ISLAMABAD, OCT 04 (DNA) -A Seminar titled “Hyecho in Gandhara: Footsteps of a Korean monk in the 8th Century” took place in Islamabad.

The seminar organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea highlighted the historical and cultural linkages between the Korean and Pakistani people centuries ago.

Three eminent scholars including Dr. Muhammad Farooq Swati, Dr. Esther Park and Dr. So Gilsu made presentations at the seminar, shedding light on the travelogue of the Korean monk Heycho who travelled around Pakistan in the 8^th century.

The scholars also highlighted the impact of these early travels on the spread of Buddhism in the Korean peninsula and around the world.

Dr. Swati presented insights into the importance of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region as a historical melting pot for cultures, traditions, art work and architecture. Dr. Park spoke about the memoirs of Heycho titled “Memoir of the pilgrimage to the five kingdoms of India” which is one of the earliest recorded travelogues to vividly describe many areas of Pakistan in the 8^th century.

Dr. Park also suggested taking steps for increasing Korean Buddhist touriststo Pakistan. Dr. So spoke about his recent travels across China and Pakistan during which he followed the ancient routes taken by the Korean monk Heycho.

Aamir Hasan, Federal Secretary National History and Literary Heritage Division highlighted the role of the Division in increasing Korea-Pakistan cultural ties.

Mr. Shahid Zaman, Secretary of Tourism and Culture Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was also present at the occasion. Government officials, dignitaries, students and history enthusiastsattended the seminar.

The audience also watched the classical Korean “Sunbi Dance” performance by Dr. Han Young Yong. Sunbi refers to academia in Josun dynasty, who focused on studying with neither any official position nor rewards.

On the occasion Mr. Kwak Sung-kyu, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea introduced “co-project for preservation and treatment of cultural relics” which is progressing between the Korean and the Pakistan governments.

He also committed and offered to further work together, on the federal or provincial government level, to enhance the cultural interactions and people-to-people exchanges in the coming days.=DNA

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