Singapore, meaning the “Lion City,” is a treasure trove of multicultural, gastronomical, architectural, artistic and environmental wonders, owing to its precarious existence at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula.

It is a global city state of 5.5 million citizens of various ethnicities ― 74 percent Chinese, 13 percent Malay, 9 percent Indian and 3 percent from other backgrounds ― who live in harmony within a resilient national identity. The world’s largest travel guidebook publisher, Lonely Planet, this year chose Singapore as the world’s top tourism destination.

As Singapore and Korea draw closer through diplomacy, commerce and culture, a growing number of people are traveling to both countries, lured by their ultramodern and traditional charms. Half a million Koreans traveled to Singapore last year, reciprocated by 200,000 Singaporeans visiting Korea, and the number is expected to grow. 

“2015 is a very special year for Singapore as we celebrate 50 years of our independence and 40 years of diplomatic relations with Korea,” Singaporean Ambassador Yip Wei Kiat said in a speech on Wednesday. “Mr. Park’s artistic interpretation will help our friends in Korea better understand and experience the sights, sounds and identities of Singapore.”

Lonely Planet, Seoul Auction, the Singaporean Embassy and Singapore Tourism Board collaborated for the exhibition, whose entire proceeds will go to the Korea University Medical Center to support senior citizens’ eyesight recovery operations.

“This exhibition will introduce Singapore’s progressive modernity, unique cultural tapestry and heritage, as well as lesser known gems to the Korean audience,” said the board’s regional director for North Asia, Markus Tan.

Tan noted that Singapore has continued to invest in its tourism assets to attract leisure and business visitors. The city state’s calendar is full of festivals and events, including the Great Singapore Sale, Singapore Food Festival and the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix. The World Rugby Sevens Series will come to Singapore next year. 

While enjoying a wide variety of cuisines combining Chinese, Indian, Malay and fusion dishes, visitors can visit world-class attractions like the Marina Bay Sands, the Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Flyer, Marine Life Park, Resorts World Sentosa, Orchard Road, Chinatown, Singapore Zoo, River Safari and Night Safari.

This year, Singapore Pinacotheque de Paris, a branch of the largest private art museum in Paris, will open along with the National Gallery Singapore, which will showcase the world’s largest collection of Southeast Asian arts. The 156-year-old Botanic Gardens were listed a UNESCO World Heritage Site last month.

Singapore and Korea are top 10 trading partners with each other, and more than 1,000 Korean businesses in trading, shipping, logistics, construction and finance are operating in Singapore. Korean construction companies have built roads, subways and sea ports in Singapore, as well as landmarks such as the Marina Bay Sands and the Suntec City.

By Joel Lee (joel@heraldcorp.com)