Romania-North Korea: friendship during the Cold War

Photo source: 

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OsrGN7mFjso/VI544_iwqwI/AAAAAAAAcnQ/azKgTFjcQAE/s1600/Ceausescu%2Bpicture.PNG

During the Cold War, as the world was divided by the two superpowers, small countries used to make alliances/friends with other states that shared the same ideology and visions.

 Romania and North Korea started to tighten their relation by cultural, economic and diplomatic exchanges. The Romanian leader showed a lot of interest in Kim Il Sung`s political visions, the cult of personality and mass games and tried to adapt that to Romanian realities.  In fact, the north Korean regime had a lot of influence on the Romanian communist vision.

 Romanian and north Korean leader used to be very close and paying official visits during different occasions. Beginning with 1971, Romania’s leader Nicolae Ceausescu started to visit North Korea with the purpose of strengthening the political and economic cooperation between the two socialist states. 

The first official visit of General Secretary of Romanian Communist Party and the President of Romania in North Korea took place on 9^th June 1971.  Back then, the President of Romania went on a tour of Asian countries (China, Vietnam, Mongolia, Cambodia), North Korea being among them.

Photo source: https://evsvolunteersarad.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/215.jpg

While his stay in Pyeongyang, the Romanian leader was praised by Kim Il Sung that during the welcoming speech affirmed:  `Both during the Korean War and during the post-war reconstruction, Romanian brother people wholeheartedly granted us multilateral aid, disinterested, and today is actively supporting, in different sectors.’

The relationship between the two states was reflected within the Treaty of friendship and collaboration, signed by the two in 1975 during the second visit of Romanian President to North Korea which took place between 20^th and 23^rd May 1978.

On 21^st May 1978, at Moranbong stadium in Pyeongyang, President Nicolae Ceausescu participated in the festive event organized by Kim Il Sung for his Romanian guest. The huge mass gathered at the stadium, floating in the sky, four enormous balloons in red and white plaid hold the two states flags with inscriptions of 

Welcome, and Long live the friendship between North Korea and Romania.

On this occasion, Kim Il Sung, using, of course, the communist propaganda, gave a speech regarding the friendship relations between the two states:

`Companions and friends, for a long time already, Korean and Romanian people supported each other and closely collaborate’

“The current impetuous development of our countries’ relations is due to the fact that our parties promote sovereignty and respect each other. Applying in all sectors the Juche idea, our Korean people follow an enthusiast fight for accomplishing the new great objectives of the second septennial plan.

In response, President of Romania said:

`Our visit to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea represents an expression of friendship relations and collaboration between the Romanian Communist Party and North Korean Work Party. I was happy to notice that the relations between our countries continued to strengthen and grew to an exceptional extent.’

On 22^nd May 1978, the official communication between the two presidents has ended, communication during which it was agreed on the economic, technical-scientific, industrial and cultural collaboration. On 23^rd May, Kumsusan palace, the two presidents signed the Joint Declaration for the friendship strengthen, solidarity and collaboration development of the two sister states. Among the declaration’s provisions, there were: 

1. Delegations exchange and collaboration in education, culture, health, IT, tourism and sports sectors.

2. Action against the imperialism, colonialism, domination politics and any type of aggression and involvement in internal affairs, in order to ensure peace and security in the world, for achieving disarmament and bringing a new international economic and political order.

After further visits to North Korea, President Nicolae Ceausescu, and the Political Executive Committee concluded that it is beneficial for both socialist states to develop a more intense multilateral collaboration. Therefore, on 17^th April 1982, Ceausescu went on the third visit to Democratic People's Republic of Korea. On the occasion of his birthday, Kim Il Sung was decorated by Nicolae Ceausescu with the Star of the Socialist Republic of Romania, first class, by presidential decree. Romanian president used this opportunity to reinforce his support for North Koreans in the peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula.

 Among the documents signed were: Collaboration agreement for the harness of non-ferrous metal resources, Cooperation agreement for the use of nuclear energy for peaceful means, Collaboration agreement in the social security sector and Collaboration plan for the protection of health and medical sciences for 1982-1983.

During his visit to the capital of North Korea, Romanian president stated:  

‘I am sure that, during our communication, we will find, together, new ways and possibilities for raising even higher the level of these relations, suitable for the great possibilities our countries have at disposal, in the interest of the economic and social development.’

Kim Il Sung replied: `Companion Nicolae Ceausescu is our closest friend who came from Europe.’

It was discussed also the economic collaboration through expanding the production cooperation of important sectors of the national economy, including the harness of non-ferrous metal resources and the use of nuclear energy.  

