Korean Festival 2023 Kickstarts with Spectacular Gala Night Celebrating Cultural Bonds

NEW DELHI: The Korea Tourism Festival kicked off with an enchanting gala night, celebrating cultural connections and vibrant experiences. This festive event not only strengthened cultural bonds but also marked 50 years of harmonious diplomacy between Korea and India. The event saw the presence of Younggeun Lee, Executive Director, International Marketing, Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) and Roshan M. Thomas, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, underlining the importance of this cross-cultural collaboration.

In a testament to the lasting cultural connection between the two nations, Indian Television Actress, Model, and Influencer, Anushka Sen, has been named the Honorary Ambassador of Korea Tourism from India. This appointment showcases the shared values and mutual respect between the two countries, promising exciting opportunities for deeper cultural exploration.

A captivating moment of the evening was an exclusive presentation and tasting session of Korean temple food by Buddhist Nun & Grand Master Temple Food Guru Wookwan. This significant experience introduced the flavors of Korean temple cuisine to India for the first time.

While addressing the conference, Myongkil Yun, Regional Director – India & SAARC, Korea Tourism Organization, said, “As we look ahead, the Korea Tourism Festival serves as a testament to the enduring cultural connections between our nations. This event symbolizes the deep-rooted ties that bind us and opens doors for even more vibrant cultural exchanges. As part of Visit Korea Year, we eagerly anticipate strengthening these connections and welcoming travelers to explore the enchanting offerings of Korea. The festival’s success reaffirms Korea’s growing popularity as a favored destination for Indian travelers.”

Aligned with KTO’s ambitious initiative, Visit Korea Year 2023-24, the festival’s success underscores Korea’s rising popularity among Indian travelers. KTO data reveals that Indian visitors to Korea had surpassed 49,580 by June 2023, with projections reaching an impressive 120,000 by December 2023. These figures solidify Korea’s appeal to Indian travelers.

Moreover, KTO hosted a Travel Mart event on August 25th, featuring participants like JeollaNamdo Tourism Organization, Gwangju City, nine destination management companies, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Bioface, Dynasty Holidays, and Amorepacific. These participants actively engaged, creating a platform to explore various aspects of Korean travel and lifestyle.

Anushka Sen, Indian Television Actress, Model & Influencer, Appointed as the Honorary Ambassador of Korea Tourism from IndiaThe Korea Culture and Tourism Festival 2023 reached Gurugram the next day on August 26 (Saturday) with a high note of immersive cultural experiences, enchanting performances, and mouthwatering Korean cuisine at Ambience Mall, Gurugram. Hosted by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), this festival is a vibrant celebration of the deep-rooted connection between India and Korea, offering attendees a unique opportunity to dive into the world of Korean culture and tourism. Minister Sang-woo Lim (Deputy Chief of Mission), Embassy of the Republic of Korea was also present on this occasion.

From mesmerizing K-Performances to enlightening K-Beauty experiences and a delectable journey through Korean cuisine, here’s a recap of the highlights from this unforgettable event:

K-Performances: Mesmerizing Displays of Talent – The festival kicked off with awe-inspiring K-Performances, featuring breathtaking B Boying performances by ONEWAY CREW that left the audience in awe. These gravity-defying acts pushed the boundaries of movement and creativity, showcasing the true essence of Korean dance culture. Attendees were also treated to captivating Taekwondo demonstrations by Taekwoncre, where precision and strength merged into an art form, leaving a lasting impression on all who witnessed it.

Adding to the excitement, the stage will come alive with a unique fusion of Indian dance and K-Pop songs, seamlessly blending the rhythmic beats of Indian dance with the infectious energy of K-Pop. This exceptional collaboration bridges cultures and highlights the artistic synergy between India and Korea.

K-Photo Booth: Capturing Memories in Style – For those seeking to capture the magic of the festival, the specially designed K-Photo Booth provided the perfect backdrop. Attendees were able to create picture-perfect memories surrounded by the vibrant colors and aesthetics of Korean culture. Smiles and laughter filled this corner of the festival as people took home tangible souvenirs of their unforgettable experience.

K-Beauty Stalls: Secrets of Flawless Korean Beauty – The Bioface and Innisfree K-Beauty stalls were a hit, introducing festivalgoers to the secrets of flawless Korean beauty. Visitors had the opportunity to explore a wide range of beauty products and treatments that have taken the world by storm. Experts were on hand to share tips and tricks for achieving radiant looks synonymous with K-Beauty. The stalls buzzed with excitement as attendees discovered the magic of Korean skincare and cosmetics.

Korean Food: A Gastronomic Journey – The Korean Food section was a culinary journey like no other. From traditional Korean dishes prepared at our stalls to renowned names like Lotte and Orion offering their delectable creations, attendees were in for a gastronomic treat. The diverse flavors and culinary traditions of Korea came to life, leaving taste buds tingling and hearts satisfied.

Traditional Games: Nostalgia and Entertainment – Festival Goers had the chance to engage in nostalgic traditional Korean games like Ddakji, Jegichagi, and Gonggi. These games passed down through generations, bringing a touch of history and entertainment to the event. Laughter filled the air as attendees tried their hand at these charming games, fostering a deeper appreciation for Korean culture.

“In the harmonious blend of India’s vibrant spirit and Korea’s rich cultural tapestry, we find a remarkable celebration of K-Vibes and Heritage at the Korea Culture and Tourism Festival 2023. Together, we’ve woven memories that transcend borders and time, fostering a shared appreciation for the beauty and diversity of our two nations. Let the echoes of this festival resonate, strengthening the bonds of friendship between India and Korea,” said Mr. Myongkil Yun, Regional Director-India & SAARC, Korea Tourism Organization.

Adding to the excitement, the festival was graced by the presence of Anushka Sen, the Indian Television Actress, Model, and Influencer, serving as the Honorary Ambassador of Korea Tourism from India. Anushka shared her experiences as a brand ambassador, regaling attendees with captivating Korean travel stories. She provided insights into her journey of exploring Korean culture and attractions, further strengthening the cultural ties between India and Korea.

The Korea Culture and Tourism Festival 2023 was a resounding success, fostering a greater appreciation for Korea’s attractions among the Indian audience and solidifying the bond between the two nations. The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) extends its heartfelt gratitude to all attendees and partners who made this event possible.