The Korean Cultural Festival ‘KoreaON 2025’ will be held on 27 and 28 June on Margaret Island, Budapest. The event is organized by the HanYou Foundation and the Korean Cultural Center in Hungary. For two days, Korean programs, dance and music performances, sports and handicraft activities, cooking demonstrations, and tastings will take place in the cultural space of this oasis surrounded by the Danube.
One of the big hits of the festival is the vocal ensemble Sweet Sorrow, which started out as the Yonsei University men's choir GLEE CLUB and has since built a remarkable career. They will perform on 28 June at 19:00.
The Kkokdugwangdae theatre company will delight children and families with their unique and spectacular musical-masque performances, highlighting the importance of family togetherness through engaging stories. In addition to their main stage performances, they will also participate in parades alongside several Hungarian performers.
Thanks to the Mugunghwa, Nawoul, and Manwol dance formations, visitors can experience traditional Korean dances that engage all the senses. The dazzling costumes, precise movements, and pulsating melodies are guaranteed to enchant audiences. The Noremoá Korean-Hungarian choir will further strengthen the bond between the two nations, while the Mindeulle team will perform a colorful repertoire featuring Korea’s most famous traditional instrument: the gayageum.
The large exhibition area will also host traditional craft stalls, family activities, Korean culinary experiences, music and dance classes, personalized K-beauty consultations, and an interactive section presented by Korean companies.
Visitors can get hands-on with the Munbangsau group, the Hungarian guardians of the ancient art of Korean calligraphy. There's also an opportunity to explore Minhwa, or Korean folk painting, as part of Korea's rich cultural heritage.
Taeyeon Kim, head chef and director of The Kimchi Institute, will take to the stage on both days to unveil the secrets behind making jang and kimchi. Impressively, she uses local Hungarian ingredients in place of exotic ones, making it easy to bring Korean flavors into everyday home cooking. Of course, tastings will be available!
This year, the event will conclude with a huge K-pop party – a vibrant celebration to end the festival with energy and excitement!
More information: hanyou.hu