Exclusive interview with the Spouse of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Korea.

Morocco, a captivating nation located at the crossroads of Africa and Europe, is a land of remarkable cultural diversity and timeless charm. From the bustling medinas of Marrakech and Fez to the serene beauty of the Moroccan Sahara Desert and the Atlantic coastline, Morocco harmoniously blends ancient traditions with modern aspirations. Known for its rich history, exquisite architecture, and world-renowned hospitality, the country has long served as a bridge between civilizations — Arab, Amazigh, and European influences intertwining to form a unique national identity.

Leila Chelly is a woman of compassion and conviction, guided by curiosity, openness, and a deep sense of sharing. As the spouse of the Ambassador of His Majesty the King of Morocco to the Republic of Korea, H.E.Dr. Chafik Rachadi, she embodies with grace and simplicity the spirit of dialogue between cultures.

Residing in Seoul for the past nine years, she is committed to building bridges between Moroccan and Korean traditions, convinced that the encounter of differences is an inexhaustible source of mutual enrichment.

A devoted mother and an engaged woman, Leila strongly believes in the values of kindness, authenticity, and transmission. She places great importance on human relationships, solidarity, and the beauty of everyday gestures. Discreet yet determined, she moves forward with gentleness in a world that often rushes, guided by a simple philosophy: to do good, to inspire those around her, and to remain faithful to what truly matters.

Rooted in a longstanding tradition of international engagement, Morocco continues to assert its leadership in diplomacy, culture, and sustainable development, strengthening its ties with nations across the globe, including the Republic of Korea. To delve deeper into Morocco’s cultural heritage, diplomatic vision, and the warm bilateral ties between Morocco and Korea, Joy Cho, Co-Chair of Seoul City Magazine, sat down for an exclusive interview with Mrs. Leila Chelly, Spouse of the Ambassador of His Majesty the King of Morocco to the Republic of Korea.

Question: Could you please introduce yourself ?

Answer: I’m Leila Chelly, spouse of the Ambassador of His Majesty the King of Morocco to the Republic of Korea, where we have had the honor of representing our country in our first diplomatic mission, an experience that has been both enriching and deeply inspiring.

Proud mother of three children, I take a particular interest in well-being, education, environmental preservation, and the role of women in society. This diplomatic journey has been an exceptional human experience for me, a rare opportunity to discover a fascinating culture and to build sincere and meaningful ties between the Moroccan and Korean peoples.

I strive to represent my country abroad with kindness, generosity, authenticity, and gratitude, upholding the values of tolerance, openness, and mutual respect that define Morocco. Driven by the conviction that cultural exchange is a source of mutual enrichment, I deeply believe in the power of sharing, dialogue, and transmission as foundations for building lasting bridges between nations.

Q: Could you share with us any UNESCO World Heritage sites, national artistic achievements, or notable hereos from your country ?

A: Morocco is a country with a history spanning several millennia, a crossroads of civilizations and a land where cultures meet in harmony. At the heart of this cultural radiance stands His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, visionary and architect of modern Morocco. Under His enlightened leadership, the Kingdom has affirmed its plural identity while embracing a forward-looking dynamic.

His Majesty continually works to promote intercultural and interfaith dialogue, to safeguard national heritage, and to advance sustainable development grounded in social justice and human dignity. His approach, rooted in history yet open to the future, has made Morocco a recognized model of tolerance, peace, and coexistence on the international stage.

Guided by this Royal vision, numerous Moroccan artists, scholars, thinkers, and creators today contribute to the global influence of a Morocco that is open, innovative, and proudly hopeful, where culture remains the most noble bridge between peoples.

Morocco is a land where history breathes through its stones, its cities, and its landscapes. Its exceptional heritage, celebrated around the world, is reflected in nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites each bearing witness to the spiritual, artistic, and architectural soul of the Kingdom.

In Fez, the winding alleys of the ancient medina reveal a sanctuary of knowledge and spirituality, home to AL Quaraouiyine, considered one of the oldest continuously operating universities in the world. Further south, Marrakech unfolds like a living tapestry of colors its souks, palaces, and the timeless echo of Jemaa el-Fna Square drawing travelers into its vibrant rhythm.

Crossing the Atlas mountains, the Ksar of Aït Ben Haddou rises from the desert like a golden mirage, its earthen walls telling centuries of caravans and nomadic passage. In Meknès, the monumental gates and grand ramparts recall the ambition and elegance of Sultan Moulay Ismaïl, while the Roman ruins of Volubilis speak of an even more ancient chapter, where exquisite mosaics still whisper the stories of empires long gone.

To the north, the medina of Tétouan reflects the graceful dialogue between Morocco and Andalusia, while on the Atlantic coast, the Portuguese City of El Jadida preserves the memory of maritime encounters, its stone cistern shimmering like a poem of light. Not far away, Essaouira, with its ocean breeze and artistic spirit, continues to embody an enduring culture of openness and tolerance.

