The most often used term to express the relationship between Korea and Turkey is "Blood Brother," We have a common language root of Ural Altai; we share a similar language structure. Also Turkey sent 15,000 troops to Korea during the Korean War. 
    This year is the 60th anniversary of the Korean War. Does this friendly relationship still exist? There is a Turkish student named Omar in CNU. By listening to his voice, you may get an idea.

 

 
A student from Turkey is already a famous star of CNU. 
    Omar is student ambassador and a representative of foreign student in Daejeon, so readers may have already seen his picture at many places on campus. He even appeared on the nine o'clock news and was selected as a feature of the day member of a major portal site. He is also the leader of the foreign students' soccer team. He is also doing volunteer activities such as teaching English for kids cf low-income houses. 
    What brought him to study in Korea? He wanted to study in Asia. His father has an acquaintance here, so he recommended him to study in Korea. many people in his father's age or older know about the Korean War from 1950 to 1953. Now the new generation is growing up and their sons can study in Korea.

 

 
In your generation, what is the best impression of Korea? 
    "Actually my friends and i don't know much about the history of relations between the two countries during the Korea" War or beforehand. However, Korea's active aid to Turkey during the 1999 earthquake in Istanbul is deeply engrained in our mind. Especially, the 2002 and 2006 world cup games seemed to give another chance to build up closer relationship. A group of Turkish people went to Germany to support the Korean football team." When asked about his impression of Korea before coming here, Omar answered that he thought Korean people were similar to Turkish in frank-mindedness and conservative attitude, and he liked it here. He was also fascinated by the dynamic and passionate Korean character shown in the World Cup.

 

Yes, friendship is what remains  

 
    During the interview with Omar, one of his Korean friends dropped by and greeted Omar. They said they are so close that they often make jokes. Omar, who has lived in Korea for four years, is very fluent in Korean so it is not difficult for him to share jokes with Korean friends. 
    "Meanwhile, on June 28th, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Korean War, Korean military members visited Turkey to thank war veterans and to play a friendly soccer match. In response, the Turkey military showed its hospitality to Korea with great performances. The stadium was packed with mostly Turks but they supported both teams. The excitement in the stadium was no different than any other big match. 
    Yes, even if 60 years have passed since 1950, the close relationship is still alive. It is absolutely true that friendship is what remains. 

 

By  Kim Rang CP Reporter
diana@cnu.ac.kr

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