Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, at the invitation of her counterpart Minister YuIn-Chon, addressed the awards ceremony of the 1st International Webtoon-2024 World Webtoon Awards- organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea. Ulysses Theodoratos received the first prize for his Tomahawk Angel 2, published by one of the largest American comic book companies, Dark Horse Comics, in collaboration with TAPAS Entertainment. Ulysses has been awarded for his Manga-style books, attracting a large international audience. The recognition of his work, with first prize at the 1st International Webtoon Competition -2024 World Webtoon Awards- in Seoul, opens up new perspectives for him.

The Minister of Culture held a working meeting with Vice President Jeong-Ik Lee and the scientific team of the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI). The Ministry of Culture aims to use ETRI’s expertise in upgrading cultural sites by integrating new technological services for visitors, as well as enhancing their extroversion and promotion through metaverse applications.

Lina Mendoni, during her visit to the Geoksugung Palace, had the opportunity to see its affinity with the Palace on the former royal estate in Tatoi. Geoksugung – included in the UNESCO World Heritage List – was inhabited by members of the Korean royal family during the Joseon monarchy, until 1910. The architecture of the imperial abode is inspired by elements of ancient Greek architecture. Today, it is used as a museum of itself with its furnishings on display as when the imperial family inhabited it.During the workshop with the Director General, promotion issues were discussed, including the exchange of experts and best practices. The Minister was accompanied by the Greek Ambassador to Seoul, Ekaterini Lupa, the Director General of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage, Dr. Olympia Vikatou, and officials of the Ministry of Culture.

The Minister of Culture visited the Metropolitan of Korea and the Most Reverend Archbishop of Japan, Mr. Ambrosius, who also serves as a professor at the Department of Greek and Balkan Studies at Hankuk University. They exchanged views on issues of concern to the Metropolis.

Finally, Lina Mendoni, concluding her visit to the Republic of Korea, visited the Demilitarized Zone, which separates the two states, on the Korean Peninsula. In the area where she was received by members of the UN Peacekeeping Force for the creation of conditions for permanent peace, among the flags of the states that took part in the Korean War, the Greek flag was raised for the participation of Greek soldiers and officers in the Korean War and the loss of 194 of them. The Minister of Culture was accompanied by the Defence Attaché at our Embassy in Seoul, Mr. Eustratios Fintikakis.