‘The Joy of Reunion’ Korea-Japan Festival Hanmadang in Seoul and Tokyo

Held at COEX on the 25th
Choral, traditional arts performances, K-pop, J-pop performances, and more

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange announced on the 22nd that they will hold the "Korea-Japan Festival Hanmadang" together with the Japanese government and private sector on the 24th in Tokyo and on the 25th in Seoul to celebrate the friendship between Korea and Japan. Photo by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] The cultural festival "Hanil Festival Hanmadang" will be held in Seoul and Tokyo, Japan.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Overseas Culture and Information Service announced on the 22nd that, together with the Japanese government and private sector, they will hold the "Hanil Festival Hanmadang" in Tokyo on the 24th and in Seoul on the 25th to celebrate the friendship between Korea and Japan.

The "Hanil Festival Hanmadang" first started in Seoul in 2005, designated as the "Year of Korea-Japan Friendship" to commemorate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Japan. Since 2009, it has also been held in Tokyo, marking its 18th edition this year.

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the event was held online in both Seoul and Tokyo for the past two years. This year, in line with the theme "The Joy of Meeting Again," some events will be conducted face-to-face.

In Tokyo, the event will be held online on the official YouTube channel of the Korean Cultural Center in Japan from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM on the 24th. Although it was originally planned as an on-site event, the organizers explained that it was changed to a non-face-to-face format considering the local COVID-19 situation.

The program includes a Korean song choir performance by the Tsudanuma High School Choir, traditional Samulnori percussion, K-pop dance, concerts, and various Korean cultural introduction programs. There will also be interactive events such as a Korean food (Rabokki) contest and a paper folding (traditional pattern norigae) class for viewers to participate in.

In Seoul, the on-site event will take place at COEX on the 25th. Starting with a performance by the Korea-Japan Children’s Choir (Seoul Children’s Choir and Seoul Japanese School Choir), the program will feature traditional dances and instrumental performances from both countries, a joint Korea-Japan idol group (Busters) performance, K-pop (T.O.1) and J-pop (Kirameki Unforent) performances, and Korea-Japan cosplay team shows.

Visitors can also enjoy various cultural experience zones, food zones, and promotional booths from companies and local governments. The event is free and open to everyone without prior reservation.

An official from the Overseas Culture and Information Service said, "Although travel between the two countries is still not free due to COVID-19, we hope that cultural exchanges between Korea and Japan will continue to increase starting with this event."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.