Even though we could notice the propaganda in the speech of both communist leaders, one thing was sure, during the Cold War, both countries though that it was needed each other`s support in order to maintain their sovereignty as small countries had no influence on the international arena. Both north-Korean and Romanian leader were blinded by power and the cult of personality and their ambitions led to impoverish  of their countries.  

http://www.wimp.com/ceausescus-visit-to-pyongyang-north-korea-in-1971/  

My experience as a student at the North Korean Studies department

I have been living in South Korea for two years now and the most frequent question I’ve been asked by both foreigners and Koreans is: Why did you choose to study about North Korea? Sometimes I find it hard to answer, but the encouragements and thanks, I receive from south Koreans give me the strength to go forward with this crazy dream – I might say.

It is not easy to study about North Korea because we encounter so many limits/barriers and most of the time we can only guess or guide our research based on the stories/reveals of north Korean refugees.

Lately, the Government in South Korea gives more support to the Science Departments, and the humanist approaches are left behind. This change has affected the departments of North Korean Studies and now the Dongguk University is the only university to have a department of North Korean Studies.  In addition, there is one more university focused only on studying North Korea.

In general, the young people are so preoccupied about their future that majoring in north Korean Studies is not their interest. Absorbed by daily routine, south Koreans are more and more uninterested about their neighbor in the north, although there are some persons who are keen on the unification process.

If you are curious about why I chose this major, I could give many reasons.

Starting with my freshman years, I began to grow an interest in North Korea, especially from the moment I started studying the national archives about the relation between Ceausescu and Kim Il Sung. At that time, I felt very sorry that I couldn’t find enough books to read because studies on the peninsula are very hard to find. In addition, although in the ‘70s our communist leader was very heartened about the Juche ideas and how Kim Il Sung ruled his own country, no relevant study was written in Romania about the Romanian-north Korean relations.  The first reason that made me apply for this major was thus the lack of research on this topic. Another reason was that the communist regime in Romania was similar to the one in North Korea, so even if I haven’t experimented that regime (being born in the ‘90s) I was very impressed by my grandparents and parents’ stories, so I wanted to find out more.

Thus, I decided that South Korea was the ideal place where I can improve my knowledge about North Korea. It wasn’t an easy decision, but the enthusiasm made we conquer many obstacles and fears.

After I graduated in Romania, I applied for a Master’s program at Dongguk University – North Korean Studies department, with a specialization in politics for the unification. Currently, I’m in my third semester and I have to prepare for my graduation exams, as well as for my Dissertation thesis. The subject approached in my personal research (Dissertation) is about the friendly relationships between Romania and North Korean during 1965-1988.

In the group at University, we are only two foreigners, the others students being of Korean citizenship - two of them being north Korean defectors. For a year, when I had to attend classes, I noticed that there are still enough people who want to learn about North Korea – they are passionate about it and won’t let themselves discouraged by the difficulties they encounter as graduated students in North Korean Studies. I’ve learned that age or your personal background don’t matter: there is always a was as long as you have the will to continue to learn!

Although the majority of the studies are in Korean, both teachers and colleagues have always given me help and support. Being an important Department, we have a lot to read, but we all put all our effort and the classes are enjoyable. Usually, we have to prepare presentations on different subjects related to north Korea (ex. historical/ economical studies, about Juche ideology, etc.).

What impressed me the most is that everybody is interested in studying and no one is complaining or makes wrong assumptions: everyone is trying to be objective when judging the north Korean politics.

On 20 September 2016, all the students who are currently studying for Masters or Ph.D. participated at a supper to welcome the freshman students and to encourage the ones who are already involved in this journey. We rented a restaurant near to the University and for two hours we introduced ourselves, talked about why we chose this Department and about our dreams. Although I’m very far from home, I felt a warm family embrace and I was once more impressed that there are students who want to learn about North Korea. The atmosphere was very nice and the meeting ended with a toast for peace and reunification. Our Chinese friend who has just visited North Korea brought us north Korean alcohol which made this experience even more enjoyable and for a minute we felt close to our brothers in the north.

For those willing to find out more about North Korea, I kindly advise them to also apply and study here, because it will be a new and unique experience. And even though it is said that there aren’t many opportunities, I dare disagree. Currently, I’m enjoying this opportunity given to me by the Unification Minister to write about North Korea. So you just have to keep up and don’t give up, because where’s will, there is always a way!

