Discover the 'Thai-Korea Trail' in Khao Yai National Park
The Korean Embassy and Korean Cultural Center inaugurated the Korean trail, marking the first in Asia.
On November 24, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, with Charge d'affaires Ham, Jeonghan, and the Korean Cultural Center, under the direction of Cho, Jae Il, hosted the opening ceremony of the Thai-Korea Friendship Trail at the Heo Narok Trail in Khao Yai National Park.
This event celebrates the completion of the Thai-Korea Friendship Trail, a new path in the park commemorating the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the strategic partnership between Korea and Thailand.
The Embassy and the Center collaborated with the Korea National Park Service and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation in Thailand for the renovation of the trail starting in 2022. Renovation efforts included removing old facilities, replacing bridges and shelters, painting the observatory and stair railings, and establishing a new trail entrance featuring Korean elements such as a square pavilion, traditional gate, stone wall, Sotdae (traditional pole), and paving work.
This marks the fifth 'Friendship Trail' with a foreign country in Khao Yai, following trails with the US, Switzerland, Germany, and Canada, and notably the first trail with an Asian country.
The opening ceremony was attended by over 100 guests, including representatives from Korean governmental agencies and companies in Thailand, as well as officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Prachinburi Province, and AMATA Corporation.
The event kicked off with the 'Gilnori' performance, a Korean-style traditional parade with musical instruments, expressing good wishes for all participants. Mr. Ham, Jeonghan, Charge d'affaires of the Korean Embassy, expressed his hopes for increased cooperation between Korea and Thailand, creating a synergy effect similar to the beauty of the 'Thai-Korea Friendship Trail' blending with Thailand's natural scenery, during his opening speech. Songkiat Tatayanont, Deputy Director General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation, read a congratulatory message in response.
Following the ribbon cutting, a 'Gilnori' parade with flags from both countries took place. Participants walked the trail together and had the opportunity to experience Korean crafts, including making bracelets using traditional knots, provided by the Korean Cultural Center.
Cho, Jae Il, the director of the Center, expressed his hopes, saying, "The Heo Narok Nature Trail is the most popular trail in the park due to its beautiful scenery. I hope many people will visit the 'Thai-Korea Friendship Trail' in the near future."
