Performers from YMH Dance perform a fan dance at an outdoor stage at Trafalgar Square in central London on Aug. 9, part of the London Korean Festival 2015.
A Korean festival has taken place in central London.
In Trafalgar Square on Sunday, Aug. 9, thousands of Londoners and tourists gathered to see and experience both traditional and modern aspects of Korean culture, ranging from a traditional fan dance, b-boy break dancing, pop music and even rock 'n’ roll.
This was the London Korean Festival 2015, hosted by the Korean Cultural Centre UK (KCC UK), the Korea Tourism Organization and the Korea Creative Content Agency, under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The festival was composed of two parts: performances outdoors in Trafalgar Square and then promotional events at many booths surrounding the square.
Visitors were able to enjoy performances that showed the harmony that exists between traditional and modern Korean society. Featured performers included the YMH Dance troupe, 4 in Nori, a four-member group of traditional gugak musicians, and the U-hee Company. Together, they presented traditional music, dance and outdoor theater, reinterpreting traditional arts in a modern manner and adding more creative elements to the traditional foundation.
B-boy group Jinjo Crew dances during the London Korean Festival 2015.
The pop group f(x) performs during the London Korean Festival 2015.
The b-boy group Jinjo Crew and Soul Mavericks, a U.K.-based b-boy troupe, showcased their moves and presented a collaborative show. The crowds particularly loved the pop group f(x) and the rock 'n' roll group Guckkasten whose performances brought everyone gathered in the square to their feet. The festival program included a fashion show of traditional Hanbok attire and collections from young Korean designers working in London.
Fans enjoy a Hanbok fashion show during the London Korean Festival 2015.
Festival-goers also showed great interest in the promotional booths surrounding the square. They focused on various aspects of both traditional and modern Korean culture, including pop music, traditional Korean music, animation and online comic books.
On the Facebook profile for the KCC UK, Toia Dyana commented, “It was a great day. Can't wait for next year now.” Liz Lyons also said that, “It really exceeded my expectations. The traditional dances were great, loved trying Hanbok on, lovely to see f(x) and just generally the atmosphere.”
By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photos: KCC UK, Korea Tourism Organization
arete@korea.kr
Children enjoy watching cartoons and video games at a booth during the London Korean Festival 2015.
Fans enjoy sampling Korean food at the London Korean Festival 2015.
Visitors look around a pop music themed booth at the London Korean Festival 2015.
The London Korean Festival 2015 attracts thousands of people, including both London citizens and tourists.
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