Korean healthy food travel journal. Ipari restaurant, raw meat and other K-food stories

      

 As a foreigner who lives in Korea, I can tell that sometimes it is difficult for me to find a nice place where to eat. Korea has so many restaurants and most of them have amazing food, however, I know that Koreans only eat in very delicious places. If you want to see Koreans' review you need to access Naver and if you can not speak good Korean...well there is a problem.

So I am here to help out.

                        

 A few days ago I went with my team to a very nice restaurant called IPARI (이파리) that is situated near Hongdae (around 5minutes by car).

    There we had very delicious Korean food and also we have tried out Korean rice wine and I could swear God that so far was the  best makgeolli I have ever tried.

    The restaurant is a bit pricey but if you compare with the quality it is totally worth.
Plus once in a while, you do deserve a good and healthy Korean food, don't you?

    We had a nice Friday evening. We are 4 members and we get along very well.

    While eating we filmed. It was really fun. Kind of mogbang (먹방) experience ㅋㅋㅋ.

    We ordered lots of food.

    The first one was, of course, the drinks: Magkolii. It was so so good. I have no words to describe it...

Then we had bossam (보쌈) which is pork meat eaten with kimchi (김치).

    After we ate the first dish, we ordered raw meat. Yes, you heard it well...RAW meat... Don't get scared.. it is tasty.. tastier that it might sound. It is a very Korean dish... so you should definitely try it out if you want to get to know K-culture. Actually, this food is simple. It is made by good quality raw meat seasoned with various condiments. You have to eat it with raw yolk. It was good. I would try it again for sure.

    After these dishes, we got a very healthy dish made by seafood and vegetables. 

    And at the end, we had fish soup. This really impressed me. very healthy and as Koreans would say 시원하다 that means refreshing.

     After we finished eating we took some pictures and moved to a coffee shop where again we ordered a delicious Korean shaved ice dessert.(빙수)

      It was a great evening. Good, healthy food and nice friends. It is an awesome experience that Korean Food Foundation offered to me.

So thanks to them I will be able to explore Korean food and inform the world. Stay tuned^^~~

Ipari restaurant address: Seoul, Seodaemun-gu, Yeonhuidong 193-16 2nd floor  (서울특별시 서대문구 연희동 193-16 2층)

Here I made a short photo video with our adventure.

The influence of guerrilla war on Kim Il Sung political vision

How can we define a guerrilla? If we take a look at the dictionary a guerrilla is a member of an irregular force operating in small bands in occupied territory to harass and undermine the enemy, as by surprise raids, using unconventional, inexpensive means to get attention and generate interest.

The guerrilla experience taught Kim Il Sung the value of maintaining a united front and of using unconventional tactics against a stronger opponent.  The years Kim Il Sung spent outside his motherland had a great impact on his life experiences and decisions. Even though he and his guerrilla group had not had many great victories they succeeded in well knowing not only in North Korea but also in the Soviet Union and China. The years he dedicated to anti-Japanese war were recompensed with the acknowledging of Union Soviet and finally with the leadership of the northern part of the Korean peninsula in 1945 after he came back to Korea. When he returned to his motherland, he was seen as a guerrilla patriot with charismatic experience, commitment, and solidarity.

In this photo, Kim Il Sung was in command of Second Directional Army in Jilin, China (1938),

Photo source: http://koreanhistory.info/KimIlSungsLife.htm 

The guerrilla years is the root of Kim Il Sung`s national ideology and all his past experiences in Manchuria represent the prototype of how a political system should manage difficult situations.

Kim Sung Ju, (김성주) on his real name, after he fled with his family in Manchuria, started to be interested in participating in anti-Japanese organizations as well as in Marxist underground groups.  This led to his arrest and interrupting his studies. However, he managed to get the post of political commissar for the 3^rd a detachment of the second division.

During Chientao 5.30 Incident (that took place in 1930 May 30) the Korean communist guerrillas started a big riot against Japanese, Kim Il Sung did not play a big role, however, Korean fighters caught the attention by attacking the Japanese consulate and different enterprises.  Kim Il Sung led around 200 guerillas fighters to the city of Bochonbo in 1937 June. Even though this battle was on a small-scale it was quite daring and made the name of Kim Il Sung well know also because the Japanese portrayed him as the general of the anti-Japanese struggle. This battle is used by the propagandistic machine of North Korea to over-exaggerate the role of Kim Il Sung. It is true that it had quite a big impact and was the highest point in Kim`s career.

Between 1940 and 1941 guerrilla’s groups had to flee in the Soviet Union as the Japanese attacks intensified. Kim Il Sung got all the support from Russian communists and he received the command of the 88^소 special Brigade with 200 Koreans and around 100 Chinese. These years were decisive as Kim was respected by the Russian comrades and made him the best choice for a future leader of North Korea.

