Ginseng, porcelain, and a Korean-style dinner. How South Korea welcomed Mirziyoyev

Ginseng, porcelain, and a Korean dinner. How South Korea welcomed Mirziyoyev

The President of South Korea, Lee Jae-myung, prepared several special gifts and program elements for the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who arrived in the country on a state visit. Among them were red Korean ginseng for the President and a white porcelain item with silver for First Lady Ziroat Mirziyoyeva.

According to SBS News, red ginseng was chosen as a symbol of wishes for health and well-being for the Uzbek leader. For Ziroat Mirziyoyeva, a white porcelain piece with silver elements was prepared, reflecting the traditional aesthetics of Korea.

As part of the state visit, a number of symbolic gestures of attention were also prepared in Seoul. The flags of South Korea and Uzbekistan were displayed on the facade of the Lotte World Tower. Welcoming messages in Korean and Uzbek appeared on the electronic board of the government complex in Seoul.

Special attention was also paid to the official welcoming ceremony. President Mirziyoyev was accompanied by about 70 members of the traditional guard of honor and military band. Another 280 service members lined the route, including representatives of the guard of honor from three branches of the armed forces.

In addition, a delegation of 30 children, including ten children from Uzbekistan, came out to welcome the Uzbek president.

For the state dinner, the Korean side prepared a menu featuring traditional dishes and ingredients. In this way, the organizers emphasized the cultural closeness of the two countries through cuisine.

The dinner began with a cold lobster and scallop salad with pomegranate sauce. Guests were then served tarakjuk—a traditional milk porridge—with sweet pumpkin and dates.

The main courses were seasoned Hanwoo Korean beef tenderloin in the "neobiani" style and marinated lamb ribs. The menu also included Icheon-style rice and dakgomtan—a traditional Korean chicken soup.

For dessert, crème brûlée with fruit and dried persimmon from Sangju was served. This was complemented by three types of drinks, including the traditional Korean beverage "Pungjeong Sagye Chun."

The state dinner was part of the program of Mirziyoyev's visit to South Korea, where the parties are discussing the development of political, economic, and humanitarian ties within the framework of the "Central Asia – Republic of Korea" business summit.