204th anniversary of Guatemala’s independence marked in Seoul

In order to mark the 204th anniversary of Guatemala’s independence, the Embassy of Guatemala in Seoul hosted an official diplomatic reception late last week.

The event gathered representatives of the Korean government, members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Seoul, the Honorary Consuls of Guatemala in Busan and Pohang, distinguished leaders from the business, cultural, and academic sectors, as well as members of the Guatemalan community residing in Korea.

Among the diplomats in attendance were Amb. Susana Vaz Patto (Portugal), Amb. Mathias Francke (Chile), Amb. Pablo Ernesto Scheiner Correa (Uruguay), Amb. Paul Fernando Duclos Parodi (Peru), Amb. Miguel Ángel Ubaldino Romero Álvarez (Paraguay), Amb. Sindiswa Ntombolimo Mququ (South Africa), Amb. Patricio Esteban Troya Suarez (Ecuador), and Amb. Julio Herráiz (Spain).

The ceremony was presided over by Amb. Sara Angelina Solís Castañeda of Guatemala, who in her remarks honored the historic significance of the day while highlighting the strength of Guatemala–Korea relations.

She described Korea as “a strategic partner and a close friend,” noting in particular Guatemala’s recent accession to the Protocol and the forthcoming entry into force of the SICA–Korea Free Trade Agreement, which she said will open new opportunities for exchange, cooperation, and investment.

Amb. Solís also reflected on Guatemala’s cultural and historical identity. The country’s national name, derived from “Guauhitemala” (meaning “land of trees”), reflects its lush landscapes.

Known as the birthplace of the Mayan civilization, Guatemala is two-thirds mountainous and enjoys a temperate climate throughout the year—earning it the title “El país de la eterna primavera” (The Land of Eternal Spring).

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1962, Korea and Guatemala have deepened cooperation across political, economic, cultural, and academic fields, according to Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In recent years, Guatemalan interest in Korean culture, including the Korean Wave (Hallyu), has grown significantly, with Korean content now featured in both public and private educational materials.

At the reception, Amb. Solís emphasized the role of culture as a bridge of unity between nations.

She recalled that this year, Guatemala and Korea jointly hosted two exhibitions on Tak’alik Ab’aj, a Mayan archaeological site designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023.

In a symbolic gesture, the Ambassador wore a traditional Mayan ceremonial huipil, an ancestral garment of deep historical and spiritual significance, representing Guatemala’s cultural identity and rich textile heritage.

Speaking on behalf of the Honorary Consulates, Jeon Jang-yeol, Honorary Consul of Guatemala in Pohang, reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening ties of friendship, trade, and cooperation with Korea.

Guests also enjoyed a showcase of Guatemalan culture, including marimba music performances—the marimba was declared Cultural Heritage of the Americas by the OAS in 2015—screenings of Guatemalan tourism videos, and a tasting of traditional Guatemalan cuisine paired with Geisha coffee, a specialty variety internationally acclaimed and popular in Korea.

The Embassy noted that in October 2025, Guatemala and the Republic of Korea will celebrate the 63rd anniversary of diplomatic relations, showing the deep and enduring bonds between the two nations.

Amb. Solís also stressed the significance of Guatemala’s Korean community, numbering more than 7,000 people—the largest in Central America and the Caribbean, and the fourth largest in Latin America.

This long-standing presence, along with about 200 Korean companies currently operating in Guatemala, reflects the rich cultural, commercial, and social exchanges between the two countries.