        The question is why Kim got to have so much fame during his years in Manchuria and the Soviet Union?

First of all, Kim got the trust of his older Korean comrades who chose him as their leader. During his stay at Khabarovsk Soviet, Chinese and Korean Anti-Japanese forces appointed him as the leader of Korean Task Force.

               The harsh environment in Manchuria had a great impact on Kim Il Sung. This hardship (like frozen or starved to death) made Kim and his comrades be united. Another key to their survival was the flexibility, Kim Il Sung had to adapt to new environment, he had to abide every day in order to survive. Making a living while fighting for his motherland independence made his group be brutal as well. The guerrilla years made Kim seize the all-important political power and make allies. Later on, after becoming the new leader of North Korea we can see how he got to take advantage of his guerrilla years making himself a big hero and a great fighter. He might have fought for Korean peninsula`s independence, and became a hero for his people, but it turned out that later on, he became a heartless dictator that was not afraid to kill his own allies and friends in order to maintain the power.

              Kim Il Sung was not the only Korean guerilla who fought outside Korean peninsula, however in North Korean history is used as a propaganda tool and Kim Il Sung`s guerilla`s years are putting on the light only Kim`s figure, ignoring other heroes who fought for freedom.

 

This photo is used as propaganda in North Korea showing a good looking and brave Kim Il Sung.

Photo source: 

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM-MzPhtGGNQgx26jcUnbavNSYxS3ncijuUHG_52LZrX6KzwCZvjUME9ZNO9azDdfSaZqsUo2Ucz0hJphxCV4BDPr-Sic_B-sMcTVkQKIO2TLiKKM861H25nlf3AasCI1qKBsCZlvkUin-/s1600/03.jpg

Sources:

Andrei Lankov, The Real Korea. Life and Politics in the Failed Stalinist Utopia, New York, Oxford University Press, 2015.

Lim Un, The founding of a dynasty in North Korea, translated from A secret history of the founding of a North Korea dynasty, Japan, 1982.

Scott Snyder, North Korean Behavior. Negotiation on the Edge, United States Institute of Peace, Washington, 2002.

Crab marinat in sos de soia, un deliciu al bucatariei coreene

Soia, sosul de soia, dar mai ales fermentatul diferitelor alimente reprezinta caracteristica principala a bucatariei coreene.

Nu de putin timp am descoperit ganjanggejang- crab marinat in sos de soia. Acest fel de mancare este destul de greu de mancat, mai ales de cei care nu sunt familiarizati cu fructele de mare. Crabul crud se asezoneaza cu diferite condimente si se lasa la marinat in sos de soia, care este destul de sarat.

Despre crabul marinat se spune in cultura coreeana ca este hotul de orez pentru ca atunci cand se serveste, orezul se manaca pentru a balansa cantitatea de sare din sosul de soia.

Pentru mine reprezinta deja mancarea mea favorita in Coreea si ori de cate ori am ocazia merg sa servesc cu prietenii la restaurant. Pretul este destul de scump, si in general fructele de mare sunt scumpe, insa am descoperit un restaurant unde poti  manca nelimitat. Este ca un fel de bufet.

Pentru persoanele aventuroase care doresc sa incerce ceva nou, recomand cu incredere acest fel de mancare coreeana, mai ales ca este foarte sanatos si nutritiv.

Din ce am putut observa, crabul marinat in sos de soia nu este foarte popular in ultima vreme, mai ales pentru noiile generatii. Chiar si prietenii coreeni mi-au spus ca ei nu pot manca deoarece este prea sarat, iar textura crabului crud/marinat este greu de suportat.

Restaurantul acesta este situat intr-o zona turistica si anume in Dongdaemun. Mi s-a parut amuzant ca este si take out, desi un kilogram de crab marinat este destul de scump:(.

Am mancat pe saturate. Sarut`mana pentru masa ^^~~~ 

4 months as international reporter at Ministry of Unification

It has been almost 4 months since I have started the international student report activity within the Ministry of Unification. Even back home, in Romania, I have always dreamt of getting involved in MOU activities.

After applying for a Masters’ Degree in Korea, I began looking for different activities related to my major - North Korean Studies. Searching on Facebook, I came across the information that the Ministry of Unification is looking for 20 enthusiastic international students who would be in charge of writing different articles related to the Korean Peninsula’s issues, the reunification process, etc., in both English and their mother tongue. I decided to apply for this program, even though at the beginning I was quite pessimistic about my chances. However, I received the email of acceptance which made me very happy but, at the same time, I understood there were many things I needed to learn in order to be able to carry on with my duties. So far we had many activities that allowed me to experience many new and interesting things; I was able to meet extraordinary people and visit places that helped me deepen my knowledge Korean history, unification problems, etc.

