TEHRAN – In a vibrant celebration of cultural diplomacy, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Tehran hosted the Korea-Iranian Calligraphy Exhibition on October 23. The event, held at the ambassador’s residence, commemorated the 63rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, transforming the venue into a crossroads of artistic tradition and modern friendship.
This exhibition, co-organized with the Cultural Coordination Center under the Cooperation Dialogue in Asia (CCCACD), was developed around the poignant theme of “family.” It served as a dynamic platform to explore the common aesthetics of letters and lines where centuries of artistry and contemporary creative expression meet, deepen mutual understanding, and expand cultural exchange.
This exhibition featured a compelling dialogue between two different calligraphy traditions. Representing Iran, Mrs. Tandis Taghavi, professor at Sule University, along with two other Iranian artists, showcased the exquisite beauty and profound spirit of traditional Nastalik. Their work emphasized the screenplay’s characteristic elegant curves and deep philosophical resonance.
From South Korea, 12 artists from the Korean Calligraphy Association, led by Chairman Yoo Hyung-deok and Vice-President Choi Jeong-moon, participated, demonstrating a sophisticated harmony of art. Their works display a masterful interplay of brushstrokes, balance, and empty space, conveying both disciplined technique and deep emotion. The direct attendance of President Yoo and Vice President Choi in Tehran was a powerful symbol of the growing cultural cooperation between South Korea and Iran. This visit was particularly meaningful as it was the first time for a Korean calligrapher to visit Iran for such an event, nine years after the previous exhibition in 2016.
The opening ceremony began with a welcome from the host of the program, Mr. Jeonggeun Nam, Second Secretary of the Embassy. He expressed his joy at reaching this milestone anniversary by saying, “Today, we did not come together just for this anniversary, and this artistic cooperation is certainly important as well.I am happy to celebrate the 63rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Iran and South Korea.”
Next, His Excellency Kim Jun-pyo, South Korean Ambassador to Iran, took the stage. In his speech, he reflected on the insightful choice of the theme “family” and praised it as an intelligent and meaningful name that resonates with the core values of both cultures.
Below is the full text of the ambassador’s speech.
“Dear distinguished artists, dear ambassadors, members of the cultural and media community, and esteemed guests from both Korea and Iran,
I am very happy to be able to welcome you all today.
Today marks the 63rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
On this momentous occasion, we are honored to present this calligraphy exhibition that celebrates our long-standing friendship and artistic connection.
First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Cultural Coordination Center under the umbrella of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (CCCACD), headed by Chairman Mohammad Jafari Malak, for co-hosting this special event.
We are pleased to cooperate with CCCACD and see this partnership bear fruit in promoting mutual understanding and cultural exchange.
Through the timeless beauty of Ryogoku calligraphy.
We are honored to welcome three prominent artists from Iran: Mrs. Tandis Taghavi, Mr. Esrafil Sirchi, and Mr. Mojtaba Sabzeh.
From South Korea, 12 members of the Korean Calligraphy Association, including Chairman Yoo Hyeon-deok, will present their works.
Vice President Choi Jeong-moon, who is present today.
This exhibition has special significance as it is the first time in nine years that Korean calligraphers have visited Iran since 2016.
What makes this event even more meaningful is that it is a joint presentation by Korean and Iranian calligraphers who came together to express friendship and common values through art.
Their collaboration itself is a symbol of beautiful harmony, showing how creativity and mutual respect can bridge cultures and bring hearts closer together.
This exhibition, with the theme of “family”, is an exhibition that delicately harmonizes lines, letters, and emotions, and interweaves the artistic spirit of Korea and Iran.
The fluid grace of Iran’s Nastarik script and the sophisticated elegance of Korean calligraphy, although different in form and technique, both embody the same sincere spirit of expressing inner truth, beauty, and emotion through the written word. Through each line and stroke, you can feel each other’s spiritual world more deeply.
I am confident that as such exchanges continue, the friendly relationship between Korea and Iran will become even stronger and more lasting.
On this 63rd anniversary, let’s look forward to the next 63 years and beyond as we write a new chapter of friendship, creativity, and respect together.
We would like to once again express our sincere gratitude to CCCACD and all participating artists for their dedication, passion, and artistry in making this event possible.
I hope that the inspiration and conversations shared here today will be the seeds for further deepening and broadening the friendship and cooperation between our two countries.
Tashakol Mikonam. ”
“Family” is a wise choice as an event theme
Dr. Mohammad Jafari Malek, Chairman of CCCACD, went on to express his gratitude to the organizers of the exhibition. “I congratulate the ambassador on his 63rd anniversary,” he said. “Choosing the name ‘Family’ for this event was a wise choice. This exhibition was due to take place earlier, but due to recent events and the 12-day war it was postponed. It is a reason for happiness that this exhibition took place and we hope that this exhibition and similar events will continue in the future.”
Our 63-year relationship is priceless.
Korean Calligraphy Association Chairman Yoo Hyung-deok and Vice-chairman Choi Jeong-moon He also gave a speech at the event.
President Yoo Hyung-deok spoke about his perspective as an artist. “We consider this 63-year relationship to be extremely valuable, and we hope it lasts for more than 630 years,” he said. “Of course, I’m a calligrapher, so I prefer writing to speaking,” he added, eliciting appreciative laughter from the audience.
Artists strengthen political ties
Iranian artist Mrs. Tandis Taghavi then elaborated on the central role of artists in international relations. “It is very valuable that today’s exhibition is held under the title ‘Family’,” she said. “I believe that it is artists who strengthen political relations. By holding cultural programs like this, we can build friendly relations not only between Iran and South Korea, but also between all countries of the world.”
Vice President Choi Jong-moon ended his official speech with heartfelt words. “I would like to thank the ambassadors for providing this kind of venue to host such an event,” he said, before asking guests to become deeply involved in the art, “touch and embrace the works with all your soul.”
The ambassador’s residence is a house of love
The ceremony concluded with an enthusiastic speech by Iranian calligrapher Esrafil Shirchi. Encouraged by the audience, he took to the stage and declared: “This is a house of love, not an ambassador’s residence. My belief is that this is a spiritual, cultural and artistic event.”
At the calligraphy event, Korean Calligraphy Association Chairman Yoo Hyung-deok and Vice-President Choi Jeong-moon delighted the guests by inscribing their names in Korean calligraphy on elegant postcards.
Furthermore, at the end of the ceremony, Yoo Hyun-deok and Jung-moon performed a calligraphy performance with the slogan “63 years of Iran-Korea relations” on the premises of the South Korean ambassador’s residence.
To conclude the ceremony, participants were presented with commemorative mugs. One side of these had a traditional calligraphy design, and the other had the motto “Celebrating the 63rd Anniversary of Friendship between Korea and Iran” and was accompanied by the two countries’ national flags.
Through this joint exhibition, Korea and Iran celebrated the timeless beauty of calligraphy as a living bridge of friendship. The event was a powerful expression of the shared values of integrity, harmony and humanity that transcend linguistic and geographical boundaries, and beautifully demonstrated how cultural kinship can strengthen a 60-year diplomatic partnership.
Photo credit: Niloofar Aghili