The annual Korean Festival has introduced Bruneians to Korean culture and trends. These festivals have fostered mutual understanding and strengthened friendship between both nations, said Korean Ambassador to Brunei Darussalam Kim Soung-eun.
The ambassador was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Korean Festival 2023 at Times Square Shopping Centre yesterday.
Kim said the Korean Wave, also known as Hallyu, has built a foundation through popular culture such as television dramas and music. From BTS, Blackpink and Enhypen to Netflix’s Squid Game and Oscar-winning film Parasite, the Korean Wave is popular and continues to receive more support and love across the world, he said.
The ambassador said the appeal of Korean culture extends to traditions, food, sports and language.
Times Square Shopping Centre General Manager Amal Najibah said the shopping centre and the Korean Embassy in Brunei Darussalam have been working together to organise the Korean Festival for a decade.
The opening ceremony was officiated with a ribbon-cutting by guest of honour Acting Permanent Secretary (Community) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Dr Siti Norkhalbi binti Haji Wahsalfelah, the ambassador and spouse as well as the general manager.
The highlight of the ceremony was a performance by Korean street dance group ARTGEE.
Other activities at the festival are cooking demonstrations, traditional Korean games, food and K-Pop performances by local Korean club members.
The three-day event will also see quizzes and a lucky draw. The embassy will also host activities such as dressing-up in traditional Hanbok and photo booth, Hangul name writing and traditional Korean mask painting for children.
There are also booths by travel agencies and vendors of Korean food and products. – Lyna Mohamad
