On June 18, 2024, Dr. Seong-Yong Park, publisher of Arirang Culture Connect, along with his media team, visited the Peruvian Embassy located in downtown Seoul near City Hall to conduct an exclusive interview with Mr. Paul Duclos, the Peruvian Ambassador to Korea. Mr. Duclos, with an impressive diplomatic career spanning over two and a half decades, shared insights into his philosophy, personal values, and the lessons he has learned while promoting cultural diplomacy.
Mr. Paul Duclos, Peruvian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea.
A Journey of Diplomacy and Cultural Exchange
Ambassador Duclos’s journey in diplomacy is as varied as it is distinguished. Starting the interview, Dr. Seong-Yong Park began by thanking him for his support and dedication to cultural exchange. With a background in law, bolstered by master’s studies in the United Kingdom and the United States, Ambassador Duclos has served in multiple significant postings, including the Permanent Mission of Peru to the United Nations in New York, and embassies in Japan, India, and the Netherlands. His current role as the Ambassador to Korea holds special significance.
“I am very proud to be Ambassador in this beautiful, vibrant, and interesting country,” he reflects. “I particularly enjoy learning about its history and traditions and sharing this wonderful experience with my family.”
Publisher Seong-Yong Park (left) interviewing Ambassador Duclos.
The Role of Cultural Exchange
For Ambassador Duclos, cultural exchange is a cornerstone of strengthening the ties between Peru and Korea. He believes that culture serves as an essential element of connection, particularly between ancient civilizations like Peru and Korea.
“Culture allows our populations to become spokespersons for our similarities and coincidences, bridging the distance and language barriers between us,” he explains. He highlights the growing influence of Korean culture in Peru, particularly in music, movies, and gastronomy, with K-pop groups frequently visiting and Peruvian artists like Lenin Tamayo blending Quechua language with K-pop style.
Successful Cultural Initiatives
Ambassador Duclos proudly shares several successful initiatives that have effectively promoted Peruvian culture in Korea. Last year marked the 60th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two nations, celebrated with various artistic and photographic exhibitions, including the visit of the Peruvian Navy's training vessel, “Union,” which welcomed over 5,000 citizens in Busan.
“This year, we have invited Iván Ciro Palomino, a talented graphic designer, for an exhibition focusing on themes like peace, security, environmental protection, and human rights,” Duclos adds. “We will also celebrate the art and music of Peru at Seoul Plaza square and at the Andong Mask Festival in October.”
Preserving Peruvian Intangible Cultural Heritage
The preservation and promotion of Peruvian intangible cultural heritage are priorities for Ambassador Duclos and the Peruvian government. Peru boasts twelve expressions registered on the UNESCO list, including dances, textiles, ceramics, and ceviche.
“The best way to preserve cultural heritage is to disseminate it among the national population so they can better understand and identify with each manifestation,” he asserts. By engaging with UNESCO, Peru gains technical support and international expertise in safeguarding these cultural treasures.
With his strong efforts, it is expected that the renowned Peruvian artist will be the first designated as an Arirang Master if the International Advisory Board of Culture Masters makes a favorable decision at the end of July. The Arirang Master Program is an international initiative operated by Culture Masters to enhance the status of intangible heritage artists and cultural communities worldwide. By appointing intangible heritage artists as Arirang Masters, the program aims to promote them globally and strengthen international cooperation. Visit: https://www.arirangculture.news/ViewM.aspx?No=3258902
Honoring the World's Finest Intangible Heritage Artists: Arirang Master Designation Project (EN & KO) - 아리랑컬처커넥트
The dream stage where the world’s finest intangible heritage artists unite, the 'Arirang Master Designation Project,' is drawing attention from around the globe. This project, organized by the non-governmental international cultural institution Culture Masters, aims to preserve humanity’s intangible
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Collaborative Cultural Enterprises
Ambassador Duclos envisions a collaborative future where cultural enterprises from Peru and Korea promote traditional culture and intangible heritage. He emphasizes the importance of exchanging good practices and lessons learned between nations rich in cultural wealth.
“Our societies transmit inherited knowledge from generation to generation, shaping our cultural DNA and projecting ourselves to the world,” he says. He underscores the value of mutual exchange and understanding, which is crucial for defending and promoting cultural manifestations.
Global Cultural Trends and Impact
In the context of global cultural exchange, Ambassador Duclos recognizes the pivotal role of platforms like Arirang Culture Connect. He believes such publications can significantly contribute to valuing traditional knowledge and fostering a sense of belonging and identity among peoples.
“Recognition of cultural diversity and respect for each other must be paired with effective State action for its protection,” he notes.
Arts and Entertainment along with promoting tourism
Discussing the influence of global entertainment, Ambassador Duclos highlights the adaptability and innovation of Peruvian gastronomy, which has successfully fused with other cuisines to create unique flavors. He also mentions the training of young Peruvian artists at the World K-pop Center, reflecting a positive influence of cultural exchange.
Education is key to dismantling cultural stereotypes, according to Ambassador Duclos. He believes promoting tourism is an effective way to showcase the real expressions of different regions, breaking down prejudices and assumptions.
Experiences and Insights from cultural diversity and Advice to Young Creators
Throughout his diplomatic career, Ambassador Duclos has been profoundly impacted by exposure to different cultures. His experiences in countries with deep religious and cultural traditions, such as India and Japan, have enriched his understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural expressions.
To young creators aspiring to promote their culture globally, Ambassador Duclos advises authenticity and creativity. He emphasizes the importance of offering new angles and nuances, using the success of Peruvian gastronomy as an example of how continuous study and innovation can captivate a global audience.
Later in the interview, Mr. Duclos stated, “Having experienced the activities of various international cultural institutions, I highly appreciate the innovative and practical approaches made by Culture Masters (culturemasters.org) in the field of intangible heritage for cultural collaboration globally.”
In conclusion, Ambassador Paul Duclos embodies the spirit of cultural diplomacy, tirelessly promoting and preserving the rich cultural heritage of Peru while fostering meaningful exchanges with Korea. His dedication serves as an inspiration, showcasing the profound impact of cultural understanding and collaboration in bridging nations and enriching global culture.
Publisher Park, Ambassador Duclos, and Dr. Arnold Choi (right)
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