Over 1,500 people gathered in Seoul on Jan. 25 to celebrate Australia’s national day with an event hosted by the Australian Embassy in South Korea with a theme in recognition of the Australian Open.
The annual tennis tournament inspired fans here and abroad alike last year with the memorable sporting achievement made by Korean semifinalist Cheong Hyun.
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Australian Ambassador to South Korea James Choi plays an exhibition on a custom-built mini-tennis court during the 2019 Australian Day event, held at the Grand Hyatt Seoul on Jan. 25. (The Australian Embassy in South Korea) |
The embassy’s event, which was held at the Grand Hyatt Seoul, was designed to “reflect Australia’s core values of inclusiveness and diversity,” it said.
“Australia remains a close and long-standing friend of Korea. Our bilateral relationship is strong, based on our extensive economic and political ties and deep people-to-people links,” James Choi, the Australian ambassador to South Korea, said while delivering his opening remarks.
Distinguished guests included Korea’s Gender Equality and Family Minister Jin Sun-mee, Macquarie Capital Korea Chairman John Walker and the newly appointed goodwill ambassadors actress Park Ha-sun and her husband, actor Ryu Su-young.
During the official 2019 Australian Day event, the embassy livestreamed the Australian Open semifinals followed by a video message from Cheong.
The annual Australia Day on Jan. 26 commemorates the arrival of the first British settlers in 1788.
By Park Han-na (
hnpark@heraldcorp.com)
