Day the sky opened

The story goes, according to agloablworld.com/holidaysaround- the-world, “Korea was founded in southern Manchuria in the basins of the Liao and Taedong Rivers. Going by the legend, at the beginning the world did not exist. A deity named Yul-ryeo and a goddess named Mago appeared.

Yul-ryeo then died and Mago in turn gave birth to two goddesses: Gung-hee and So-hee. They in turn each gave birth to two Men of Heaven and two Women of Heaven.

“After the appearance of the Heavenly People, Yul-ryeo is revived and through her re-birth heaven, earth, and the oceans were created, along with soul, fire, water, and earth. These four elements in turn mixed and became herbs and plants, birds and animals.

There were four Heavenly Men guarding each cardinal direction of the fortress, who were children of So-hee. They in turn married the four Heavenly Women, and gave birth to twelve children, who would become the ancestors of the humans. This is believed to be the creation of Mankind.” On October 4 at the Hyatt Regency, Trinidad and Tobago the Republic of Korea celebrated its National Foundation Day. The sky opened to give a glimpse between the relations between South Korea and TT.

South Korean Ambassador Doo-Young Lee spoke to deepening cultural ties with Trinidad and Tobago. He said, “It is one of the most auspicious and important days for the people of Korea.” He said he hoped one day a united Korea would be possible. He noted that the North Korean nuclear issues remained its biggest challenge to peace and security in the country.

Lee said that at the recently concluded UN Security Council meeting that “appropriate and comprehensive sanctions” were taken against North Korea.

He agreed with sentiments shared by Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Dennis Moses at the UN General Assembly that the use of nuclear weapons constituted a crime against humanity and a violation of international law. He said since diplomatic relations between TT and South Korea began in 1985 the two countries extended their “friendly” co-operation to all areas. Moses brought greetings on behalf of Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley and the people of TT. He said it was clear that Korea was founded on strong fundamentals.

Over the last 12 months, he said, TT and Korea have, “worked toward strengthening our relationship.” A major development has been an agreement to commence in December 2016, the first round of negotiations of an agreement to get rid of trumped-up taxation and prevention of fiscal evasion, he said. The finalisation of this tax treaty would, “serve to boost foreign direct investment and create an atmosphere for increased bilateral economic activity,” Moses said TT nationals also continued to enjoy access to scholarships provided by the Korean Government, two of whom began their education in Korea in 2016, Moses said. Past participation in the programme has created an awareness of the Korean experience and increased the language capacity in the foreign service, Moses said.

Culture, Moses said, has been used as a tool to deepen ties between the two countries. Regionally, Korea was set to host later this month a forum for Korean/Caribbean partnership on the theme of climate change and security.

Although TT was not participating in this forum, such dialogue was always welcomed, Moses said.

Among the guests at the event were Chief Justice Ivor Archie, House Speaker Bridgid Annisette- George and chairman of Port Authority Board Christine Sahadeo.

Guests at the event were treated to performances by the Korean Traditional Music Association of America which was established in 2012. The group began by performing a dance with the Janggu Chum (a double- headed drum shaped like an hour-glass). Approximately six women dressed in fuchsia and green Hanbok – the traditional Korean wear worn daily until 100 years ago, danced and sang to songs reminiscent of the Indian Tabla. This was then followed by a riveting performance on the Gayageum - a Korean board Zither with 12 or 25 strings. The performer began by playing an identifiable American classic and then shifted to a more traditional sound then moved to an up beat EDM style sound.

This was followed by the Hwea Sang a dance which represented the transience of life and which showed a character that was reminiscent of one seen in many Kung Fu movies.

This was followed by the singing of traditional Korean folk songs known as Pansori and Arirang.

The event ended with Ipchum Sogo - a dance which employs the use of a, “tabor-like small drum that is used toward the end of the dance as a way to release the energy.”