The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in Belgium from June 17-18 held the event "Hallyu Town in Belgium" at the public square Place de Brouckere in central Brussels. Shown is the K-pop girl group CSR, or Cheotsarang (First Love) in Korean, on June 17 taking a commemorative photo with the audience. (Screen capture from CSR's Instagram account)
By Kim Seon Ah
The 35 Korean Cultural Centers (KCCs) in 30 countries this year have held many events for locals to enjoy Korean culture. This is a look back on those that created a sensation in their respective regions.
47,000 enthusiastic Hallyu fans assemble in Brussels
The KCC in Belgium held the two-day festival "Hallyu Town in Belgium" from June 17-18 at the public square Place de Brouckere in central Brussels to mark the 60th anniversary of Korea's ties with the European Union.
Over both days, an estimated 47,000 people visited the event, which was designed as an interactive expo to promote Korean-related content.
A K-pop concert there featured four acts: singer-songwriter Paul Kim, boy band OnlyOneOf, girl group CSR aka Cheotsarang (First Love) and a gugak (traditional music) group. Interactive programs included playing the games tug-of-war and Red Light, Green Light, both of which appeared in the smash Netflix series "Squid Game" (2021), trying on Hanbok (traditional clothing) and sampling Hansik (traditional food).
The KCC in Egypt from Sept. 9-13 held a Korean literature event at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization. Shown on Sept. 9 is writer Jeong You-jeong (middle) answering questions there from Egyptian readers. (KCC in Egypt)
Egyptian readers show passion for Korean literature
The KCC in Egypt held a Korean literature event from Sept. 9-13 at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo as part of this year's Korean Culture Week there. The main event was a Q&A between writer Jeong You-jeong and 150 Egyptian readers featuring the author sharing her opinions on literary themes and worldviews.
Jeong said, "I never imagined that Egyptian readers would show this much passion for Korean literature, and I will visit Egypt again when my next book is published."
The KCC in Shanghai, China, from Sept. 14 to Nov. 4 held the exhibition "Harmony: Exhibition on Exchanges of Korean and Chinese Folk Paintings to Wish for Successful Hosting of Hangzhou's Asian Games" at the exhibition space on the KCC building's third floor. (KCC in Shanghai)
Wishing for successful Hangzhou Asiad via exhibition of Korean, Chinese folk art
The KCC in Shanghai, China, from Sept. 14 to Nov. 4 hosted "Harmony: Exhibition on Exchanges of Korean and Chinese Folk Paintings to Wish for Successful Hosting of Hangzhou's Asian Games" at the exhibition space on the KCC building's third floor. Held under the themes "friendship," "harmony" and "success" of both countries, the display featured 68 folk paintings that clearly reflect the lifestyle customs of Koreans and Chinese.
The National Chorus of Korea on Sept. 20 sings the song "Hunminjeongeum" at David Geffen Hall of New York's Lincoln Center. (KCC in New York)
Song "Hunminjeongeum" reverberates throughout New York
The KCC in New York on Sept. 20 hosted a concert by the National Chorus of Korea, who sang the song "Hunminjeongeum" at David Geffen Hall of New York's Lincoln Center. This was the chorus' debut in the Big Apple and attracted an audience of 1,300.
The choral epic "Hunminjeongeum" narrates in the form of a cantata the background and process of King Sejong's invention of Hangeul (Korean alphabet), the principles behind its creation and its proclamation. The performance was lauded for showing harmony between East and West in telling the story of Hangeul through the universal language of classical music.
The KCC in Argentina on Nov. 22 holds an event to mark Kimchi Day. (KCC in Argentina)
Event marks Argentina's official designation of Kimchi Day
The KCC in Argentina on Nov. 22 held an event to commemorate Kimchi Day. The South American country on July 5 named the occasion a national anniversary day, showing not only global recognition of Korea as kimchi's country of origin but also cultural exchange between the two countries after they marked the 60th anniversary of bilateral ties last year.
Events at the ceremony included the awarding of a plaque of appreciation to Argentine National Sen. Magdalena Solari Quintana, who contributed to the adoption of Kimchi Day, and a kimjang (culture of making and sharing kimchi) demonstration.
sofiakim218@korea.kr
