the benefit of Khabarovsk and Khabarovsk region. However, Vladimir Nikolaevich didn’t plan to stop there. After all, as the President of AKOFES noted, “we unite various non-governmental and state organizations of the two Korean States, as well as diplomatic missions”, and, therefore, in the future, we will probably become the witnesses of the unification of Korea into one single state, which will become a place of peace and happiness.

Additional information: The Association of Korean organizations of the Far East and Siberia was established in Khabarovsk on December 16, 2004. The main goal of this organization is to consolidate the efforts of public organizations operating in the Khabarovsk territory (and in the future the entire far Eastern Federal District) for the national cultural revival of Russian Koreans, as well as the development of a culture of international relations.

The activities of the AKOFES are planned such way that all of the members are connected with Korean diaspora. This allows us to attract more and more participants to public events.

The achievement of the set goals cannot be realized without close cooperation with a number of state and public organizations that deal with national, international and cultural relations of our region. The Government of the Khabarovsk territory, the Mayor’s office of Khabarovsk and the units included in their structure (for example: Assembly of Peoples of Khabarovsk Krai, International Association of national cultures, Ministry of culture of Khabarovsk Krai, regional scientific and educational Association of culture (RSEAC)) play a leading role.

The AKOFES also cooperates with state and public organizations of the Korean Peninsula. This allows to make a useful exchange of views. Such activities help not only Russian Koreans to learn more about what is happening in both Koreas, but also it is a good opportunity for foreign partners to know more about living in Russia. A large number of events are carried out with the participation of the consulates General officials of the Republic of Korea and the Democratic people’s Republic of Korea. A real diaspora association of Khabarovsk territory is happening due to such cooperation.

The dissemination of Korean culture not only among ethnic Koreans, but also among representatives of other nationalities is facilitated by regular festivals of Korean song and Korean language, held with the direct participation of the Association. These two very important events help to increase the interest in the national culture of young generation. A lot of  young Koreans not only have a poor understanding of Korea, but also don’t speak their native language. And such events allow them to join their roots and traditions.

A special place is given to the issues related to the development of the culture of inter-ethnic relations in the activities of AKOFES, because the center is attended not only by ethnic Koreans, but also by representatives of other nationalities interested in modern Korean culture. Taking into consideration that more than 140 nationalities have always lived in Russia, the problem of inter-ethnic relations has been at the center throughout almost all of modern history. Therefore, the work of the Association in this direction acquires the most practical meaning, especially since it is about the education of the young generation.

The most popular event is a New Year meeting on the lunar calendar. This holiday in Korea is important, so this event is a unique opportunity to tell and introduce young people to the customs and traditions of the Koreans. This is performed in a popular and entertaining way.

But the main event for all Koreans, no matter where they live, is the annual celebration of the liberation of the Korean Peninsula from Japanese militarists. This event is traditionally attended not only by Russian Koreans, but also by a lot of  guests came from the Republic of Korea and North Korea. Representatives of the Khabarovsk Krai government and the city hall, members of other national cultural centers also attend this meeting.

The Association’s interaction with national cultural centers is the basis for the cultural development of inter-ethnic relations. All of them play an important role in strengthening peace and friendship between representatives of the different Nations, and the joint activities only confirm this.

Translated by Anna Maistrenko, APIR Center