1. In conjunction with the third Arctic Circle Assembly held in Reykjavík, Iceland, the Republic of Korea held a “Korean Night” event on October 17 to promote various aspects of Korean culture. Approximately 700 people enjoyed the performances staged at the event.

◦ At the third Arctic Circle Assembly held from October 16 through 18, about 1,500 people, including government delegates and relevant experts from a number of countries, discussed the development of the Arctic and economy; climate change and environment; and the Arctic routes and cooperation on transportation.

2. In his welcoming remarks, President Grimsson of Iceland extended appreciation to the ROK government for holding the “Korean Night” cultural event, calling the first cultural event held in conjunction with an Arctic Circle Assembly a “big success.” Mentioning the “Korean Night” event several times at diverse sessions of the Arctic Circle Assembly, he also highlighted the importance of the event.

- In his opening remarks, Ambassador for Arctic Cooperation Kim Chan-woo of the ROK noted that the “Korean Night” event was held based on the sense of importance of culture shared by President Park Geun-hye of the ROK and President Grimsson of Iceland. He went on to explain the ROK’s Arctic policy, which is based on the research conducted by the Arctic Dasan Station and the icebreaker Araon.

3. The ensuing cultural event featured a variety of performances, including traditional Korean music and classical dances by a performance troupe from the Busan National Gugak Center as well as b-boy dances by a b-boy group, which received an ovation from the venue-packing audience.

4. On the sidelines of the Arctic Circle Assembly, Ambassador Kim paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Sveinsson of Iceland and discussed the development direction of the Arctic Circle and ways that the ROK will contribute in that regard as well as ways for the ROK and Iceland to work together.


* unofficial translation