This year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of
diplomatic relations between South Korea and Mongolia.

A friendship concert was recently held in the Mongolian capital to close off
the year-long celebration to mark the 20th anniversary of the start of
diplomatic relations. Organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
and the Korean Embassy in Ulaanbaatar, the concert was followed by a reception
marking the end of the “Year of Korea in Mongolia” and a fundraiser
for a school for the handicapped.

Korean pop artists, including idol groups U-KISS and December, the
multinational group HAM and Mongolia’s 3 Girls Band joined a traditional
Mongolian dance
troupe on stage at a concert hall in Ulaanbaatar.

In 2008, the prime ministers of both countries agreed to hold a “Year of Korea
in Mongolia” in 2010. The opening ceremony was held in March followed by a
Korean movie festival, photo exhibition of Korean tourist destinations,
taekwondo performances, ssireum (traditional Korean wrestling) competition, and
fashion and art exhibitions.

Korea, in turn, will mark a “Year of Mongolia” in 2011. “This will reaffirm the
relationship between the two countries and bring more opportunities for
cultural exchanges,” said Seo Kang-soo, the director of the Korean Culture and
Information Service.