By Honorary Reporter Alexandra Polcovnicu from Romania

The University of Bucharest in Romania from June 4-6 celebrated two decades of its Korean Language and Literature Department with the three-day festival Korean Cultural Evenings. 

Students, professors and visitors got together to experience Korean culture through activities. 

Ambassador to Romania Rim Kap-soo (sixth from left) poses for a group photo with students and professors from the University of Bucharest's Korean Language and Literature Department on the first evening of the event. (Paraschiva-loana Balea)

The festivities began on June 4 with "Korean Entertainment Night" at the university's main hall, with hands-on cultural activities including trying on Hanbok (traditional clothing), learning Hangeul (Korean alphabet) calligraphy and playing traditional games like ddakji (paper tile flipping) and jegichagi (shuttlecock kicking).

Stands also offered popular Korean snacks, handmade accessories like fans and bookmarks created by students, and a corner with well-known Korean books by authors like Han Kang, Sang Young Park and Yi In-hwa. 

Ambassador to Romania Rim Kap-soo at the opening ceremony commended the department's contributions to cultural exchange over the past two decades. 

Screening of "Exhuma" (Flavia-Maria Ratoi)

On June 5, Odobescu Amphitheater screened the supernatural thriller "Exhuma," Korea's highest-grossing film of 2024.

The K-pop dance crew Eunoia performs on the event's final evening. (Flavia-Maria Ratoi)

The celebration concluded on June 6 with a K-pop showcase at the sports facility Pitar Mos. Students and K-pop enthusiasts delivered dynamic performances that had the crowd cheering and dancing along, highlighting the growing influence of Hallyu (Korean Wave) in Romania. 

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.