Finding friendship on the road from Seoul to TokyoーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Normalization of Diplomatic Relations: The formal establishment of peaceful and cooperative ties between Japan and South Korea, marking 60 years since this event.
• Choson Toninsa (Joseon Missions to Japan): Historical diplomatic missions sent from Korea to Japan between the 17th and 19th centuries, aimed at restoring relations damaged by Japanese invasions.
• Culinary Exchange: The sharing and experiencing of food and cooking traditions between different cultures.
• People-to-People Diplomacy: The idea that individual connections and interactions can foster understanding and improve relations between nations, even when official relations are strained.
• K-pop Culture: A significant aspect of modern South Korean cultural influence, particularly evident in areas like Osaka's Korea town.

Cycling Expedition: Reconnecting Japan and South Korea

This YouTube video transcript details a 16-day, 800-kilometer cycling expedition undertaken by 30 cyclists from Japan and South Korea. The journey, which began in Hangan Park, Seoul, and concluded in Tokyo, was organized to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The expedition aimed to revisit the historical routes of the Choson Toninsa (Joseon Missions to Japan), diplomatic missions that traveled from Korea to Japan between the 17th and 19th centuries.

Historical Significance and Future Outlook

The Choson Toninsa were crucial in restoring relations between Korea and Japan, which had been severely damaged by Japan's invasions of Korea in the late 16th century. These missions involved approximately 500 envoys traveling for over half a year, visiting major Japanese cities and introducing Korean arts and academic knowledge.

Organizers emphasized that while the ride has deep historical significance, the focus is on the future. The analogy of the two nations being "like two wheels working together, the same as a bicycle moving forward" was used to describe the spirit of this cooperative program, acknowledging the historical "ups and downs" in South Korea-Japan relations.

On-the-Road Experiences and Cultural Exchange

Arrival in Osaka: After a week on the road, the cyclists reached Osaka. They visited a temple that historically provided lodging for the Choson Toninsa. A notable aspect of their experience was a culinary exchange, with Japanese cooks expressing surprise at the Korean envoys' traditional cooking methods, such as roasting whole sheep or preparing chicken dishes.

Participant Perspectives:

• Morim Miki, a 41-year-old participant from Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, is a former professional track cyclist and now volunteers as a Korean guide. Her interest in South Korea was sparked in 2019 when she accompanied her son to Seoul. Despite encountering anti-Japan sentiment and boycotts of Japanese goods at the time, she was deeply impressed by the kindness of the people she met, which inspired her to learn Korean. She realized that her personal experience of South Korea differed significantly from the portrayal in the news.
• Cho Minsuk, a cyclist from South Korea, highlighted how spending time together has fostered awareness of cultural differences. He stated, "Even if we can't have indepth conversations, There's a strong sense that we're all in this together on our way to Tokyo. I think we've built a really good relationship."

Osaka Activities: The group also experienced Osaka's Teno-ji festival, which recreates ancient exchanges between the two countries. They explored the city's Korea town, a hub for K-pop culture with a long-standing Korean community.

Conclusion of the Expedition

Arrival in Tokyo: After two weeks, the cyclists arrived in the Japanese capital, Tokyo, with high spirits. The experience was described as a realization that "even if relations between countries can feel too big for us to influence, on an individual level, we can truly connect and build real friendships." This project was deemed important for reflecting on how to build the next 60 and even the next 400 years of South Korea-Japan relations.

The cyclists concluded that, despite historical challenges, the two nations can thrive by moving forward together, reinforcing the idea of people-to-people diplomacy as a vital component in fostering lasting friendship and cooperation.