Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea

05/29/2025 | Press release | Archived content

Echo of Korean and Japanese Culture through Philosophy of Architect Itami Jun - Lecture by an expert to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic[...]

1. As part of a project to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs invited Yoo Ehwa, head of the ITM Architects, to hold an open lecture on the theme of "The Resonance of Korean and Japanese Culture through Water and Wind, Stone and Poetry - Architecture of Itami Jun" on the first floor of the annex of the Seoul Government Complex on Thursday, May 29.

* Yoo Ehwa (Director of the Yoo Dong-ryong Museum, Chairman of the Itami Jun Architecture and Culture Foundation) is working as an architect carrying on the architectural philosophy and ideas of his father, the late Itami Jun (most notable work: Jeju Ark Church).

2. Kim Sang-hoon, Director-General for Asian and Pacific Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in his greeting, "People are at the center of all relationships, and people's warmth also inspires warmth in relations between countries." He added, "I hope this 60th anniversary lecture will deepen mutual understanding between Korea and Japan."

3. Yoo Ehwa, head of the ITM Architects, explained the architectural philosophy of Itami Jun, which emphasizes modern architecture that connects historical and cultural characteristics inherent in each region, and stressed the importance of Korea-Japan architectural exchanges, saying, "From an East Asian perspective, there will be great synergy when we know what Korea has and what Japan has, and respect each other's values and strengths."

4. Yoo Ehwa then held a question-and-answer session with the audience on the message which Itami Jun and the ITM Architects would deliver, and the role of architecture in Korea-Japan relations.

※ Some videos of the lecture will be uploaded on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' social media channels (YouTube, Facebook, etc.).

5. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to make efforts to enhance mutual understanding between the people of Korea and Japan through more diverse projects, including this invited expert lecture.

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