Korean Cultural Centers around the world in 2018 hosted a number of exciting events. Highlights included (clockwise from top left) a live screening in Mexico of the year’s first inter-Korean summit on April 27, a pep rally for the World Cup soccer finals in Russia on June 24, a Korean indie film festival in Germany starting from Nov. 4 and a Korean food showcase in Egypt on Nov. 7.
By Kim Hyelin and Lee Hana
The 32 Korean Cultural Centers (KCCs) abroad allow visitors in 27 countries to experience Korean culture and traditions. Such centers in 2018 held a number of functions and events that offered a taste of Korea abroad.
The following are the top five KCC stories from 2018.
KCC in Mexico hosts live screening of 1st inter-Korean summit in 2018
The two Koreas held three bilateral summits in 2018 on bringing peace to the Korean Peninsula. On April 27, the KCC in Mexico televised a live broadcast of the first meeting between the two Korean leaders. When the leaders met and shook hands, the Mexican residents waved Korean flags, shouting “La paz (Peace)” and “Viva ambas Corea (Blessings to the two Koreas).” (KCC Mexico)
KCC in India runs Korean-Indian essay and quiz contest
The KCC in India hosted the sixth Korea-India Friendship Essay Contest from February to August and the third Korea-India Friendship Quiz Contest from January to May. The many Indian students who participated in the essay contest this year expressed hope of playing a role in building better relations between India and Korea. (KCC India)
KCC in Germany hosts Korean indie film festival
From Nov. 1-10, the KCC in Germany hosted the second Korea Independent 2018 at Berlin’s Babylon Theater, featuring Korean indie films on issues such as women’s rights, youth unemployment and North Korean defectors. Many of the works played to packed houses in their first showings, and the festival’s popularity led to additional screenings. (KCC Germany Facebook)
KCC in Russia hosts World Cup pep rally, Korean soccer film festival
When Korea qualified for the World Cup soccer finals in Russia, the KCC organized pep rallies and a Korean soccer film festival on June 17, 18, 22 and 23 in Nizhny Novgorod and Rostov-on-Don. In addition to the rallies and film screenings, flash mobs and concerts attracted hordes of locals. (KCC in Russia)
KCC in Egypt hosts food showcase ‘Taste of Korea 2018’
The KCC in Egypt on Nov. 11 held “Taste of Korea 2018” at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Cairo to introduce Korean cuisine and show how to make Korean food with ingredients available in Egypt. One segment had a Korean chef make tofu out of chickpeas followed by a tasting. (KCC in Egypt)
For those curious about Korea and its culture, please visit the closest Korean Cultural Center near you. More information is available by clicking the link below.
http://kocis.go.kr/eng/openInformation.do
kimhyelin211@korea.kr
