Last Wednesday, 29 January, the Korean Culture Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) hosted a special event celebrating Seollal, Korea's traditional Lunar New Year, offering South Africans an opportunity to experience the richness of Korean heritage.
The event was designed to provide South Africans, many of whom were introduced to Korea through the global popularity of K-pop and K-dramas, with a deeper understanding of the roots of Korean culture, including its traditions and the significance of its holidays.
Over 100 participants visited the Centre to take part in a variety of hands-on programs. Attendees explored the meaning of Seollal and Korea’s family-oriented holiday culture by participating in a traditional ancestral rite ceremony. They also experienced the delicate artistry of Korean cuisine by making dumplings, followed by engaging in traditional games such as 'yutnori' (a traditional board game), top spinning, and 'tuho' (arrow-throwing).
After the activities, participants enjoyed a meal featuring 'tteok mandu guk' (rice cake and dumpling soup) made with their own dumplings, alongside an array of festive dishes. This communal meal highlighted the cultural significance of sharing and the spirit of togetherness that defines Korean holidays.
Participants expressed their excitement and gratitude, with one attendee noting, “It was thrilling to experience the Korean holiday traditions I had only seen in K-dramas. Learning about the history and deeper meaning behind these customs made the experience even more special.”
Director Jiyeol You of the Korean Culture Centre SA commented, “We hope this event served as a meaningful opportunity for South Africans to gain a deeper appreciation for Korea’s traditional culture. We are committed to continuing our efforts to promote the diverse aspects of Korean heritage through engaging programs in the future.”
This event underscores the growing interest in Korean culture in South Africa, which now extends beyond popular culture to include a fascination with Korea’s rich history and traditions. The KCCSA aims to build on this enthusiasm by offering more opportunities for cultural exchange and education.
Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) | 주남아공한국문화원
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