Descendants of the ancient Mayan royal family invited the South Korean ambassador to Guatemala to the “Doomsday” commemorative event slated for Dec. 21.

The Korean Embassy in Guatemala said on Tuesday that nine descendents of the ancient Mayan royal family living in Chichicastenango, located 140 km northwest from the capital of Guatemala, visited the embassy on Oct. 17.

During the visit, the descendants asked the Korean ambassador Chu Yeon-gon to attend the commemoration ceremony on Dec. 21, which is the final day of the Earth according to the ancient Mayan calendar.

The Mayan calendar has provided a basis for the argument that the world will meet its end on Dec. 21 this year since the calendar ends on that day.

Meanwhile, Guatemalans are preparing festive events for the day as it is the start of a new cycle on the Mayan calendar. The Guatemalan central government and native Mayan tribes are arranging various ceremonial events around the country.

Ambassador Chu said that he highly respects the cultural heritage of the Mayan people and appreciates the generous invitation for the event.

By Yoon Sung-won, Intern reporter
(swyoon@heraldcorp.com)