Luis Ayllón
The Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Madrid, Bahk Sahnghoon, has published an emotional letter in which he bids farewell to Spain, after concluding his mission in our country, where he arrived three years and seven months ago.
Bahk Sahnghoon, who has been intensely active in increasing relations between Spain and South Korea in all areas, says in his letter that just thinking about saying goodbye to our country and to “good Spanish friends” leaves him with “a bittersweet taste”, and affirms that his time here has been full of professional and personal joys.
“Professionally,” he recalls, “I had the privilege of pushing Korea-Spain relations towards a new phase of Strategic Partnership, which both countries have officially enjoyed since 2021. In addition, I contributed to the success of two visits of two Korean presidents to Spain, in 2021 and 2022 respectively. As well as the official visit of the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, to Korea in 2022”.
And in the economic sphere, he underlines the constant increase in trade and investment, with Spanish companies, such as Iberdrola and Ocean Winds, acting in the renewable energy sector in Korea, while Korean companies, such as Lotte Energy Materials and Hyundai Mobis, announced their investments in the area of batteries for electric cars and in the battery systems sector.
The ambassador also highlights the increase in the flow of travellers between the two countries, “which contributes significantly,” he says, “to strengthening mutual understanding and interaction between people of the two nationalities”. He points out that last year, more than 434,000 people from Korea chose to visit Spain, while approximately 34,000 Spaniards chose Korea as their destination. And he is convinced that these figures will experience sustained growth in the coming years, with the planned opening of the Turespaña office in Seoul and with more direct flights between Korea and Spain.
Bahk Sahnghoon points out that, during his stay in Spain, he has been able to immerse himself in the Spanish culture and idiosyncrasy, “which has allowed me to better understand this wonderful country,” he says. He adds that he has witnessed the dynamism of Spanish politics and the efforts of its rulers to revitalise the economy, which was severely affected by COVID-19.
On a personal level, the ambassador says that the friendships he has made with Spaniards have enriched his life and broadened his experience significantly. He says that, although he has not achieved a complete mastery of the Spanish language, he is proud that he has been able to improve his level considerably.
Afterwards, Bahk Sahnghoon points out that his travels throughout Spain have allowed him to get to know the country, learn about its history and traditions and enjoy Spanish culture, in its museums and theatres, as well as its gastronomy, without forgetting that he was able to become a pilgrim on the Camino de Santiago, something he considers “a very special and inspiring experience”.
In the relaxed and friendly tone that the ambassador has shown at all times throughout his stay in Spain, he regrets that on leaving our country he will not be able to watch live the Real Madrid matches in which Mbappé will be playing.
And he concludes his farewell in the following way: “One day someone asked me what I would like to take from Spain to Korea. I have many things: Iberian ham, olive oil, cultural heritage, the climate and the good air quality, to mention just a few of its wonders. But out of all of these, I am left with the friendships I have been fortunate enough to meet and the quality of life that Spaniards enjoy. I am deeply grateful that Spain has brought me joy, happiness and such dear friendships. I want to express my sincere thanks from the bottom of my heart to all my Spanish friends for making me feel at home. I will certainly look forward to returning to this beautiful country.