After being accepted, we had a ceremony where we met Hong Yong-pyo, Minister of Unification, and also the previous Korean students who got involved in the MOU program. During our meeting with the Minister, we got the chance to ask him questions about NK and MOU’s activities. After we took a group picture, we went to YangPyeong (a city located in Gyeonggydo) for a workshop.

Our 2 days trip was a nice experience. We met the secretary of MOU and got our business cards. Also, we got the chance to meet and talk with a NK defector. The next day, we went to a traditional Korean restaurant and, after finishing our lunches, we went to visit a history museum.

The next big event we had to participate in expo on unification event that took place in Gwanghwamun, being one of the most important events held by the MOU every year.

I entered the runway models event, where we had to wear our traditional clothes and show international support for Korean reunification. It was touching to see how many foreign students were interested in the unification of the Korean Peninsula. 

For three days, everyone was able to take part in different activities. I like the most the one that had us imagine a new flag for a united Korea. It was amazing to design a new flag and let our imagination fly. Many Korean children drew unbelievable flags which made me think that where there is will and hope good things will happen.

Besides this type of big events, we meet every month in order to talk about our articles, struggles, things we would like to improve and so on. We end our meetings with a tasty dinner.

Still, the most important experience I have had so far was my summer camp in China, along with the one day trip to the DMZ. Since I have already talked about the DMZ trip, I would like to write more about the unification leader camp. I was asked if I can participate in a camp organized by MOU in China. At the beginning I did not realize what that means but, once I got my Chinese visa, I knew there was no turning back and I was going to take part in a 6 days adventure. I can honestly say that this trip exceeded all my prior expectations.

 

Everything was so well organized, from the schedule to the rental of the bus. We were treated with great care and ate at the best Chinese restaurants. Apart from all of that, my personal benefit was that I got to learn more about Korea. Hanging out with Korean people helped me find out more about their history and culture, as well as improving my Korean skills.

For me, it was an honor to be chosen to take part in this trip to China and I am honestly thankful for the opportunity. I learned many new things and I could say this camp made me fall in love with Korean poems, especially those written by Yoon Dong Ju. Thanks to this camp, I learned about Ahn Jung Geun and about the people with Korean-Chinese parentage.

During these 4 months, I had only nice experiences and I am sure that for the remaining time (around 8 months) we will be able to learn more about Korean unification. At the same time, we must not forget to carry on our duty of letting the international community know more about Korean Peninsula’s issues.

All you have to do is stay tuned, follow our page and give us all your support. We are enthusiastic students that want to pursue their dreams of making this internship a wonderful experience in Korea.

As we are the first group of international student reporters recruited by MOU, our wish is to do a good job and to become a good example for the next year group and for the new international students.

K-style Hub, a must for a K culture lover !

                                       Are you a Hallyu Fan?

photo source: https://www.google.co.kr/search?q=k+style+hub&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi2xLj55ofPAhUBtpQKHYphCuEQ_AUICCgB&biw=1366&bih=667#imgrc=E-Hs725rGIaI4M%3A

                     Do you love Korean culture? Food? History? K-pop? 

Do you like nice people to inform you about k food, culture and events? You do not need to know Korean language because they have English, Chinese and Japanese speakers who are willing to help out.

Do you want to experience K style?

 Would you like to try out wearing a hanbok (Korean traditional clothes)? Would you like to learn how to cook Korean food? Then there you are~ you can just make a reservation for the cooking class !

Are you just a tourist? Or an expat?

Are you a Muslim? Then, there is no problem, you can even find a Muslim prayer room !! How amazing is this?

Then Kstyle Hub is the right place for you!

On the 31st of August, I got the chance to visit Kstyle Hub located in Korean Culture Building . It was very impressive !

The building is new, very clean and well organized. There are 5 floors:

On the second floor, you can find the information desk and virtual reality experience zone. Next floor is dedicated impressed me the most because there is an exposition of  Korean food history.

 On the 4th floor, you can find a cafeteria and also there is the place for the cooking class. Next floor in the place where one can buy Korean snacks, ginseng, healthy food, tea, and the most important you can try on for free Korean clothes, hanbok.

Here you can find the address if you are interested in Korean culture:

40, Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jungu-gu, Seoul.