'Commonality between India and South Korea boosting ties'

India and South Korea have so many commonalities that can enhance their friendship, South Korean Ambassador Hyun Cho said on Tuesday during a quiz competition organised by Korean Cultural Centre (KCC) for school students of the Delhi NCR, an event that could have an extended footprint next year.

"Both the countries have never invaded any of their neighbouring countries," Hyun pointed at one of the commonalities between the two nations.

"Like in India, in South Korea also, people aspire for success and they work very hard for that," he said, adding: "You have yoga, we have taekwondo, not just as a physical practice but also mind control."

A staggering 12,492 students from more than 50 schools in Delhi NCR took part in various levels of the competition, organised to help them imbibe knowledge about various aspects of South Korea.

As part of this, students were exposed to the history, traditions, cuisine and general knowledge about the country.

The top four winners of the quiz will undertake a six-day trip to South Korea.

"I would encourage you all to visit Korea. I do wish to invite Korean students to India to build friendship," Hyun said.

KCC India director Kim Kum-pyoung appreciated the effort of the students.

"I think this is the best way to learn about Korea and to build relations between the two nations. Students who participated in the competition will become friendship builders in the future," Kim told IANS.

"I am impressed by their knowledge and the efforts they put for the competition," he said, adding: "Next year, we will arrange more funds and expand it to other cities in the country."

--IANS

mg/vm