On August 6, the Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) concluded its three-day PANSORI: Korean Epic Singing Workshop & Showcase—an immersive programme designed to introduce local participants to one of Korea’s most powerful traditional art forms.   Led by a guest instructor from Korea, the workshop invited participants into the expressive world of pansori—a centuries-old genre of musical storytelling recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The programme culminated in a vibrant showcase, where participants had the opportunity to demonstrate their newfound skills and connection to Korean culture on stage.   The event opened with a stirring live performance by the instructor, highlighting the emotional intensity and improvisational rhythm that defines pansori. Audience members and participants then joined in singing Arirang, Korea’s most beloved folk song, filling the space with shared harmony and energy.   The celebration continued with a hands-on Korean ramyeon cooking session—wrapping up the workshop on a warm, delicious note. Through laughter, singing, and shared meals, participants not only learned a new art form but also experienced the depth and spirit of Korean culture.   This programme is organized in partnership with the Seong Culture Academy.     Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) | 주남아공한국문화원   • Website: https://sa.korean-culture.org/en • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kccsa • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kcc.sa/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kccsa • X: https://twitter.com/KCC_SA

  On 4 August, the Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) successfully concluded the second K-Food Academy Intensive Course, a specialised programme designed for professional chefs and culinary practitioners. The course ended with a final presentation of Korean-style lunch boxes (dosirak), prepared by participants using the knowledge and techniques acquired throughout the programme.   Over the past several weeks, the course offered an in-depth exploration of traditional Korean culinary practices, emphasising the values of balance, seasonality, and care in food preparation. Participants learned to make a variety of side dishes, including jangajji (pickled vegetables) and namul (seasoned greens), and incorporated them into nutritious, well-balanced meals that reflect the essence of Korean home cooking.   The final session served as both a culmination and celebration of this learning journey, with each lunch box showcasing a personal interpretation of the skills and philosophies covered during the course.   KCCSA thanks all the professional chefs and culinary practitioners who took part in the course. Their passion and dedication made the programme truly meaningful. The Centre looks forward to continuing to share the rich flavours and traditions of Korean cuisine through future educational opportunities.     Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) | 주남아공한국문화원   • Website: https://sa.korean-culture.org/en • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kccsa • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kcc.sa/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kccsa • X: https://twitter.com/KCC_SA

  On Thursday, 31 July, the Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) held the final session of its three-part fermentation workshop series — an immersive cultural programme exploring one of Korea’s most time-honoured food traditions.   Building on UNESCO’s recent recognition of Korea’s fermentation culture as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the series offered participants a rare, hands-on introduction to the philosophy and practices behind Korea’s signature fermented sauces. Over several months, participants followed the full journey of fermentation — from foundational techniques to the final tasting table.   The closing session focused on the final separation process, where participants completed their slow-fermented sauces and celebrated with a communal meal of traditional Korean ssam—fresh leafy wraps paired with rice and the flavorful sauces they had crafted.   More than a cooking class, the workshop fostered cultural exchange by highlighting the communal values, craftsmanship, and mindful practices embedded in Korean food heritage. Participants left with not only practical skills but also a deeper appreciation of the cultural significance behind these essential ingredients.     Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) | 주남아공한국문화원   • Website: https://sa.korean-culture.org/en • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kccsa • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kcc.sa/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kccsa • X: https://twitter.com/KCC_SA

  Last Friday, 25 July, the Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) partnered with KOTRA (Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency), Korean restaurant Banchan, and streaming platform Viu to present Taste of K-Mzanzi — an exclusive food industry event held in Johannesburg.   The event was designed to introduce premium Korean food products to the South African market, while also exploring the creative potential of Korean–South African fusion cuisine. Culinary professionals, chefs, and food industry insiders were invited for a curated tasting experience that highlighted the versatility and depth of K-food.   Dishes served on the day reflected a bold fusion of cultures — bringing together the flavours of Korea and South Africa in innovative ways. Attendees had the opportunity to discover new ingredients, taste reimagined classics, and engage with Korea’s growing food industry presence in the region.   This unique collaboration offered more than a culinary showcase, as it served as a platform for meaningful cultural exchange and reaffirmed KCCSA’s ongoing commitment to fostering closer ties between Korea and South Africa through food.     Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) | 주남아공한국문화원   • Website: https://sa.korean-culture.org/en • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kccsa • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kcc.sa/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kccsa • X: https://twitter.com/KCC_SA

  From blockbuster K-dramas and viral animation to the chart‑crushing force of K‑pop, South Korea’s cultural exports continue reshaping global pop culture. This worldwide phenomenon—widely known as the Korean Wave or Hallyu—shows no sign of slowing down. This year alone, Squid Game Season 3 shattered Netflix records as the most-watched non-English series debut, amassing over 106 million views across 93 countries within its first ten days. The animated musical KPop Demon Hunters made waves with its bold visuals and a fictional K-pop soundtrack that quickly topped global music charts —including reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200. Meanwhile, BLACKPINK keeps breaking records with sold-out world tours and chart-topping hits, while BTS continues to make international headlines with their highly anticipated comeback.   Riding this rising tide of cultural influence, Durban became the latest city to embrace the Korean Wave, hosting its first-ever large-scale Korean cultural festival this past weekend.   Held at the bustling Suncoast Casino Mall along Durban’s iconic beachfront, the one-day pop-up event transformed the Barnyard Theatre into a vibrant hub of Korean music, food, art, and immersive cultural experiences.   Part of the Travelling Korea initiative, the festival responded to growing local enthusiasm for Korean culture — a trend that continues to gain momentum across South Africa. Within just three days of opening, the event’s online registration had to be closed due to overwhelming demand. On the day, more than 1,000 attendees poured into the venue, from families with young children to die-hard K-pop fans eager for a taste of something new.   Visitors immersed themselves in a wide range of cultural activities, including trying on traditional Korean attire (hanbok), practicing Korean calligraphy, making bracelets using the Korean alphabet, and decorating fans and masks. Exhibition spaces offered interactive insights into Korea’s history, cuisine, and pop culture. Meanwhile, the performance stage kept the energy high with live K-pop dance showcases and a crowd-pleasing “Random Play Dance” session that had the audience cheering and dancing along.   One of the busiest corners of the festival was, unsurprisingly, the Korean food booth, where attendees sampled their K-food favourites. Long queues snaked through the venue as locals waited for their chance to experience the flavours of Seoul.   Though Travelling Korea has previously brought similar pop-up events to Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Eswatini, this was its debut in Durban — a city long known for its diverse and vibrant youth culture.   “This is the first time we’ve been able to bring the full Korean cultural experience to Durban, and the response has been incredible,” said Jiyeol YOU, Director of the Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa. “Durban has been one of the most requested locations since we began this project, and it was deeply meaningful to finally meet the community here in person. We’re committed to expanding these events throughout South Africa and beyond.”   Next stop: Botswana. The Travelling Korea initiative will continue its regional journey in August with an upcoming event in Gaborone, followed by return visits to key South African cities including Johannesburg and Cape Town — a sign that the Korean Wave isn’t just growing, it’s here to stay.     Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) | 주남아공한국문화원   • Website: https://sa.korean-culture.org/en • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kccsa • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kcc.sa/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kccsa • X: https://twitter.com/KCC_SA