Seoul, Jan 26 (IANS): Braving temperature of -15 degrees centigrade, the Indian community in South Korea celebrated Republic Day Saturday with great enthusiasm.

Around 250 people assembled at the Indian Cultural Centre after the national flag was hoisted by ambassador Vishnu Prakash at the chancery.

Embassy staff and community members, especially children, put up a colourful and enthralling cultural programme.

On Jan 23 the ambassador hosted a reception at Hotel Hilton Millennium to mark India's National Day and the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and South Korea.

Addressing a gathering, Prakash said the world perceived a rising India as a factor in global peace, stability and growth.

He recalled that President-elect Madame Park Geun-hye saw India and South Korea as natural partners, given their striking similarity of outlook, interests and challenges.

For the first time at a national day reception, a cultural programme was organised by the Indian Cultural Centre.

This included Bharat Natyam, Kathak and Veena recitals as well as an energetic Rajasthani folk dance Kalbelia performance by two young South Korean women.