Known for its striking interior design featuring steel structures and stacked bookshelves, the Vasconcelos Library has become an iconic landmark in Mexico City. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
MEXICO CITY/SEOUL, Jun. 18 (Korea Bizwire) –Mexico City’s iconic Vasconcelos Library, drawing an estimated 1.8 million visitors annually according to Mexico’s Ministry of Culture in 2022, will soon house the Korean government’s official atlas on its shelves, showcasing the country’s geography and heritage.
The Korean Cultural Center in Mexico announced on June 17 that it has donated a Spanish-language edition of the “Atlas of the Republic of Korea” to the Vasconcelos Library, one of Mexico City’s largest public libraries.
The atlas, an official publication, provides comprehensive information about South Korea’s territory, history, culture, and natural environment. It includes details on Dokdo Island and the naming of the East Sea, offering a panoramic view of the country’s geographic, cultural, and ecological characteristics.
Recognizing the growing demand for Korean language education and interest in Korean culture within Mexico, the Korean Cultural Center also gifted 66 volumes of Korean language textbooks published by the Sejong Institute to the library.
Known for its striking interior design featuring steel structures and stacked bookshelves, the Vasconcelos Library has become an iconic landmark in Mexico City. Its unique architecture, reminiscent of a scene from the movie “Interstellar,” has gained international recognition, including among Korean visitors.
Despite housing approximately 600,000 volumes, the library’s collection of Korean-related books currently accounts for less than 1% of its holdings, according to the Korean Cultural Center.
Last year, the Association of Korean Residents in Mexico donated over 100 Korean books to the Vasconcelos Library, collected from the Korean language school and the expatriate community.
Jeon Woo-pyo, the director of the Korean Cultural Center, stated, “Last year, together with Ambassador Heo Tae-wan, we met with the director of the Vasconcelos Library and discussed active collaboration.” He added, “Moving forward, we will continue to engage with major libraries and museums in Mexico to expand our cultural exchange.”
During the book donation ceremony on June 15, various cultural activities were held, including Korean calligraphy demonstrations, K-pop cover dance performances, traditional Korean clothing experiences, and the making of rose of Sharon (mugunghwa) hand mirrors.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
