‘Initiative to introduce Malaysian culture in Korea should be enhanced’

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MELAKA: The initiative to introduce Malaysian culture, like the Malay language, Jawi (Arabic) writing, zapin music and batik, among the young generations in Korea should be intensified.

Head of the Malaysian Studies Department at the Busan University of Foreign Studies, Prof Dr Kang Kyoung Seok said this was to enhance understanding between the Korean and Malaysian people towards forging closer relationship between the two countries.

Kang, who is fluent in Malay and specialises in Jawi writing, said understanding of the Malaysian culture, which was graceful and courteous, could serve as a platform towards building the identity of young Koreans, while keeping the traditions of their ancestors.

“I praise the Malaysians, especially the young people, for wanting to learn about Korean culture, but I think there is a need for an exchange programme for the people of both countries to learn about each other’s culture,” he said when met by Bernama here.

He believed that this would attract more Koreans to visit Malaysia, as well as Malaysians to Korea, hence, would help to boost the tourism industry in both countries. Kang said there had been a misperception among Koreans that the Indonesian and Malaysian culture were the same because of their similarities, resulting in many to regard that it would suffice to only know about the Indonesian culture. — Bernama