The global fascination with Korean culture, known as the Korean Wave or Hallyu, continues to transcend borders, captivating audiences with its vibrant music, cuisine, and traditions. From the electrifying performances of K-pop to the spicy flavor explosions of Korean cuisine, the Hallyu phenomenon has made its way into the heart of Southern Africa, finally reaching the nation of Eswatini. This growing enthusiasm culminated in Eswatini’s first-ever Korean culture festival, showcasing the deep and widespread impact of Korea’s cultural exports on a global stage.
On 27 November, Eswatini hosted a landmark Korean culture festival that brought together an array of Hallyu elements, including K-pop, cuisine, fashion, and crafts. Held in the capital city of Mbabane at the Eswatini Medical Christian University, the event drew an overwhelming crowd of over 1,000 attendees, with long queues forming within hours—a testament to the Hallyu fever sweeping through the region.
The festival offered a vibrant program that catered to both newcomers and dedicated Korean culture enthusiasts. Highlights included K-pop cover dance performances by local fans, interactive exhibitions showcasing Korean history and traditions, and immersive experiences with Korean food ('Hansik'), traditional clothing ('Hanbok'), games, and crafts.
The undisputed highlight of the festival was the K-pop cover dance stage, where local performers captivated the audience with their energetic renditions of popular Korean hits. Fans sang along in perfect Korean, showcasing their dedication to learning the language and engaging deeply with Korean culture. The performances were met with roaring applause, underscoring the universal appeal of K-pop.
Adding to the cultural fervor, a dedicated booth providing information about Korean language learning was a major draw. Attendees flocked to the booth, eager to explore opportunities to study Korean—a clear indicator of how the Hallyu wave is fostering linguistic and cultural connections.
The festival was organized as part of the 'Travelling Korea' initiative led by the Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa. Designed to introduce Korean culture to regions with limited access to such events, the initiative emphasizes community engagement and cultural exchange. The Mbabane King Sejong Institute, which has been actively promoting Korean language education in Eswatini, played a crucial role as a local partner in making the event a success.
Enhye Yoon, an educator from the Mbabane King Sejong Institute remarked, “Eswatini, previously known as Swaziland, may seem unfamiliar to many Koreans, but the popularity of Hallyu here rivals that of other countries. It has been incredibly rewarding to provide a joyous platform for local fans to connect and celebrate their love for Korean culture.”
The resounding success of Eswatini’s first Korean culture festival not only marks a milestone for growing cultural diversity that the country has embraced but also underscores the unifying power of culture. As the Korean Wave continues to grow and reach people worldwide, its presence in Eswatini stands as a vibrant testament to how culture can bridge gaps and connect people across regions.
Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) | 주남아공한국문화원
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