Best of Britain celebrated at Queen’s Birthday Party
The British Embassy in Seoul today held official birthday celebrations for Her Majesty the Queen.
The British Embassy in Seoul today held official birthday celebrations for Her Majesty the Queen.
This year’s event at the Ambassador’s Residence in central Seoul was a celebration of the best of Great Britain with images and products from England, Scotland and Wales spread throughout the British Ambassador’s Residence and garden in central Seoul.
Around 600 guests from the worlds of business, politics and the media gathered to network and honour the historic partnership between the UK and South Korea.
British Ambassador to Korea Scott Wightman said:
Today, as we honour Her Majesty the Queen, we showcase the very best of Great Britain. As you enjoy a cup of English tea, a dram of Scotch whisky and marvel at the images of the stunning Welsh coastline, I hope you’ll be inspired to visit Great Britain and explore our diverse and beautiful country.
Under the banner of the GREAT Britain campaign, the UK government’s biggest ever marketing and communications initiative, guests viewed images and video clips highlighting stunning locations and attractions across England, Scotland and Wales.
World-class British products from a range of companies took centre stage.
Beefeater gin, Diaego, The Balvenie, Meantime Brewing and BrewDog provided drinks, with Deeside water, Clipper and Twinning offering non-alcoholic refreshment. Churchill’s Confectionary and SuperJam were on hand for those with a sweet tooth. Barbour and Penhaligon’s showcased the best of high-end fashion and fragrance.
Speaker of the National Assembly Chung Ui-hwa delivered the official welcoming speech. He said:
I’m very happy to join the Queen’s Birthday Party today. I can still remember with great fondness the Queen’s visit to Korea 15 years ago and the interest she showed in our culture. I’m also very grateful for the great friendship and hospitality the Queen showed when President Park visited the UK last November.
Diplomatic ties between the UK and Korea were formalised in 1883 when British diplomat William George Aston signed a treaty with Min Yong-mok in Gyeongbuk Palace. The British Embassy has stood on its current site next to Deoksu Palace since the late 19th century. Today, the countries cooperate on regional and international peace and security and have a trade relationship worth over £7bn in goods alone.