By Honorary Reporter Surbhi Dwivedi from India

Photos = Surbhi Dwivedi 

Korean culture events are increasingly popular in India thanks to a growing fan base, offering authentic food, energetic performances and immersive activities.

The India-Korea Music Festival from June 14-16 was held at the Noida Expo Centre in Noida in the Indian state of Utter Pradesh as one of the largest events of its kind in India, featuring performing arts and food. Organized by the World Art Interchange Group with the Korean Centre of Arts, New Delhi and Global Business Group, it attracted both K-pop and Bollywood fans. 

As a resident of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, I visited the event on June 14. Upon arrival, I first saw around 50 Korean brand stalls and later met amazing entrepreneurs in beauty, skincare, hair salons and health drinks. I even received gifts and compliments for my fluency in Korean, which made my day.

 Brands at the festival promote Korean products like ginseng, sports and hair salons.

Other events included solo and group dance performances to the pop music of both countries and games. Korean restaurants in India also offered dishes like ramyeon (instant noodles) gimbap (seaweed rice rolls), tteokbokki (spicy rice cake) and corn dogs.

Plenty of visitors sampled food at the event.

K-pop enthusiasts also auditioned for a contest. One of the contestants, Chaitanya Singh, 15, said she was thrilled to take part in her first audition though feeling a bit nervous. 

Chaitanya Singh auditions for the All India K-pop Contest.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.