And finally, Rabat the modern capital and historic city stands as a living tribute to Morocco’s journey : a harmonious balance between heritage and renewal, tradition and forward-looking vision.

Morocco, a monarchy with twelve centuries of history, is a land where heritage and modernity walk hand in hand. Its identity draws strength from diversity, dialogue, and the deep-rooted values of hospitality and dignity. Through culture, Morocco continues to build bridges that unite rather than divide. And it is in this spirit of openness and shared humanity that we invite the world to discover our story.

Q: How has your experience been living in Korea ? What aspects of Korean culture have you found most meaningful or enjoyable ?

A: My experience living in Korea, where I have had the privilege of residing for nine years, has been an extraordinary human and cultural journey. These years have deeply shaped me and allowed me to discover, beyond appearances, the true essence of Korean society, one built on discipline, resilience, and a strong sense of community.

What has particularly fascinated me is the way modernity flourishes in Korea without ever breaking away from its millennia-old traditions. In daily life, one can feel this constant search for harmony between technological innovation and cultural heritage: the quiet elegance of a hanok standing among skyscrapers, the serenity of a traditional tea ceremony, the poetic beauty of a calligraphed character. This balance between past and future, so distinctive of Korea, has been a continuous source of inspiration for me.

I was also deeply touched by the genuine respect Koreans show toward their elders and their unshakeable attachment to family, values we profoundly share in Morocco. I equally admire the remarkable civic spirit that prevails in Korea, that sense of everyday safety where one can leave personal belongings unattended without fear, a reflection of a society grounded in trust, integrity, and respect for others.

In these shared values, I have seen clear evidence that, despite the geographical distance, our peoples are united by a common humanity, a shared dignity, and a mutual belief in the importance of hard work and respect.

Q: Have you been involved in any cultural exchange or charitable activities during your stay in Korea ? If so, could you tell us about them ?

A: These nine years spent in Korea have been far more than a diplomatic assignment, they have been a genuine human journey, woven with solidarity, cultural exchange, and sincere friendship. Every experience here has allowed me to deepen mutual understanding between our two peoples and, in my own way, to reinforce the ties of respect and esteem that unite Morocco and Korea.

I had the privilege of participating in several meaningful initiatives, including Charity Bazaars organized by the Seoul International Women’s Association (SIWA), the Korea Down Syndrome Society (KDS), and the Korea Red Cross, in support of various local social causes. These moments of sharing, during which I presented Moroccan handicrafts, were valuable opportunities to highlight the generosity and craftsmanship of my country, in a spirit of openness and solidarity.

On the cultural level, I had the honor of representing Morocco at major events such as the Seoul Africa Festival, the Arab Cultural Festival, and the Hi-Seoul Friendship Fair, which introduced the Korean public to the diversity and richness of Moroccan heritage.

As a former Vice-President of the Association of Ambassadors’ Spouses (A.S.A.S.), I also contributed to the humanitarian and social initiatives led by the association in Seoul, while participating in programs organized by the Corea Image Communication Institute (CICI), Morocco–Korea joint economic events, as well as the Global Costume Festival hosted in cooperation with the Korea Cultural Association (KCA).

Among the most memorable moments of my stay, I hold a special emotion for my visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace a powerful symbol of Korean history as well as my visit to the Blue House, which allowed me to experience the living heritage of Korean leadership and tradition.

I also cherish my participation in various cultural and press features that helped promote Morocco and reflect the deep friendship that unites our two nations.

These experiences have enriched me profoundly. They remind us that the diplomacy of the heart is as essential as formal diplomacy: it is expressed through acts of solidarity, culture, and humanity, those gestures that bring people closer together and build lasting bridges between cultures.

Q: What message would you like to share with the Korean people about your country ?

A: Morocco is, above all, a land of welcome, a crossroads where African, Arab, Amazigh, and Andalusian cultures bloom together in harmony. A kingdom proud of its heritage and confident in its future, where tolerance and respect for one another form the very breath of our identity.

I warmly invite our Korean friends to discover Morocco not only with their eyes, but with their hearts, to let themselves be carried by the enchantment of our imperial cities, to wander through the scented alleyways of Rabat, Casablanca, Fez and Marrakech, to watch the sun set slowly over the golden dunes of the Moroccan Sahara, and to breathe the crisp, pure air of the Atlas Mountains.

Morocco is the soft sweetness of mint tea shared beneath a sky full of stars, the serene blue embrace of Chefchaouen, the gentle sea breeze of Essaouira, and the warmth of a smile that speaks beyond language. In Morocco, a journey is never only a journey; it is a human encounter, guided by a people known for their generosity, dignity, and openness, who receive every guest with warmth, respect, and friendship.