KOREA FOUNDATION

The ASEAN Culture House will open in Busan on September 1.
  The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a dynamic community of great potential comprised of 650 million people from 10 countries with a market valued at an estimated USD 2.3 trillion. It is Korea’s second largest trade and investment partner and the region most visited by Koreans.
  Residents of ASEAN countries are keenly interested in both Korea’s economic development and Hallyu, the Korean wave, and their passion to learn the Korean language and the secrets of the Miracle on the Han River continues to grow. In contrast, Korean interest in Southeast Asia has been less visible, and there have been only limited opportunities for Koreans to experience the rich culture of the ASEAN region as a whole, or to explore the diversity of its member countries.
  To correct this imbalance and promote mutual understanding and exchange, an agreement was reached at the 2014 ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit held in Busan to establish the ASEAN Culture House. Following up on the agreement, Busan City provided a site for the House’s construction, while the Foreign Ministry provided the funding to finance the construction of the House, accommodating exhibition galleries, a performance hall, a seminar room, space for cultural interaction, and various other facilities on four floors above ground and two basement levels.
  As the manager of the House, the KF is planning a multitude of programs to commemorate its grand opening. The KF is also communicating with ASEAN officials through forums such as the KF President’s Meeting with Seoul-based ASEAN ambassadors to seek their support and cooperation to ensure the success of the venture.
  As this year has been designated as the Year of Korea-ASEAN Cultural Exchange, to mark the 50th anniversary of ASEAN’s founding, the opening of the House carries extra significance. The House will function not only as a venue for exhibitions, performances, and educational and academic exchanges, but will serve as a place where Koreans and people from ASEAN countries will come together, ultimately contributing to a thriving relationship.