In one of the biggest receptions ever for the diplomatic community here, Swedish Ambassador to South Korea Lars Danielsson hosted hundreds of guests, including high-level government officials and foreign envoys, showcasing iconic Swedish brands and eye-catching entertainment at the Grand Hyatt in Seoul on Tuesday.

The sprawling event occupied two large ballrooms and included booths for a number of the Nordic nation’s iconic companies such as Saab Group and Absolut vodka. 

“For 10 years now, we have celebrated Sweden Day in this more grand scale, trying to display a little bit of the best that Sweden can offer,” Danielsson said in opening remarks. “I hope you will enjoy what they are showcasing. I also hope you will enjoy some examples of Swedish creativity tonight, be it Swedish-style food or that most famous Swedish gift to global creativity: Abba’s music in the musical ‘Mamma Mia.’”

Performers from Seensee Company, which obtained the license to premiere the Korean-language rendition of “Mamma Mia” in 2004, entertained guests during Tuesday’s reception with much of the most recognizable of Abba’s music.

The theme of the reception was “Sustainable Sweden.” A seminar organized earlier in the day presented how Swedish companies live up to the idea of sustainability in the environmental sense, as well as in the social sense of “sustainability.”

“We all have a responsibility to ensure that everything we produce and consume (does) not limit the possibilities for future generations to enjoy a good life on this great planet. Sweden wants to be a strong and credible partner to Korea in its quest to form a good society for its people,” the ambassador said.

(ephilip2014@heraldcorp.com)