Guatemala and Korea: Coffee and International Trade
1. History of Guatemalan coffee and its recognized quality:
Guatemalan coffee has been a national jewel since the 19th century, consolidating itself as one of the best coffees in the world. Its recognition at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1889 marked a milestone in its history. Today, it represents 5% of Guatemalan exports to South Korea, thanks to its unique aroma and flavor, as well as its sustainable cultivation methods.
2. Regions and characteristics of Guatemalan coffee:
Guatemala offers coffee from eight regions, but those from Antigua and Huehuetenango are particularly appreciated in Korea. Antigua for its balanced body and chocolate notes, while Huehuetenango offers outstanding complex and sweet flavors, with lively acidity and hints of tropical fruits.
3. Guatemalan exports beyond coffee:
Although coffee is the star product, Guatemala also exports products such as ferronickel, aluminum, fruits and electric batteries to Korea. This demonstrates the country's economic diversification and its ability to compete in the international market.
4. Free Trade Agreement between Guatemala and South Korea:
Guatemala's accession to the FTA with South Korea in January 2024 will allow 80% of products to enter the Korean market with zero tariffs, favoring the export of coffee and other goods. This agreement strengthens commercial and cultural ties between both countries.
5. The Korean community
The Korean community in Guatemala, the largest in Central America and the Caribbean, plays a fundamental role in bilateral relations. Established more than 50 years ago, this community not only encourages cultural exchange, but also economic exchange. Currently, more than 200 Korean companies operate in Guatemalan territory, taking advantage of its strategic position on the American continent. This reinforces Guatemala as an attractive destination for foreign investment and business growth, consolidating ties between both nations.
6. Cultural symbol:
Guatemalan coffee is not only an economic engine, but also a cultural symbol that unites Guatemala and South Korea. With the support of the FTA, bilateral trade has the potential to grow significantly, benefiting Guatemalan producers and reinforcing the historical and commercial ties between both nations.
Therefore, coffee not only generates crucial income for many families, but also serves as a cultural and commercial bridge between Guatemala and Korea. This product, a symbol of authenticity and excellence, reinforces the ties between both countries, positioning Guatemala as a key partner in the international market.
Guatemala and Korea: A Literary Bridge Created by Enrique Gómez Carrillo
1. Enrique Gómez Carrillo: Pioneering Chronicler and Translator
Enrique Gómez Carrillo, a Guatemalan writer and diplomat, was one of the first to bring Korean literature to the Spanish-speaking world. During his trip to the East in 1905, he found the text Printemps Parfumé in a ship's library, which narrated the classic Korean love story of Chunhyang. Through his modernist style, he reinterpreted this work, introducing it to readers in Latin America and Spain.
2. Korean Literature in Latin America
Gómez Carrillo's translation and interpretation of Printemps Parfumé marked a milestone in the introduction of Korean narrative to Latin America. Although the work reached him in French, his vision allowed it to be adapted to Spanish, awakening readers' interest in the rich Korean culture at a time when Korea was still little known in the West.
3. The Modernist Approach: A Cultural Journey
Gómez Carrillo's literary modernism reflected the exoticism and cultural richness of Korea, blending direct observation with his subjectivity. This approach not only translated a literary work, but also constructed a narrative that connected Western readers to Korean identity, highlighting its appeal and cultural complexity.
4. From Gómez Carrillo to Han Kang: A Literary Legacy
More than a century later, Korean literature continues to gain international recognition, exemplified by Han Kang's recent Nobel Prize in 2024. Gómez Carrillo's pioneering work laid the groundwork for this literary connection between Guatemala and Korea, strengthened over time thanks to diplomatic and cultural relations.
Diplomatic Relations
Enrique Gómez Carrillo played a crucial role in the rapprochement between Guatemala and Korea, using literature as a tool of cultural diplomacy. Her reinterpretation of Printemps Parfumé introduced Spanish-speaking readers to the rich Korean narrative, establishing a literary bridge that endures to this day. This legacy highlights the ability of art to unite cultures and strengthen ties between nations, especially in the context of the 62nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Guatemala and Korea.
"Guatemala: Heart of the Mayan Civilization and Cultural Link to Korea"
1. The Heart of the Mayan Civilization:
Guatemala is recognized as the cradle of the Mayan civilization, which left important advances in writing, astronomy and mathematics. Destinations such as Tikal, El Mirador and Quiriguá offer visitors a connection with history through their imposing pyramids, ancient cities and monumental stelae.
2. A Spiritual Journey through Ancestral Cultures:
The living culture of the Mayan descendants allows tourists to experience ceremonies and traditions that fuse pre-Hispanic elements with Christian influences, such as in the Chichicastenango market.
3. Antigua Guatemala: History and Coffee:
Antigua Guatemala, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, combines its rich colonial history with a vibrant cultural life and its famous high-quality coffee. The city offers a unique experience by uniting culture, history and natural landscapes.
4. Guatemalan Coffee and Its Connection to Korea:
Recognized for its quality, Guatemalan coffee is popular among Korean consumers. In addition, Guatemala has implemented Korean-language signage and educational programs that strengthen the cultural and tourism bond between the two nations.
5. Cultural Link:
Guatemala is positioned as a unique destination for cultural, historical, and natural tourism, especially for Korean travelers. With its impressive Mayan legacy, living traditions, and close ties to Korea, it offers an unforgettable experience that connects the past and the present, enriching those who venture to discover its treasures.
For more information, visit the website VisitGuatemala.gt or contact the Embassy of Guatemala in Korea.
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