It has already been 7 years since I went on a business trip to Moscow and Samara Oblast to attend an international event. I still cannot forget the fresh shock of seeing the vast plains stretching on endlessly from the airplane. Looking down from the cabin at that vast expanse of land—Russia, the largest country on Earth, which accounts for 12% of the world's land area—made me think deeply about many things.

It breaks my heart that such a beautiful and wonderful country was bruised by communist ideology and remains at war even today. Russia is truly a charming country that draws you right in. Just looking at the Volga River makes you lose your mind. Russian people are truly warm and full of affection.

One person who served as a diplomat once told me, "Among all the countries where I worked as a member of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russia was hands down the best." Now I understand what that meant. I want to visit Russia once again within the next 5 years. I have written several poems during my business trip to Russia.

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]