(K-Talk) Indian ambassador inspired by S. Korea’s ‘too many to count’ scenic landscapes

The superfast internet and its wide accessibility were not the only things that took Indian Ambassador Amit Kumar by surprise when he began his new post in South Korea two years ago. The abundant and diverse natural landscapes, both in cities and rural areas, and their scenic views harmoniously blending tradition and history, captivated him so much that he has devoted some of his off-hours to his passionate hobby -- photography. "South Korea has beautiful landscapes. The manner in which South Korea has blended traditional architectural spaces with modern architecture, and integration of green spaces in urban areas are both worth drawing lessons from," Kumar said in a recent written interview with Yonhap News Agency. Kumar took office as India's ambassador to South Korea in September 2022. Before taking up his current assignment, Kumar served as consul-general in Chicago and as deputy chief of mission at the Indian Embassy in Washington, as well as holding other positions in Tokyo and Beijing. This photo, provided by the Indian Embassy in Seoul on Aug. 21, 2024, shows Indian Ambassador Amit Kumar, posing by autumn leaves at a garden near Cheong Wa Dae, the former presidential compound in central Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) This photo, provided by the Indian Embassy in Seoul on Aug. 21, 2024, shows Indian Ambassador Amit Kumar, posing by autumn leaves at a garden near Cheong Wa Dae, the former presidential compound in central Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) Apart from Seoul, Kumar said, he has visited other regions, from the country's second-largest city of Busan and its neighboring city of Gimhae in the southeast, to the southern resort island of Jeju and the popular scenic Mount Seorak in the eastern province of Gangwon. "As an avid photographer, I must add that there are numerous spots, too many to count, in South Korea that would delight any photographer," Kumar said. Kumar said that he has enjoyed the vibrant energy of Korea's natural landscape, historical monuments, and numerous Buddhist temples, some situated in relatively secluded but picturesque landscapes. "Enjoying four distinct seasons is an added bonus," he said. Trekking is another hobby of his, although he has not been able to commit to it as much as he would like. "However, I have enjoyed my regular hikes up Mount Nam, situated close to my residence, two or three times a month," Kumar said. The 270-meter-high peak in central Seoul is known for walking trails and its famous view of Seoul's downtown skyline. While South Korea's reputation as an advanced economy with excellent infrastructure and technologies is "well-deserved," Korea has been a "very welcoming and comfortable place" for him and his family, the ambassador said, and not to mention the food, of course. This photo, provided by Indian Ambassador to South Korea Amit Kumar, captures the view of a village from Bomun Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Korea, located on Mount Sanbang, in Seogwipo, Jeju Island. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) This photo, provided by Indian Ambassador to South Korea Amit Kumar, captures the view of a village from Bomun Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Korea, located on Mount Sanbang, in Seogwipo, Jeju Island. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) "Both my family and I have been enjoying Korean cuisine for a few years now. I particularly enjoy the balance of flavors and use of fresh ingredients in Korean cuisine," he said. Kumar picked as favorites haemul sundubu (spicy soft tofu stew with seafood), haemul jeon (fritter with sliced or minced seafood and vegetables), samgyetang (traditional ginseng chicken soup), and "chimaek" -- a pairing of fried chicken and beer widely served at social get-togethers. As ambassador, Kumar stressed the importance of expanding cultural exchanges, introducing the annual Sarang Festival hosted by the Indian Embassy in Seoul as a representative public diplomacy channel. "We have been introducing the rich cultural heritage of India, including classical dance, music, arts, films and cuisine among Kor ean friends," he said, calling the shared heritage of Buddhism and practice of yoga important cultural connections between the two countries. This photo, provided by Indian Ambassador Amit Kumar, shows the Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan, some 325 kilometers southeast of Seoul. The village, perched on a hillside, is where refugees settled during the 1950-53 Korean War. Busan has turned the site into a sightseeing attraction and the place is now known as a popular tourist spot. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) This photo, provided by Indian Ambassador Amit Kumar, shows the Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan, some 325 kilometers southeast of Seoul. The village, perched on a hillside, is where refugees settled during the 1950-53 Korean War. Busan has turned the site into a sightseeing attraction and the place is now known as a popular tourist spot. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) Having lived in Korea for the past two years, Kumar said he has found a lot of similarities between Koreans and Indians. "Particularly , when it comes to family and societal values, including the emphasis on education, family ties and solidarity," he said. "We have found Korean friends are sincere and hardworking people. Their dynamism, their commitment to innovation and excellence, while also celebrating their cultural heritage are noteworthy," Kumar said. The "Miracle on the Han River" -- a term used to describe Korea's rapid economic rise from the ashes of the 1950-53 Korean War -- as evidenced by South Korea's prowess in advanced manufacturing and technology, is admired by India, Kumar added. Source: Yonhap News Agency