In a whirlwind of K-pop, K-beauty, and K-dramas, Korean culture has stormed into the global spotlight, captivating hearts and minds across continents. From the fervent fandoms of BTS to the addictive allure of K-dramas, the world's fascination with Korean culture has reached unprecedented heights. As enthusiasts grow and clamour for more, Korean culture continues to redefine global trends, making waves—or so-called ‘Korean Wave’ as now officially termed—as the next big phenomenon in the realm of pop culture.
In light of this context, the Korean Cultural Centre SA (KCCSA), established in 2021 responding to the growing demand in SA, has offered its flagship annual culture festival ‘FEEL KOREA.’
The highly anticipated festival made a successful return for its third edition this year. This year's event, themed "Discover the Streets of Seoul," immersed visitors in a vibrant tapestry of Korean traditions, entertainment, and lifestyle, further cementing Korean culture’s allure in South Africa.
Over the course of two days, the festival transformed the Korean Cultural Centre SA in Pretoria into a bustling hub reminiscent of Seoul’s streets, captivating visitors with an array of authentic experiences.
Visitors indulged in a feast for the senses, sampling Korean street food delights at the K-Street Food Pocha, while the K-Pop Stage & Lounge echoed with electrifying beats, showcasing the infectious energy of K-pop.
Highlights included live busking performances, the popular Buldak & Dalgona Coffee Challenges, and the opportunity to explore Korean traditional attire at the Hanbok experience. Beauty enthusiasts flocked to the K-Beauty Room to discover and experiment with the latest K-beauty trends, while the Seoul Shopping Street offered a marketplace experience with Korean lifestyle goods, courtesy of K-Lifestyle by KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency).
"We are thrilled with the overwhelming response to FEEL KOREA 2024," said Mr. Jiyeol You, Director of the Korean Cultural Centre SA. "This festival not only celebrates our rich cultural heritage but also fosters deeper cultural exchange between Korea and South Africa."
The event saw a diverse turnout of visitors, from seasoned K-culture enthusiasts to newcomers eager to explore Korean traditions. Entry to the festival was free, with visitors required to register online in advance, reflecting the festival's commitment to accessibility and community engagement.
The festival also marked a milestone with its collaboration with KOTRA's 'K-Lifestyle,' enhancing the festival's offerings with top-tier Korean fashion, beauty products, and lifestyle goods. This synergy underscored Korea's influence on global trends and its growing presence in South Africa’s cultural landscape.
For those unable to attend, highlights from the festival will be shared across the Korean Cultural Centre SA’s official website and social media platforms, extending the festival’s reach beyond its physical location.
As the festival draws to a close, the Korean Cultural Centre SA looks forward to building on this year's success, continuing to foster mutual understanding and appreciation through the celebration of Korean culture in South Africa.
Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) | 주남아공한국문화원
• Website: https://sa.korean-culture.org/en
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kccsa
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kcc.sa/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kccsa