The 2021-2022 Year of China-ROK Cultural Exchanges reflects the sincere care of leaders about relationship and the great importance they’ve been attaching to cultural exchanges between the two countries as well as the common aspiration of reinforcing exchanges and understanding among the people of the two countries. The year of 2021 is the first “Year of China-ROK Cultural Exchanges”, and next year will witness the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and ROK. Under the current pandemic ups and downs, to strengthen cultural exchanges between China and ROK is of special significance. 

The 26th China-ROK (Changchun-Ulsan) Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition, co-sponsored by Changchun Foreign Affairs Office (CCFAO) and Changchun Municipal Federation of Literary and Art Circles, was held in the Changchun Art Museum on September 29, 2021. The exhibition will last until October 15 this year. 

The China-ROK (Changchun-Ulsan) Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition is held once a year from 1995 in Changchun and Ulsan respectively. As one of the activities for the Year of China-ROK Cultural Exchanges, the exhibition at which the artists from the two countries meet with new ideas and topics not only demonstrates the status of calligraphers and painters but also brings about a chance free from pace and language restrictions for the artists to visit each other, broaden creative ideas and improve the level of artistic creations. It also serves the people to appreciate the modernness extended from the traditions and perceive the world of modesty and calmness of art. 

The organizing committee says the exhibits were collected from 252 calligraphers and painters from Changchun and Ulsan, covering calligraphy, traditional Chinese painting, oil painting, watercolor, printmaking and other art categories. Among the exhibits, more than 130 featuring rich creative forms and exquisite techniques are expected to fully show the style and development direction of calligraphy and painting of Changchun City. Due to the COVID-19, the exhibits from ROK are exhibited online. 

“Friendship between countries lies in people’s affinity, and people’s affinity lies in heart to heart”. China and ROK are close neighbors enjoying deep historical and cultural connections. The 26th China-ROK (Changchun-Ulsan) Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition is held in the context of the Year of China-ROK Cultural Exchanges. It fits the expectations of calligraphy and painting fans of the two countries and will definitely contribute to the cultural connectivity, exchanges and mutual learning of civilizations between China and ROK.