Korean culture festival draws nearly 40,000 fans in Thailand, Vietnam
Korean culture is finding new audiences in Southeast Asia through ballet, live music, classical performances and digital art, with nearly 40,000 people attending or participating in events in Thailand and Vietnam this year, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said Friday. The 2026 Korea Season, organized by the ministry, along with the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange…
Korean culture is gaining new audiences in Southeast Asia through a diverse range of events, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Thailand and Vietnam. Nearly 40,000 people attended or participated in these events this year, as part of the 2026 Korea Season. The initiative, organized by the ministry, the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange, and Korean cultural centers in both nations, has drawn 39,917 participants since its launch in May.
The program seeks to expand the reach of Korean culture beyond popular items like K-pop and television dramas. It achieves this by presenting traditional art in contemporary forms and fostering collaboration with local artists. The series kicked off with "GAT," an original ballet by Yoon Byeol Ballet Company that drew inspiration from the traditional Korean horsehair hat, known as gat. Performances took place in Bangkok on May 23 and Hanoi on May 27, attracting a total of 1,650 spectators.
Alongside the performances, exhibitions and workshops were held to educate audiences about the cultural significance of the headwear. The 2026 Korea Season is set to continue in October with K-LIVE FESTIVAL BAND:AGE, which will bring together musicians for a collaborative experience.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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