Exploring and Showcasing Tourism Opportunities and Cultural Riches of Kazakhstan and Central Asian Nations in Seoul
In the heart of the Great Silk Road, where Eastern and Western civilizations have long converged, Central Asia is once again making headlines. This time, it's through the strengthening of ties between Kazakhstan and the Republic of Korea.
Kazakhstan has recently implemented a visa-free regime with South Korea and is developing direct air connections. The SCAT airline is set to launch direct flights from Seoul to Shymkent on May 29, making travel between the two countries easier than ever.
This move comes as part of broader efforts to institutionalize regional cooperation beyond high-level meetings. The Executive Director of the Secretariat of the Central Asia-Russia-Kazakhstan Cooperation Forum, Lee Jong Guk, has proposed the creation of a Central Asia Regional Cooperation (CARC) Tourism Council. This council, involving travel agencies, airlines, and tourism organizations, is expected to foster collaboration and mutual understanding.
The proposal for the CARC Tourism Council was made at a book presentation in the capital of South Korea, attended by over 70 people, including representatives from Korean tour operators, airlines, and journalists. The event underscored Central Asia's growing role on the international tourism map and strengthened cultural and friendly ties between the countries involved.
At the event, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Korea, Nurgaly Arystanov, emphasized the importance of tourism for bringing people together, expanding humanitarian ties, and strengthening regional cooperation. He urged tour operators from both countries to collaborate on developing mutually beneficial and attractive tourism packages.
The book presented at the event, "Central Asia: The Curtain Rises - 12 Stories Found in the Steppes," by Dr. Kim Chu Yeon, explores the cultural and spiritual heritage, history, literature, art, and people of Central Asia. The author, a Korean writer, shared her personal journey through Central Asian countries, expressing deep admiration for the region's cultural heritage, natural beauty, and spiritual wealth. She also highlighted the kindness of the Central Asian people.
Ambassador Arystanov also mentioned the participation of Korean companies in the Kazakhstan International Tourism Fair (KITF, April 23-25, Almaty) and the upcoming participation of the Kazakh side in the Seoul International Tourism Fair (SITF, June 5-8, 2025). These events further solidify the growing interest in Central Asia, presenting new opportunities for tourism, cultural exchange, and fostering mutual understanding.
The book presentation also highlighted significant sites in Kazakhstan, such as the National Museum in Almaty, the "Golden Man," the Almaty Korean Theater, and the Saryesik-Atyrau Nature Reserve. The author also emphasized the importance of preserving Kazakhstan's ecosystems and introduced Korean readers to works by prominent authors like Abai Kunanbayev.
In conclusion, the growing interest in Central Asia, as represented by the Kazakhstan-South Korea collaboration and the book presentation, underscores the region's rich cultural heritage and its potential as a tourist destination. As efforts continue to strengthen ties and foster mutual understanding, Central Asia is poised to take its rightful place on the international tourism map.
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