KSI London Promotes Korean Culture to the general public in Richmond with the Korean Traditional Culture Center

> Korean Traditional Culture Center and Jeonju Broadcasting organize traditional cultural experience events to promote Korean traditional culture

> Offers diverse experiences such as a Hanbok fashion show, making Hanji plates, Korean cuisine experiences, etc.

Located within Richmond College in the UK, the KSI London conducts various cultural events to promote the Korean language and culture. The vicinity of Richmond College’s Media Park, home to global media companies like CBS News and TBS News, as well as various global corporations, is an ideal location for promoting Korean culture.

Accordingly, on April 9, the KSI London, in collaboration with the Korean Traditional Culture Center and Jeonju Broadcasting, hosted a ‘Traditional Culture Experience’ event that allowed participants to immerse themselves in Korean traditional culture. This event was especially notable as it featured 13 winners of the ‘Hanbok Model Contest’ hosted by the Korean Traditional Culture Center and Jeonju Broadcasting, who shared the significance of various Hanbok styles.

The ‘Traditional Culture Experience’ event kicked off with speeches by Phil Deans, Principal of Richmond College, Seon Seung-hye, Director of the Korean Cultural Center in the UK, and Kim Do-young, Chairman of the Korean Traditional Culture Center. The event proceeded under the direction of Yu Jin-soo, a presenter from Jeonju Broadcasting, featuring a Hanbok fashion show by the Hanbok models, introductions to various Hanbok, making square Hanji plates, traditional games(such as ddakji), and a Korean cuisine experience.

Participants were delighted with the array of unique sights and activities that are rarely available in the UK, expressing particular admiration for the beautiful designs and variety of the Hanbok and sharing their eagerness to continue participating in future Korean cultural events.

The KSI London’s efforts to promote traditional Korean dishes such as Gujeolpan, Bulgogi, Bibimbap, Hanwoo Mookguk, and Pyogo Mookguk were well-received. Additionally, a vegetarian menu was prepared, providing individuals like Mr. George, who were hesitant to try Korean food, the opportunity to taste Bibimbap and Gujeolpan for the first time.
Students experiencing Hanji for the first time enjoyed creating Hanji plates decorated with beautiful traditional patterns and had fun participating in actual games of ddakji and jegichagi, which they recognized from the drama "Squid Game."

Phil Deans, Principal, who attended the event, shared his thoughts: "I am pleased to be able to convey the positive energy I felt during my visit to Seoul at the time of the 88 Olympics to London." The KSI London plans to continue hosting various events for its students, students of Richmond College, professionals working at Media Park, and those interested in Korean culture. These events aim to enable many Londoners to engage with the Korean language and culture through enjoyable experiences, promoting awareness of the King Sejong Institute.

Article by Shin Moon-kyeong and Kim Yu-jin, dispatched instructors at the KSI London