Dano Park in the resort town of Gangneung, Gangwon Province, was the scene of the traditional Pakistani pastime of kite flying on Friday.

Locals and international exchange students learned the basics of kite flying during a cultural festival showcasing Pakistani food, as well as introducing traditional pastimes like kite flying, at Korea’s east coast resort town on Friday.

The embassy organized the event in coordination with the Korea Pakistan Friendship Association (KOPAK), and the Pakistan Students Association.

In addition to promoting Pakistani culture, the event also marked the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Korea.

Festival goers got a taste of traditional Pakistani food and had the chance to sing a few Pakistani songs and even buy handicrafts from the South Asian country, as well as trying their hand at the subtle wrist actions involved in kite flying.

There are about 7,000 Pakistanis living, studying and working in Korea.

Pakistani Ambassador to Korea Shaukat Ali Mukadam kicked off the festival with a welcome speech. Former Korean ambassador to Korea Un Shin also participated in the opening on Friday.

Diplomatic ties were established in 1968 and raised to ambassadorial level in 1983.

(ephilip2011@heraldcorp.com)