President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung attended the opening ceremony of Mongolia's largest national event, the Naadam Festival, on July 11, local time, alongside Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh. Following the ceremony, the presidential couple visited the archery venue to experience traditional Mongolian culture.
The opening ceremony took place at the National Sports Stadium in Ulaanbaatar. It began with a traditional ceremonial parade known as 'Gubekgi' and the entrance of a mounted honor guard.
During his opening remarks, President Khurelsukh expressed gratitude for President Lee's attendance, saying, "We appreciate President Lee Jae-myung representing the Republic of Korea." In response, the presidential couple applauded from their seats.
After the national anthem was played, the ceremony featured the lighting of the torch and a traditional performance called the 'Dance of Fire,' with a sculpture symbolizing Genghis Khan displayed prominently on stage.
The main performance included a horse parade and traditional performances from various regions. President Lee and First Lady Kim observed the event through binoculars.
As riders carrying the South Korean and Mongolian flags circled the stadium, they waved a large flag in front of the presidential couple, who responded with applause. After approximately two hours, the opening ceremony concluded, and President Lee exited with the Mongolian president, greeting local dignitaries.
President Lee and First Lady Kim also participated in traditional archery, one of the three main events of the Naadam Festival. They are expected to attend a separate farewell luncheon hosted by the Mongolian side before concluding their state visit and returning home.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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