I am Park Seahee from the Republic of Korea. Did you know that this year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and the African country of Lesotho? To celebrate this special occasion, an event was held in Lesotho. So today, I would like to introduce you to Lesotho.
The official name of Lesotho is the Kingdom of Lesotho, and it is a member of the Commonwealth. It covers an area of about 30,355 square kilometers, and its capital city is Maseru. The Basotho people make up about 99.7% of the population. There are also small communities of Europeans and Asians. Interestingly, about ten Koreans live in Lesotho as well. The official languages are Sesotho and English, and Christianity is the main religion, with traditional beliefs also existing alongside it.
One of the most interesting things about Lesotho is its unique location. It is a completely landlocked country that is entirely surrounded by South Africa. In fact, Lesotho is the only independent country in the world whose entire territory is located more than 1,000 meters above sea level. Because of its high altitude and beautiful mountains, it is often called the “Kingdom in the Sky.”
Lesotho has a unique culture and a strong sense of community. One important concept is “Botho,” which emphasizes helping one another, sharing, and living together as a community. During the 60th anniversary celebrations, Botho was compared with the Korean concept of “jeong,” which represents a deep sense of affection and connection between people. Traditional Korean performances and Basotho performances were also held together, creating an opportunity for the two cultures to meet and share their traditions.
Another famous part of Basotho culture is the Basotho blanket. Because Lesotho has a high-altitude and relatively cold climate, blankets have traditionally been important for keeping people warm. Today, Basotho blankets are also an important symbol of the country’s culture and identity. They come in various colors and patterns and are often worn around the shoulders as part of traditional clothing.
Korea and Lesotho have also maintained friendly relations for the past 60 years. Korea has supported Lesotho in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, and education. More recently, the two countries have been expanding their cooperation into areas such as digital technology and artificial intelligence.
After learning more about Lesotho, I realized that it is much more than simply a small country in Africa. Its unique geographical location, high mountains, snowy winters, and strong sense of community make it a fascinating country. Most importantly, as this year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Lesotho, I hope that the friendship between the two countries will continue to grow in the future.
