Modern diplomatic relations between South Korea and Russia began back in 1990,... almost immediately after the fall of the Soviet Union.
And now, thanks in part to the World Cup being held in Russia,… cultural interaction between the two is increasing even further.
Won Jung-hwan files this report from Russia.

In the city where South Korea will play their first match at the 2018 World Cup,… South Koreans have gathered to support the squad ahead of their first game... and to promote the country's image through a unique cultural event.
Looking to enhance the relationship between the two countries,… the Korean Cultural Center in Russia hosted a Korean film festival on Sunday for Russians living in Nizhny Novogord.
Some 100 local residents experienced some Korean culture,... watching the Korean football themed movie, "On the Pitch," the perfect choice considering the World Cup action taking place in Russia.


"Our center has been organizing the year of Korean film for three consecutive years. We've been showing different movie genres to Russians for free. Not only in Moscow, but in other cities as well."

This time they have chosen Nizhny Novgorod and Rostov-on-Don... as South Korea will play their first two World Cup games in the cities.
The Russians that came along had a lot of fun.


"I watched the recent Winter Olympics held in South Korea and since then, I've been interested in Korean culture."


"I love Korean music and culture. In fact, I've been studying Korean for more than two years now."

Since September 2006, the Korean Cultural Center in Russia has been playing an important role in spreading Korean culture in the country.
For well over a decade, the center has been organizing programs related to the arts, music, literature, film and cuisine.


"With several more cultural events taking place throughout the 2018 World Cup,... the two countries will get to know each other a bit better. Won Jung-hwan, Arirang News, Nizhny Novgorod."