Korean Culture Day Through Our Eyes - Priyanka Hanumanth

The Honorary Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Hyderabad, organized the event 'Korean Culture Day' at Ravindra Bharathi on 12th October, 2019. They invited students of many educational institutions as well as general public to take part in the event, in which various programs where held to showcase authentic Korean culture.

When we first arrived at the venue, we were given our very own mock passports and then sent off to a faux immigration counter, to give off the feeling that we were actually traveling to South Korea. After that, we made our way to the activities section where there were different Korean games and activities being conducted. We started at a Origami stall and made the traditional Korean outfit, 'Hanbok or Choson-ot'. Apart from this, there were stalls of mask-making, authentic Korean food, and selling goodies like badges, key chains, etc. They also allowed us to try on the real Hanbok later on.

A few hours of activities later, the stalls were closed and we were asked to move to the auditorium for cultural programs. A dance face-off was held between the students, after the commencement of which we were provided with lunch. Post lunch, the main event kicked-off. It included performances by the members of the Korean Club and a dance group known as 'The Hustlers'. Apart from this, there was also a group of boys and girls belonging to the Korean club, showcasing their skills at Taekwondo– a form of martial arts.

The dance performances were based on popular songs of Kpop groups like BTS, EXO, RED VELVET, TWICE, SUPER JUNIOR etc. Live music was also performed by the bands of their club and a dance performance depicting the sorrows and joys of Korea.

Towards the end of the event, a short lecture was given by one of the members of the consulate followed by a vote of thanks. Overall, it was an amazing intercultural experience where we got a glimpse of traditional and contemporary Korean culture, through energetic dance performances, Taekwondo, k-pop quiz and much more. 

                                                                                                 -  H. Laxmi Priyanka, BA I Year.