President Lee makes surprise visit to Santiago's 'Korea Street', confirms K-beauty popularity

During his official visit to Chile, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung made a special stop at Santiago's 'Korea Street' alongside his wife, Kim Hye-kyung. The visit provided an opportunity to connect with the local Korean diaspora and witness firsthand the cultural ties between the two nations.

Located in the Patronato district, 'Korea Street' spans approximately 600 meters and is home to the Korean-Chilean Association and various Korean businesses. This initiative, spearheaded by the Korean-Chilean Association, received official approval from the local municipality and council, further solidifying its status. President Lee's visit is expected to lend additional momentum to the designation and development of this symbolic space.

Greeted by expatriates and residents waving South Korean flags, President Lee was welcomed with enthusiastic cheers of "Welcome!" and "We welcome you!" One expatriate expressed their deep emotion by singing the South Korean national anthem. The presidential couple visited local eateries, including a snack bar and a Korean barbecue restaurant run by Korean residents, offering words of encouragement to the business owners.

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Korean cosmetics are in steady demand.

President Lee personally inquired about the taste of Korean food with citizens dining at a restaurant. He also visited a pharmacy, where he examined Korean cosmetics on display and asked about the popularity of K-beauty in the region. A pharmacy representative confirmed a consistent rise in consumer demand for Korean beauty products.

According to presidential spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong, the addition of 'Korea Street' complements the nearby 'Street of Seoul,' established in 2022. Together, these areas now serve as significant landmarks showcasing the friendship and exchange between South Korea and Chile, as well as the history of the Korean community in Chile. The Korean-Chilean Association plans to further develop these streets into a Korean-themed cultural hub, enhancing the area's appeal and promoting Korean culture through initiatives like environmental improvement projects.

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The addition of 'Korea Street' complements the nearby 'Street of Seoul,' established in 2022. Together, these areas now serve as significant landmarks showcasing the friendship and exchange between South Korea and Chile, as well as the history of the Korean community in Chile.