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Featherlike steps so light , so smooth, hardly touch the stage under imperial crowns, and colorful silk tunics with golden patterns. White ‘sleeves’ flash in the air catching every beat of the drums, joined by the sweet sounds of pipes bringing joy and celebration.

Traditional Korean folk dance Tkhe-Pkhyon, dating back to the 10th century when it was performed by members of the imperial family as a prayer for peace and harmony, opened a Sunday concert of Yun Mi Ra Korean folk dance ensemble in Yerevan. The two-day performance consisting of nine dances – each expressing certain philosophy and moods – is part of this week’s celebration events devoted to the fifth anniversary of founding the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Korea in Armenia.

The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) to Russia, Park San Hoon, visiting Armenia with the official delegation, launched the concert with a thank-you speech to the Honorary Consul of Korea in Armenia Armen Abrahamyan, as well as the Korea Foundation and the RA Ministry of Culture for their assistance in organizing the event.

“Cultural exchange helps to better understand each other and contributes to diplomatic relations between the two countries. Armenia and Korea have many things in common, for example, both our nations have preserved their traditions and cultural values. Our folk dances embody the heart and the soul of the Korean nation. Yun Mi Ra ensemble has crossed 8,500 kilometers in order to bring that culture to Yerevan,” said the Ambassador.

The events continuing throughout the week will include an official reception during which the State Linguistic University’s Korean language department students will welcome guests with a performance in Korean. (Opened three years ago with only 10 students the Korean department now has 250 students, with selected students visiting Korea every year for language and culture training). As part of the cultural exchange, poems of famous Armenian and Korean poets will be recited in two languages followed by the soundtrack from a popular Korean drama “Jumong-Prince of the Legend” currently aired on Armenian TV. The 81-episode epic drama telling about the foundation of the first kingdom of Goguryeo in 37 BCE and its founder Jumong was first aired in Armenia in 2008 with ratings as high as 80 percent of Yerkir Media TV channel viewers (about 50,000) and is now re-aired by popular demand.

Diplomatic relations between the Republics of Korea and Armenia were first established in 1992. According to data provided by the South Korean Consulate in Armenia, there is only one Korean family permanently residing in Armenia, and about 50 people working in different organizations. In the 1950s, however, many Korean families lived in Yerevan. A part of the city is still remembered by some as the “Korean District”.