SEOUL, June 30 (AJP) - On the evening of June 24, the rooftop gathering at Art Nine in Seoul's Dongjak District felt less like a formal diplomatic event and more like a warm family reunion.
Hosted by the Quebec Delegation in Seoul to celebrate Quebec's National Holiday (La Fête nationale), the reception marked a profound milestone: the 35th anniversary of Quebec's institutional presence in Korea.
Quebec, Canada's predominantly French-speaking province, is renowned for its rich history, vibrant Francophone culture, and strong sense of identity. Home to the historic city of Quebec City and the cosmopolitan metropolis of Montreal, it also boasts the Historic District of Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its remarkably well-preserved 17th- and 18th-century colonial architecture, fortified walls, and narrow cobblestone streets. Quebec plays a unique role in both Canada and the French-speaking world through its cultural heritage, innovation, and international outlook.
Attending the event, I was struck by the diversity of the guests, including diplomats, Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials, corporate executives, academics, and artists. Their presence spoke volumes about the strength and breadth of the Quebec–Korea partnership.
What began in 1991 as a modest representative office has matured into a robust, multidimensional partnership. Upgraded to a full Delegation in 2024, Quebec's diplomatic presence in Seoul stands as a testament to a relationship built on vision, patience, and mutual respect.
In his remarks, Mr. Damien Pereira, Chief Representative of the Québec Government Office in Seoul, highlighted the maturity of the relationship, which has flourished since 1991 through expanding economic cooperation, educational exchanges, and cultural diplomacy. A video message from Christopher Skeete, Quebec's Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, further emphasized the Republic of Korea's strategic importance as one of Quebec's key partners in Asia.
One of the evening's most meaningful moments was the presentation of a certificate of recognition to EcoPro Innovation, the Korean battery materials manufacturer that has established operations in Quebec. The award symbolized more than corporate success; it reflected the growing integration of Korean technological expertise into Quebec's clean energy transition and expanding electric vehicle ecosystem.
Other distinguished organizations were also recognized for strengthening this partnership. The Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology (KEIT) and Montreal-based engineering company AtkinsRéalis were honored for advancing industrial and technological collaboration. Meanwhile, the Korean Association for Quebec Studies celebrated its 20th anniversary, recognizing two decades of promoting academic understanding of Quebec, while the Seoul History Museum was acknowledged for introducing Quebec culture to Korean audiences through events such as Cinéma Québec during Francophonie Month.
Perhaps the most memorable tribute of the evening celebrated the enduring cultural influence of the hit Korean television drama Dokkaebi (Goblin). A decade after the series was filmed in Quebec City, the production company HwaDam ENT and Anna Lee Agency (AL Marketing & Communications) received special recognition for helping transform Quebec into a dream destination for countless Korean travelers. It is remarkable how a television drama continues to generate tourism and deepen people-to-people ties a decade after its original broadcast, illustrating the extraordinary power of cultural diplomacy.
As I reflected on the evening, it became clear that Quebec's relationship with Korea has evolved well beyond traditional diplomacy. It now encompasses cutting-edge industries, academic collaboration, cultural exchange, and shared ambitions in clean energy and innovation. These diverse connections demonstrate that enduring international partnerships are built not only by governments but also by businesses, universities, artists, and ordinary citizens.
The 35th anniversary celebration was therefore more than a commemorative event. It served as a reminder that lasting international relationships require vision, patience, and mutual respect. As global challenges increasingly demand international cooperation, the Quebec–Korea partnership offers an inspiring example of how economic opportunity, cultural appreciation, and shared innovation can create lasting benefits for both societies.
What impressed me most is that the Quebec Delegation's engagement with Korea goes far beyond celebrating a national holiday. Its sustained investment in cultural diplomacy—from organizing Cinéma Québec during Francophonie Month to introducing contemporary Québécois dance and supporting academic exchanges—has helped build genuine people-to-people relationships. The 35th anniversary was therefore not simply a diplomatic milestone, but a celebration of a relationship nurtured through culture, education, innovation, and shared values.
As the partnership enters its next chapter, I hope the friendship and cooperation between Korea and Quebec will continue to deepen and flourish, bringing even greater opportunities and mutual benefits to both societies in the years ahead.
[About the Columnist: Choe Chong-dae is a prominent columnist and a longstanding member of the Royal Asiatic Society Korea. An enthusiast of international cultural and historical affairs, he has contributed regular opinion columns to The Korea Times for more than four decades. He also serves on the editorial board of the Newsletter of the Korea-America Association and is the founding director of the Korea–Swedish Association. In 2010, he was awarded Sweden’s Royal Order of the Polar Star, one of the country’s most prestigious honors.]
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