My fascination with Myanmar began during former diplomat Kwon Byong-hyon's tenure as the Korean ambassador to Myanmar from 1987 to 1989. Later, he also served as the Korean ambassador to Australia and China. During his ambassadorships in these three countries, he facilitated numerous exchanges between officials and civilians to promote Korean diplomacy. These initiatives fostered people-to-people connections and contributed significantly to Korea's diplomatic efforts.
It's inspiring to see the deepening diplomatic ties between our nations, exemplified by Korean President Moon Jae-in's state visit to Myanmar in September 2019, graciously extended by its President Win Myint.
The resilient people of Myanmar, guardians of a heritage spanning millennia, endured colonial subjugation in the late 19th century amid the global spread of colonialism. In 1885, Myanmar's sovereignty was eclipsed, prompting a spirited uprising for independence marked by unwavering patriotism. This arduous struggle culminated in the restoration of Myanmar's autonomy in 1948, a testament to the indomitable will of its people.
Myanmar boasts a rich historical legacy with flourishing kingdoms symbolizing magnificence and dignity across millennia. Despite periods of subjugation, the people demonstrated patriotism and unity, taking up arms to reclaim their freedom.
Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, is celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultural heritage and profound spiritual sites. Notably, one of the nation's standout figures is U Thant, distinguished for his tenure as the Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1961 to 1971.
The practice of Buddhism in both Korea and Myanmar reveals significant parallels, emphasizing shared spiritual connections while also highlighting unique interpretations, local variations and cultural influences that distinguish their expressions of this profound faith. These similarities and distinctions contribute to the diverse tapestry of Buddhism as practiced in these two countries.
An intriguing aspect of Myanmar's cultural heritage is Bagan, an extraordinary sacred landscape featuring a remarkable array of Buddhist art and architecture. Bagan is an ancient city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Mandalay region. It serves as a testament to centuries of the Theravada Buddhist tradition of merit-making, known as Kammatic Buddhism, offering profound insights into the Bagan Period from 11th to 13th centuries.
During this era, merit-making became a potent mechanism of political control, with the king assuming the role of the chief donor, extending the civilization's influence through control of river transport.
The intangible aspects of Bagan's cultural heritage are expressed through Buddhist worship, traditional practices and agriculture. The site comprises 3,595 recorded distinctive monuments, including stupas, temples, inscriptions, murals and structures dedicated to Buddhist spiritual practices and rich archaeological resources that offer valuable insights into the region's history and culture.
Myanmar is actively tackling historical tensions, poverty and political complexities as it pursues development. By fostering peace and stability, the nation aims to unleash its economic potential, fostering prosperity for its citizens and the wider region.
The celebration marking the 79th Anniversary of Myanmar Armed Forces Day, hosted by Thant Sin, the Myanmar ambassador to Korea, alongside Brigadier General Wint Thu, defense attaché of the Myanmar embassy, recently took place in Seoul. Attendees were particularly impressed by Wint Thu's eloquent congratulatory speech delivered in Korean, which illustrated the strong and amicable ties between Korea and Myanmar.
Highlighted is the profound sense of honor and loyalty exhibited by Myanmar soldiers toward their country, reminiscent of sentiments expressed in William Shakespeare's play, "Richard II": "My honor is my life. Both grow in one. Take honor from me. And my life is done."
This deep-seated psychological attachment underscores their steadfast commitment to defending Myanmar, a dedication that surpasses mere duty and is rooted in a profound sense of identity and purpose.
Choe Chong-dae (choecd@naver.com) is a guest columnist of The Korea Times. He is president of Dae-kwang International Co. and founding director of the Korean-Swedish Association.
Myanmar: tapestry of history, culture and diplomacy
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16.04.2024
My fascination with Myanmar began during former diplomat Kwon Byong-hyon's tenure as the Korean ambassador to Myanmar from 1987 to 1989. Later, he also served as the Korean ambassador to Australia and China. During his ambassadorships in these three countries, he facilitated numerous exchanges between officials and civilians to promote Korean diplomacy. These initiatives fostered people-to-people connections and contributed significantly to Korea's diplomatic efforts.
It's inspiring to see the deepening diplomatic ties between our nations, exemplified by Korean President Moon Jae-in's state visit to Myanmar in September 2019, graciously extended by its President Win Myint.
The resilient people of Myanmar, guardians of a heritage spanning millennia, endured colonial subjugation in the late 19th century amid the global spread of colonialism. In 1885, Myanmar's sovereignty was eclipsed, prompting a spirited uprising for independence marked by unwavering patriotism. This arduous struggle culminated in the restoration of Myanmar's autonomy in 1948, a testament to the indomitable will of its........
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