The Russian–Korean Friendship Festival was held in Nizhny Novgorod.

      August 16, 2025 10:00 [235] Society

      An interethnic festival of Russian and Korean national cultures was held on the grounds of the House of National Unity. The bright and colorful celebration opened with the ceremonial signing of a Cooperation Agreement between the Nizhny Novgorod regional branch of United Russia and the Local Korean National-Cultural Autonomy of Nizhny Novgorod.

      "More than 110 different nationalities live in the territory of the Nizhny Novgorod region. Preserving and strengthening good-neighborly relations is the most important factor for the stable development of the region. The regional branch of the party already has cooperation agreements with the national associations of the region. For many years we have closely cooperated with the Nizhny Novgorod regional branch of the Assembly of the Peoples of Russia, which includes representatives of Tatars, Belarusians, Mordvins, Azerbaijanis, Jews. Today we signed a new document. The agreement with the Korean national-cultural autonomy will create conditions for even closer and more productive work to strengthen interethnic friendship. I am confident that future joint projects will make the public and cultural life of Nizhny Novgorod residents richer and brighter," emphasized Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, head of the United Russia party faction in the Legislative Assembly of the Nizhny Novgorod Region Alexey Antonov.

      Strengthening interethnic friendship is one of the provisions of the People's Program of United Russia. In implementing this direction, particular importance is attached to supporting cultural initiatives that contribute to the development of the multinational culture of the region and the country.

      "The party provides comprehensive assistance to the region's national-cultural autonomies. The development and preservation of the traditions of the various peoples living in the region play an important role in harmonizing interethnic relations. It is through culture that one can understand another person, see the world through their eyes. The agreement with the Korean national-cultural autonomy is aimed, first and foremost, at addressing these tasks. Our joint work will cover cultural, creative and educational areas," said the head of the regional executive committee of the Nizhny Novgorod regional branch of United Russia Dmitry Filipenko.

      The parties agreed to cooperate in several areas:

      - creating conditions for citizens that facilitate mutual study of national traditions;

      - creating creative unions and professional and amateur art ensembles;

      - holding large-scale events in the field of national culture.

      "The Korean national-cultural autonomy has existed in the Nizhny Novgorod region since the 1990s. We have always considered and still consider our main task to be acquainting people of other nationalities with our culture. A Korean Center operates in Nizhny Novgorod. It is open to anyone who would like to study the language and traditions. Cooperation with the regional branch of United Russia will expand our opportunities. Even more Nizhny Novgorod residents will be able to learn many interesting things about Korea and Koreans," said Vitaly Kim, chairman of the public organization "Local Korean National-Cultural Autonomy of the city of Nizhny Novgorod."

      At the end of the official part of the Russian-Korean Friendship Festival, participants observed a minute of silence in memory of the soldiers of the Korean People's Army who died during the special military operation. The host noted that "true friendship knows no borders. It unites peoples, helps to overcome difficulties and build a future based on mutual understanding and support."

      The cultural program took place in Pushkin Park. The organizers set up tents with master classes near the House of National Unity.

      "Our festival is open to everyone. We introduce guests to both Korean and Russian traditional culture. This, in our opinion, is a very interesting format. It allows you to compare two different traditions. Here you can try Korean food that is unfamiliar to many. Immerse yourself in the subtleties of calligraphic writing. And here you can also try your hand at traditional Nizhny Novgorod khokhloma painting," commented Maryana Sheludyakova, organizer of the "Russian-Korean Friendship Festival."

      Festival guests could sample traditional rice bread "chartogi" and Korean noodle soup "kuksi," and learn how to make woven dolls, calligraphy, and khokhloma painting.

      "I am trying Korean cuisine for the first time. Very unusual, of course. A bit spicy, but tasty. The main thing I liked here is the communication and the opportunity to learn more about another people's culture," shared festival guest Anastasia Morozova.

      The festive program concluded with performances by the Korean folk ensemble "Choson" and the Russian folk ensemble "Lyubava."

      The Russian-Korean Friendship Festival was attended by more than 500 residents of Nizhny Novgorod and city guests.

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