“Grace and Diplomacy: The Story of Russia’s Ambassador’s Spouse in Korea”

Beginning our interview with Mrs. Maria Zinovieva, the spouse of the Russian Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, it is fitting to offer a brief overview of Russia’s rich history, culture, and artistic heritage—an enduring civilization that has shaped global thought, creativity, and culture for centuries.

Russia, the world’s largest country, spans an immense territory across Europe and Asia, forming a rich cultural tapestry complemented by many ethnic groups. Its history is marked by the rise of powerful dynasties, transformative revolutions, and a deep intellectual tradition that continues to influence world affairs. From the legacy of the Russian Empire to the cultural renaissance of the 19th century and the industrial, social, and scientific achievements of the Soviet era, Russia’s historical depth is both complex and remarkable.

Culturally, Russia holds an esteemed place in world literature, music, and the performing arts. Great writers such as Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Pushkin laid the foundations of modern storytelling, exploring the human spirit with unmatched depth. Composers like Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, and Stravinsky reshaped the global musical landscape, while the Bolshoi and Mariinsky ballet companies set the gold standard for classical ballet, admired around the world for their discipline and artistry.

Russia’s architectural heritage is equally iconic. The vibrant domes of Saint Basil’s Cathedral, the imperial grandeur of the Winter Palace, and the majestic towers of the Kremlin each reflect the country’s diverse stylistic influences—ranging from Byzantine and Baroque to neoclassical and Russian Revival. Cities such as Moscow and Saint Petersburg stand as living museums, where centuries of artistic and architectural evolution converge.

Russia’s spiritual depth is rooted in the traditional Christian Orthodox Church, which Russia adopted from the Byzantine Empire in the 10th century and inherited after the latter collapsed in the 15th century.

From its vast natural landscapes to its unparalleled contributions in literature, music, art, and architecture, Russia remains a nation of profound cultural and historical significance. With this rich backdrop in mind, we now turn to our conversation with the spouse of the Russian Ambassador, exploring her insights on cultural diplomacy, life in Korea, and the deep ties that connect our two countries.

Question: Please introduce yourself ?

Answer: We arrived in Korea in January 2024. It was bitterly cold on that day — though one might think that a Russian could hardly be surprised by winter’s chill – but since then Korea has been quite warm to us.

For more than 25 years, I have lived the unique and ever-changing life of a diplomat’s wife. My husband and I met in China, where I was a university student and he was a young diplomat. Since then, we’ve been navigating the complex, but fascinating world of diplomacy side by side — building a life across continents, cultures, and languages. We have lived in Shanghai, Beijing, and Taipei, and visited more than 40 countries along the way.

Through the years of diplomatic service, we have met many remarkable people from all over the world, discovered diverse cultures and learned a lot about the world. We both speak several foreign languages and share a deep passion for travel. I am especially grateful that our children have the opportunity to see the world and grow up with a truly global perspective. Our two kids were born during our years in Asia. Today, our elder son is completing his master’s degree in Moscow, while our younger daughter attends the Russian school at the Embassy, bringing joy and energy to our current posting.

My own journey has been anything but linear. I hold a degree in Sinology from Fudan University, which first connected me quite deeply to Chinese language and culture. Later, I pursued an MBA in Marketing, believing at the time that a career in business would define my future. Like many diplomatic spouses, I spent years trying to balance professional ambitions with the realities of constant relocations and family responsibilities. I kept changing jobs, reinventing myself with every new posting, each one teaching me something valuable about the world. Looking back, I can see how every step brought me closer to where I meant to be. Eventually, I realized that true career satisfaction would come from aligning my work with the flexibility and creativity that our lifestyle demands. Few years ago, I returned to study, graduated from the Moscow Film School and began working as a screenwriter, creating content for Russian television and the film industry. And then it felt like I’d finally found a perfect job — as though this path had been waiting patiently for me all along. I also write songs and occasionally direct stage performances.

Today, I am one of the few diplomatic spouses fortunate enough to have a career that travels with me, wherever life and my husband’s job may lead. Writing has become both my anchor and my freedom — a way to turn a life of constant movement into stories that connect people, cultures, and emotions. Just a couple of weeks ago, a film I contributed to as part of the screenwriting team premiered at Russia’s main movie theater — a large-scale production featuring some of the country’s most prominent actors and one of its most celebrated directors. Although I was unable to attend the premiere due to my busy schedule, I see this as one of the inevitable compromises that we all make in this lifestyle.

Q: As the spouse of an ambassador, what do you see as your most meaningful role in Korea?

A: I think that the most meaningful role of an ambassador’s spouse, or any diplomatic spouse for that matter, is to support the ambassador in fulfilling his duties and not to create complications.

It is just as important to build genuine connections with local communities and to serve as a bridge for cultural and humanitarian exchange, representing my country, sharing its spirit and warmth. Sometimes, a bit of unofficial contact can make it easier to get little pieces of a puzzle for a bigger picture, to build relationships, connect people - taking you further than you might expect.

