An article by Karolína Šamánková in the Czech science magazine Vesmír reflects on the historical themes presented in the exhibition “Ruku v ruce s Koreou: (post-war) years.” The piece situates Czechoslovakia as one of the key supporters of the newly established North Korea during and after the Korean War. In addition to military and political ties, the article emphasizes the extensive assistance provided by Czechoslovakia—including a field hospital mission and membership in the Repatriation and Supervisory Commission of Neutral States.
As part of humanitarian aid, Czechoslovakia welcomed about 900 Korean war orphans and more than 700 Korean students for vocational, secondary, and university studies. After the armistice in 1953, economic and cultural exchanges continued through the late 1950s, making Korea a notable presence in Czechoslovak cultural life.
The exhibition itself brings these historical episodes to life through a combination of official images, documents, and personal materials. While some materials illustrate the enthusiastic bonds of friendship and cooperation, other items—drawn from private and archival collections—highlight the challenges of war, post-war hardship, communication barriers, and the growing political divides that became pronounced in the 1960s.
The article appears in Vesmír 105/2 and points readers toward the exhibition Ruku v ruce s Koreou, open at Kampus Hybernská in Prague until 31 March 2026, which continues to showcase this complex chapter of Czech–Korean history.