SEOUL: The Sultanate of Oman concluded its notable participation in the Seoul International Book Fair 2024 as a special guest commemorating the 50th anniversary of Omani-Korean diplomatic relations.
The fair was represented by key government institutions including the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, alongside various civil and private society entities.
Oman's pavilion also showcased a blend of modern and traditional Omani architectural designs.
The pavilion featured distinct sections namely the Omani Publications Corner presenting works from governmental and civil society bodies, the Arabic Calligraphy Corner with live demonstrations, the Omani Manuscript Anecdotes Corner, and the Omani Majlis Corner, offering traditional Omani hospitality with coffee, dates, and sweets, providing visitors insights into Omani customs and traditions.
Notably, the pavilion highlighted Unesco-listed intangible cultural heritage such as the art of the Burra (Omani dagger) and cultural spaces, along with 'eating Omani coffee,' utilising VR technology and visual displays.
The exhibition garnered enthusiastic engagement from Korean visitors, fascinated by Oman's rich cultural, historical, and tourism offerings.
Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Harithi, Director-General of Knowledge and Cultural Development at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, emphasised Oman's focus on cultural diversity and the aesthetic richness of Omani heritage, showcasing a curated selection of publications and cultural activities that underscored the historical ties between the two nations.
He noted, "Our participation also highlighted Omani writers and novelists through dialogue sessions, emphasising their pivotal role in Oman's cultural landscape within the broader cultural programme of the Seoul International Book Fair."
Earlier on Saturday, the cultural programme of the Sultanate of Oman concluded at the Seoul International Book Fair.
The cultural programme included dialogue sessions the first of which entitled 'Omani-Korean Relations 50 Years of Rapprochement and Joint Work’, presented by Dr Mohammed bin Khalfan al Yahyaei from the Omani side, and Dr Hee Soo Lee from Hanyang University in South Korea from the Korean side. He is the author of the book 'The Sultanate of Oman: Historical Cooperation and Friendship with the Republic of Korea' which was translated into Arabic to mark the 50th anniversary of the Omani-Korean diplomatic relations. - ONA
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