Congratulatory Message by Ambassador Ever since my arrival to Korea in February 2001, I have noted with keen interest the growing friendship between Myanmar and Korea. To build friendship among nations, it is essential that we understand each other starting from the grass-roots level. Apart from the political and economic ties that we are often used to in traditional diplomacy, we need to explore and expand the cultural ties among us. Through understanding and appreciating each other's traditions and culture, one can build a sound and solid foundation of friendship.
Hence, I warmly welcome the photographic exhibition on Myanmar which Mr. Toh, Jin-Gyu is holding from 27 february to 5 march 2002 in Taegu citizen-hall.
His photographs depict various scenes of the 'Inle Lake' and its inhabitants in the Shan Static of Myanmar. The photographs were taken during the rainy season which adds a new dimension to the beauty of the scenes. The people of 'Inle Lake' lead their own unique way of life. They life on the lake, fish in the lake and cultivate fruits and vegetables on man-made floating islands. Their market is a floating market where people sell and buy daily necessities on boats. The way they row their boats is also unique. Standing on the stern of the boat, they row using one leg. They even have small cottage industries such as weaving, especially silk and making handicrafts. Being devout buddhists, they revere the 'Phaung Daw Oo Pagoda' situated on an island in the lake. Once a year on the full moon day of Thadingyut(sometime in October), they hold a grand religious ceremony in honour of the five Buddha images enshrined in the pagoda by conveying them on a specially built royal barge to villages around the lake so that villagers may pay their respects and worship the Buddha images.
Mr. Toh has bought out the photos in an excellent manner that I have to congratulate him. I also thank him for organizing this exhibition which I am sure the public in Taegu will appreciate.
I wish Mr. Toh every success not only in his business venture but also in his profession of photography.
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