Respecting Each Other's Cultures Across Nationalities and Generations... "Cultural Diversity Week" Begins

Cultural Diversity Events Held at Arts and Culture Institutions Nationwide

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on May 21 that, in celebration of the World Day for Cultural Diversity, it will host the "2026 Cultural Diversity Week" together with the Korea Arts & Culture Education Service through May 27.

Cultural institutions across the country will hold a variety of events on the theme of cultural diversity. This year's slogan for Cultural Diversity Week is "When My Culture Shines Within Me." The slogan emphasizes that individual experiences, values, and sensibilities—beyond nationality, race, region, and generation—are the source of cultural diversity, and suggests that when each person’s unique culture is respected, society can become more creative and inclusive.

At the National Museum of Korea, a "Talk Concert—Cultural Diversity: Flowing Culture Nourishes the River" will be held on May 23 at 1:30 p.m. with Yu Hongjun, Director of the National Museum of Korea. Yoon Sang, a music director, and Park Jun, a poet, who are participating as "special curators" in the field of cultural diversity, will share their perspectives on cultural diversity. On May 24, musical actor Kai, webtoon artist Dr. Gosari, novelist Son Wonpyung, and singer-songwriter Danpyunseon will also discuss cultural diversity. In addition, cultural content recommended by 11 "special curators"—including films, books, and music related to cultural diversity—will be exhibited both online and offline.

In the four hub cities for cultural diversity—Busan, Chungbuk, Jeonnam, and Ansan—various events tailored to local characteristics will also be held. From May 21 to 28, the Busan Cultural Foundation will highlight Busan’s openness and history of exchange as a maritime city through a cultural diversity curation exhibition, performances, and a talk concert at the F1963 complex cultural space, under the theme "Opening Spaces, Sharing Culture."

The Chungbuk Cultural Foundation will hold a roundtable and policy forum on May 27 to discuss cultural diversity as a shared issue for the local community and to share practical cases and future directions from the field of arts and culture education.

From May 21 to 24, the Jeonnam Cultural Foundation will present participatory performances, exhibitions, and experiences focused on cultural and ecological diversity at the Naman Kim Daejung Plaza, under the theme "The Rhythm of the Islands, The Map of Hands: Connecting Each Other Through Different Rhythms of Life." The program will feature artistic reinterpretations of island sounds and movements.

On May 21, the Ansan Cultural Foundation will host "Book Concert—Ordinary Diversity," a youth event on the theme "A Community That Seeks Harmony Despite Differences," at the Byeolmuri Theater of the Ansan Arts Center. Additional experiential programs, such as book transcription and a cultural diversity index assessment, will also be offered.

Details about the "2026 Cultural Diversity Week" programs and how to participate can be found on the official website.

Jung Hyangmi, policy chief for culture and arts at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated, "Cultural diversity is the power that allows differences to meet and create new possibilities, as well as a precious value that enables us to embrace and unite with one another. Through the '2026 Cultural Diversity Week,' I hope people will enjoy the rich joy brought about by diversity on this special journey that begins with 'me' and continues with 'us.'"

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