Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye 🇹🇷
Location: 40 Dongho-ro 20na-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Written by Sean Kim
On a fine Thursday evening, I had the honor of visiting the 70-year-old Turkish Embassy, one of the oldest embassies in Korea. Inside, I was introduced to seasoned veteran Sezai Simsir, Deputy Chief of Mission.
Turkey’s ties with Korea stem from the Korean War, where Turkey lost 1060 troops, the 3rd highest casualties out of the allies. So, one of the major events the embassy participates in is Marchers Day at the Korean UN cemetery, honoring the lives sacrificed.
Turkey does not have troops in Korea, but the two countries do boast strong military cooperation, trading military gear and weapons. However, the details of this exchange are confidential. Korea also recently agreed to send 9 billion dollars in exports and investments to Turkey. This is being done through wind turbines, the expansion of the Samsung and LG market, and various other technological investments.
Diplomatically, after the major and devastating earthquake in Turkey less than a year ago, President Yoon visited the embassy and offered condolences and displayed the “blood brotherhood” between the two countries through diplomatic and economic aid.
Mr. Simsir also allowed me to ask a delicate question around Turkey’s stance on the war in Ukraine. Mr. Simsir said that Turkey has deep roots with both neighboring countries, and that while they condone Russia’s military aggression, Turkey’s role is to promote peace talks instead of taking a side. Mr. Simsir also remarked that Turkey is taking the same approach with all Middle East wars.
Mr Simsir grew up in western turkey, Ismail. He mentioned that he misses the days of optimism that he grew up with. Mr. Simsir’s experience as a diplomat includes his time in Kuwait, Brussels, and Germany.
On a final note, Mr. Simsir described his job as a diplomat to be demanding and serious, unlike the common perception of it being full of drinking champagne. It requires honor, sacrifice, and an eagerness to improve humanity. I thank Mr. Simsir for the interview (and for noticing my newly cleaned Jordan shoes), and for the Embassy of Turkey hosting the interview!
