Former diplomat connects Korea and Latin America through art

Director Lee Bok-hyung talks during an interview with Aju Press at the Centro Cultural de America Latina in Goyang Gyeonggi Province on July 30 2024 AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok — Former diplomat Lee Bok-hyung speaks during an interview with Aju Press at the Latin American Cultural Center in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province on July 30, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok.

SEOUL, August 2 (AJU PRESS) - For those seeking a tranquil escape from the summer heat, a spacious multi-purpose facility outside Seoul could be a peaceful retreat with a touch of exotic Latin American culture.

Located in Goyang, northwest of Seoul, the Latin American Cultural Center and its adjunct museum dedicated to the history and culture of Latin America allows visitors to explore the opposite side of the globe in just a day trip, without the hassle of taking a long flight to the faraway continent over 12,000 kilometers away. They can also indulge in Mexican tacos and burritos.

Established in 1994, the archaic museum, adorned with vibrant red bricks, houses approximately 5,200 exhibits ranging from ancient artifacts to modern and contemporary paintings, sculptures, and textiles.

Various Latin American masks are on display at the Centro Cultural de America Latina in Goyang Gyeonggi Province on July 30 2024 These are part of the collection amassed by Director Lee Bok-hyung during his diplomatic career in Latin America AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok — Various kinds of masks are on display at the Latin American Cultural Center in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province on July 30, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok

An altar is on display at the Centro Cultural de America Latina in Goyang Gyeonggi Province on July 30 2024 AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok — An altar is adorned with meticulous sculptures and crafts at the Latin American Cultural Center in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province on July 30, 2024. AJU PRESS Park Jong-hyeok

Through the vivid colors and geometrical patterns of traditional embroidery, indigenous handcrafts and murals, often found in Spanish-speaking countries, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich heritage of the Aztecs, Inca and Maya. These extensive collections were amassed by former diplomat Lee Bok-hyung and his wife during Lee's three decades-long stint in Latin American and the Caribbean countries.

"When I bought this property as my retirement plot in 1950, I never imagined it would play a role as a cultural bridge between Korea and Latin America," Lee told the Aju Press in an interview early this week.

The facility has become a popular destination not only for locals but also for foreign dignitaries. In his recent letter to Lee, Peru's Foreign Minister Javier González-Olaechea praised its "magnificent" natural setting where visitors can have "unique experience of delving into the exceptional art and tradition of Latin America."

Han Byung-kil, president of the Korea Council on Latin America and the Caribbean (KCLAC), also praised Lee's efforts earlier. "This is not an easy task, even for a public cause," Han pointed out.

Meanwhile, a special exhibition showcasing Mexican painters is scheduled for October in celebration of the center's 30th anniversary.

Park Ung ungpark@ajupress.com

Former diplomat connects Korea and Latin America through art

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