Source: [매경춘추] 잊힌 비단길을 잇다 - 매일경제

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Alatau City, a visionary smart city near Almaty, Kazakhstan, is reawakening the ancient Silk Road’s storied past as a center of global trade and cultural fusion. Emerging in the 2nd century BCE as a trade route between the Han Dynasty and Roman Empire, the Silk Road thrived until the 16th century, with Central Asia serving as a melting pot of civilizations. Once faded, this “forgotten Silk Road” is now resurging, and Alatau City stands at its heart, blending history with innovation.

Central to this revival is the Koryo-saram community—approximately 300,000 ethnic Koreans forcibly relocated to Central Asia in 1937 by the Soviet government. Overcoming adversity, they transformed barren lands into vibrant communities, earning acclaim as a “model minority.” Uzbekistan’s president recently lauded their impact, stating their efforts were crucial to the nation’s development. These resilient descendants are now bridging ties with South Korea, their ancestral homeland, through entrepreneurial spirit and cultural pride. Their presence strengthens Alatau City’s appeal as a cultural and economic hub, reflecting a legacy of resilience that dates back generations.

With plans to integrate high-tech industries and a cultural memorial, Alatau City honors this heritage while looking to the future. Supported by South Korean urban expertise, it promises to reconnect East and West in a modern context.

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