Uruguay marks 200th independence anniversary in Seoul

An official ceremony marking the 200th anniversary of Uruguay’s independence was held on August 25 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. The event brought together Pablo Scheiner, Ambassador of Uruguay to Korea, Jung Ki-hong, Korea’s Ambassador for Public Diplomacy, former Justice Minister Park Beom-kye, as well as figures from the political, business, and diplomatic communities to celebrate bilateral friendship.

In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador Scheiner highlighted Uruguay’s democratic legacy: “For the past 200 years, Uruguay has grown on the foundations of democratic stability, respect for human rights, social justice, and adherence to international law,” he said. “Today, Korea is one of our key partners in Asia.” He reaffirmed cooperation in green hydrogen, smart agriculture, IT, and food security as expanding areas of bilateral engagement.

Ambassador Jung emphasized the enduring relevance of Uruguay’s independence motto: “Liberty or Death.” He noted, “Though Korea and Uruguay are located on opposite sides of the globe, both stand as exemplary democracies with shared historical experiences.” Citing concrete initiatives such as Hyundai Motor’s green hydrogen project, the Korea-Uruguay joint biotech research institute, and the Punta del Tigre power plant project, he stressed that “the two nations hold great potential for forward-looking industrial cooperation.”