The Uzbek Embassy in Seoul showcased Uzbek and Korean cultural heritage at a photo exhibition in Seoul on Wednesday.

The exhibition was held as part of the celebrations of 2025 as the "Year of Mutual Exchange" between Uzbekistan and South Korea, featuring cultural heritage to promote mutual respect and friendship among Uzbeks and Koreans.

Uzbekistan and South Korea have agreed to declare 2025 the “Year of Mutual Exchange" to deepen economic and cultural connections through joint events.

Underlining 33 years of diplomatic ties, a special strategic partnership and human exchanges, Uzbekistan Ambassador to Korea Alisher Abdusalomov said that despite the geographical distance, Uzbekistan and South Korea share a history of mutual respect, traditions and cooperation.

Uzbekistan and South Korea upgraded their ties to a "special strategic partnership" in 2019 during then President Moon Jae-in's visit to Uzbekistan. Both nations underscored cultural cooperation through exhibitions, the arts and language promotion.

During President Yoon Suk Yeol's visit in June 2024, they reaffirmed their commitment to political, economic and cultural collaboration while strengthening ties in the governance, defense and judicial sectors, building on the 2019 Joint Declaration.

A key aspect of this bond is the Korean diaspora in Uzbekistan, known as "Koryoin" or "Koryo-saram," said Abdusalomov.

In 1937, ethnic Koreans were deported from Vladivostok to Central Asia under Joseph Stalin's rule, but today, over 200,000 live in Uzbekistan as an integral part of society.

The country has the largest number of people of Korean descent in Central Asia and the fifth largest Korean diaspora population globally.

“The almost 200,000 Korean diaspora in Uzbekistan have become an inseparable part of our society," he said, referencing cooperation through science, technology, education and culture.

Uzbekistan now hosts many branches of leading Korean universities, stressed the envoy.

According to the embassy, Uzbekistan's universities are collaborating with over 45 South Korean universities and institutions, while four South Korean university branches — Inha, Puchon and Yeoju in Tashkent, and Korea International University in Fergana — offer academic programs.

"Thousands of Uzbek students are currently studying in Korea, enriching both our nations through exchange of knowledge and experience," underscored Abdusalomov.

Korean cultural centers across Uzbekistan play a crucial role in bridging the two cultures, promoting a deeper appreciation of language and traditions, he said.

The Korean language is taught in nine universities and 24 schools and lycees in the country, and South Korean foreign language universities in the cities of Busan and Daegu have established Uzbek language departments. The number of Uzbek students in higher education institutions in South Korea exceeds 11,000, according to the embassy.

"Today's exhibition offers a glimpse into the rich cultural and historical heritage of Uzbekistan, as well as the strong friendship we share with South Korea,” he said.

"We also have a chance to enjoy the beautiful artwork of 75 South Korean artists. This exhibition stands as a tribute to the values that unite us and the future we are building together with our Korean partners."

Over 250 attendees, including diplomats, NGOs, scholars and media, participated in the opening event, highlighting Uzbekistan's charm through images of Bukhara and traditional Uzbek clothing, while Korean folk paintings with humorous themes also gained attention.