I believe it’s unwise for an ambassador’s spouse to publicly express strong personal political views trying to outshine the ambassador. In the diplomatic world, flexibility is essential — you never know what situation or person you’ll be dealing with tomorrow and what tasks lie ahead. A little tact, good manners, a little humor, and the ability to adapt can go a very long way. After all, that’s what professional diplomacy is all about.

There’s a saying in the Russian Foreign service that people may quickly forget the ambassador, but they always remember the ambassador’s wife. Of course, it’s said in jest — yet it reflects the truth that an ambassador’s spouse can leave a lasting impression, both within the embassy and among the local community.

Our embassy is very large, and everyone is highly professional. Yet, many matters beyond direct diplomatic work often require the attention and involvement of the ambassador’s spouse. Ever since we arrived, I’ve been incredibly busy. Apart from my continuous writing job, juggling a variety of responsibilities both inside the embassy and in the wider community. Every day brings something new — from organizing cultural events and attending functions to supporting our staff and engaging with local partners.

The scope and variety of tasks entrusted to an ambassador’s spouse are remarkable diverse. After all, it’s my job to make sure the carpets in the residence match the curtains, the flowers are perfect for the National Day reception, the kids are doing well at school, and - having done all that - to join a whimsical political conversation at a formal dinner, often in a foreign language.

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

A: Before we were posted to Korea, I had already visited the country several times, so it wasn’t entirely new to me — I knew exactly what to expect. Besides, I grew up on Sakhalin Island, where there’s a large Korean community, so even Korean food didn’t come as a surprise. So far, we have been quite happy in Korea. After living in large, bustling countries like China and Russia, it feels — as my husband likes to say — like moving from a gigantic bustling resort to a beautiful boutique hotel. Everything here is so compact, amiable and pretty. We love the nature, and we truly enjoy exploring the mountains and beaches. So far, we’ve managed to visit almost every corner of Korea, including Jeju and Ulleung Islands, but there’s always something new.

I adore the politeness and kindness of Korean people. I’ve actually given up trying to learn Korean — not out of laziness, but because Koreans are always so eager to communicate in English, or even in Russian, often using electronic dictionaries. It’s very touching and shows how open and considerate people are here.

I also admire the tenderness and respect with which the Koreans preserve their traditions – the food, national costumes, language, music, etc. And I’m captivated by their love towards the visual aesthetics and art.

One thing that did surprise me was how active Koreans are in political life. Our embassy is located very close to City Hall, so every day I see people gathering for marches, concerts, or political rallies — no matter the weather or the day of the week. It’s truly impressive how engaged and passionate people are about their community and public life.

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

A: Unfortunately, Russian–Korean relations are not going through their best period at the moment. Still, there continues to be a great deal of cultural and humanitarian exchanges. I’ve been genuinely surprised by how well many Koreans know Russian culture. It’s not unusual to get involved in a conversation with the locals while hiking and hear someone quote Pushkin or Dostoevsky, or speak passionately about Rachmaninov. Koreans deeply admire Russian ballet and opera, and we often receive messages from Korean citizens expressing disappointment that Russian artists and musicians no longer visit as frequently as before.

Sadly, there is a trend in parts of the world to “cancel” Russian culture. There has been pressure on Korea to follow that path, yet I believe the deep historical and cultural ties between our countries will endure. The peoples of Russia and Korea share a natural closeness, and I’m confident that friendship will remain, regardless of political circumstances.

As for my involvement in charity, I regularly attend Red Cross meetings, and last year we organized several events in the Russian Embassy for underprivileged children from Korean orphanages. It was an incredibly fulfilling experience, and I truly hope to continue taking part in charitable work. I believe such initiatives bring people closer together and help us learn more about one another — beyond politics or borders.

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

A: Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning 11 time zones across Europe and Asia. It has vast natural resources — oil, gas, countless minerals, forests, and fresh water — and a population of about 145 million. Nearly 200 nationalities populate Russia, speaking 155 languages, making it a truly multicultural nation. Though many believe Russia is always cold, its climate varies greatly: while much of the country has long, cold winters, some regions in the south lie in the subtropical zone, with warm summers and mild winters which suits for fruit growing, wine making and beach going. Rich in culture and history, Russia is known for its literature, music, and architecture. It is the world 4th largest economy by the purchasing power parity and has unlimited tourism potential thanks to its diverse landscapes and historic cities. Russia is home to 34 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Kremlin and Red Square in Moscow, the entire Historic Centre of St. Petersburg, Lake Baikal, the Golden Mountains of Altai to name a few. We are always happy to see friends from other countries come visit, work or study.

Like I mentioned above, many Koreans know Russia well and feel a real connection to it. We have met many Koreans who have studied, worked, or lived in Russia. After spending time there, they often form deep friendships with Russian people and develop a sincere love and respect for the country. Even after returning home, they stay in touch, cherishing their memories and remaining true friends of Russia.