▲ A collaborative performance of Korean Talchum and Zulu dance
A remarkable cultural exchange celebrating the traditional dances of Korea and South Africa took place last month, 28 September, marking the final weekend of Heritage Month.
▲ Talchum workshop
Hosted at the Korean Cultural Centre SA (KCCSA) in Pretoria, the event aimed to inspire future cultural collaborations between Korea and South Africa, featuring Korea’s UNESCO-listed mask dance, Talchum, alongside captivating traditional Zulu dance performances.
▲ Prince Buzabazi kaZwelithini
The occasion was graced by the esteemed presence of Prince Buzabazi kaZwelithini, who served as the guest of honour and celebrated the launch of this groundbreaking initiative.
▲ Zulu dance workshop
The audience responded with enthusiastic applause to the lively expressions of the Korean mask dance, characterized by its humour and interactivity. The subsequent Zulu dance captivated the entire hall with its dynamic rhythms and spirited movements.
▲ Talchum performance
A standout moment of the event was a special showcase by participants of a two-week Korean-Zulu traditional dance workshop. These talented participants skilfully integrated elements from both dance forms, resulting in a mesmerizing performance. Handcrafted masks adorned with cultural symbols and vibrant colours beautifully represented this historic collaboration and further engaged the audience.
▲ Zulu dance performance
한편, 본 공연에 앞서 2주간 열린 한-남아공 전통춤 워크숍 참가자들도 이날 행사에서 특별 결과발표 공연의 시간을 가졌다.
▲ SA participants performing Talchum
▲ Aero Jo, Director of the Gyeongseodo Folk Music Group
Aero Jo, Director of the Gyeongseodo Folk Music Group from South Korea, who led the workshop, expressed her delight: “We were pleasantly surprised by how warmly the South African audience embraced our performance. Initially, we thought our dance might seem too foreign, but throughout the collaboration, we discovered many shared connections—particularly our mutual love for vibrant rhythms and expressive movements. The genuine warmth we felt through our dances truly highlighted our shared passion, and we have all fallen in love with the exhilarating magic of Zulu dance!”
▲ Participant Phiwe Njongwe
Participant Phiwe Njongwe remarked, “Being part of this initiative has been an incredibly meaningful experience and a profound honour, especially as a Zulu participant sharing South Africa's rich cultural heritage. I believe that culture has the power to connect people on a deeper level, fostering understanding and appreciation. I hope there will be more opportunities like this in the future, and I would love to participate again.”
▲ ‘Tal’ making workshop
Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) | 주남아공한국문화원
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