A first-of-its-kind cultural lecture series exploring the roots of Korean identity has been launched in South Africa, offering the public a rare opportunity to go beyond K-pop and delve into Korea’s values, traditions, and societal foundations. Titled K-IDENTITY: A Deep Dive into Korean Identity, the 8-week programme began on Wednesday, 7 May and is hosted by the Korean Cultural Centre in Pretoria. It is the first structured, academic-style course in the country dedicated entirely to unpacking Korea’s cultural identity through themes such as religion, history, geography, food, housing, language, and lifestyle. While Korean pop culture has gained immense popularity worldwide, K-IDENTITY takes a bold step in a different direction—shifting focus from entertainment to in-depth cultural understanding. The programme was developed over several months by a specially recruited research and teaching assistant team earlier this year. This group worked closely with experts to build the course framework and will present their own lecture during the final week, contributing original research and insights. Their role reflects the Centre’s aim to cultivate future cultural leaders through hands-on experience and mentorship. Each weekly session examines a specific pillar of Korean society—ranging from ancient belief systems to contemporary living practices—and encourages participants to reflect critically on how identity is formed and expressed. Free to attend and open to registered participants, the course runs every Wednesday from 7 May to 25 June at the Korean Cultural Centre SA. The inaugural session drew a full house and sparked lively discussion, signaling a growing appetite for deeper cultural learning. “This is a programme we’ve envisioned for a long time,” said Jiyoel YOU, Director of the Korean Cultural Centre. “In recent years, global interest in Korea has grown rapidly, but that interest has largely remained on the surface—focused on entertainment and consumer trends. We felt a strong responsibility to respond with something more meaningful: a space where people can examine Korea’s identity through a cultural, historical, and philosophical lens. K-IDENTITY is not just a course—it’s an invitation to think more deeply about what defines a country’s character and soul. Our hope is that this series opens up long-term dialogue, not just about Korea, but about the ways culture shapes our shared humanity. That’s why this programme matters.” Looking ahead, the Centre plans to develop K-IDENTITY into an annual cultural education initiative, paving the way for more in-depth and intellectually engaging programmes in the years to come.     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

  Our 4-week Korean Calligraphy Short Course officially began this Monday at the Korean Cultural Centre in Pretoria! Participants gathered for an inspiring first session where they were introduced to the beauty of Hangeul, practiced basic brush strokes, and explored the foundational elements of Korean writing. The course offers a unique opportunity to engage with Korean culture through the timeless art of calligraphy, blending quiet focus with creative expression. Over the next three weeks, attendees will deepen their skills, express emotions through meaningful words, and complete their very own artwork. Stay tuned for more updates and photo highlights as the course continues!     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 Saturday, 26 April, the Korean Cultural Centre, together with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, hosted Next Gen Leaders Meet Korea—a special cultural exchange programme aimed at introducing South African students to Korea’s rich culture and educational opportunities.   Learners from the Kutlwanong Centre for Maths, Science and Technology participated in a full day of interactive activities. The programme featured an introductory lecture on Korea, a cultural quiz, and a presentation on study opportunities in Korea. Students also enjoyed a guided tour of the Centre, experienced traditional Korean cuisine, and took part in a hands-on workshop creating traditional Korean masks (tal, 탈).   The day concluded with several students showcasing impressive performances in Korean, demonstrating both their enthusiasm and potential as future global leaders.   This programme is part of the Centre’s ongoing effort to build meaningful cultural bridges and inspire the next generation of globally minded leaders.     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

  Growing Curiosity Around Korean Cuisine in South Africa Sparks Deeper Cultural Exploration Through Fermentation Workshop   In recent years, South Africa has witnessed a surge in interest in Korean cuisine, with dishes like kimchi, bibimbap, and Korean BBQ becoming increasingly popular among local food enthusiasts. Riding this wave of culinary curiosity, the Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) is taking things one step further—offering South Africans a rare, immersive look into one of Korea’s oldest and most culturally significant food traditions: jang making.   Jang Making Course Kicks Off in Pretoria Following UNESCO Recognition of Korea’s Fermentation Culture   The Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) successfully launched the first session of its new cultural workshop series, Jang Making: The Art of Korean Fermentation, on 24 April. This unique initiative marks the official debut of Korea’s traditional jang-making culture in South Africa, offering a hands-on experience with one of Korea’s most cherished culinary traditions.   The course comes on the heels of UNESCO’s December 2024 inscription of jang-making culture—formally recognized as “Knowledge, beliefs and practices related to jang-making in the Republic of Korea”—as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In response to this international recognition, KCCSA has developed a four-month programme that goes far beyond simple cooking classes, focusing instead on the deep-rooted philosophies, techniques, and communal values embedded in Korea’s fermentation traditions.   “Jang,” the collective term for Korea’s signature fermented sauces—doenjang (soybean paste), gochujang (chili paste), and ganjang (soy sauce)—is more than a culinary ingredient. It is the product of centuries-old wisdom, craftsmanship, and a spirit of togetherness passed down through generations. UNESCO praised this heritage for promoting peace and a strong sense of belonging within Korean communities, further highlighting its value in advancing cultural diversity.   According to KCCSA Director Jiyeol YOU, “Jang making is not just about food preparation—it’s a way of life and a symbol of community. As this is the first in-depth Korean culinary heritage programme ever held in South Africa, we hope participants will truly feel the cultural richness behind this practice.”   The inaugural session focused on the creation of meju, the essential fermented soybean bricks at the heart of all jang. Participants pounded boiled soybeans, shaped them using traditional wooden molds, and learned how meju is dried—a process that kicks off the long, natural fermentation journey. The session concluded with a tasting of ssambap (cabbage wraps with rice), allowing attendees to appreciate how jang enhances and deepens the flavor of Korean dishes.   The full programme consists of three seasonal sessions, each offering a different stage of the fermentation process:   29 May – Jang Making: Participants will transform their dried meju into doenjang, gochujang, and ganjang, followed by a tasting of bibimbap.   31 July – Jang Separation: The final step of the fermentation journey will involve separating the sauces after months of maturation, concluding with a tasting of spicy stir-fried pork and Korean BBQ beef.   Each session provides an opportunity to engage with Korean fermentation both practically and culturally, encouraging deeper appreciation of the philosophies that have shaped Korean food for centuries. Importantly, the course offers South Africans not only a taste of traditional flavors but also an experience of the communal spirit and mindful practices that define Korean heritage.   Jang Making: The Art of Korean Fermentation will continue through July 2025 at the Korean Cultural Centre SA in Pretoria. Sessions run from 09:00 to 13:00. Participation is free of charge, but advance registration is required and attendees must commit to all three sessions.     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 Tuesday, 23 April, the Korean Cultural Centre in Pretoria hosted the KCC Craft Experience – Paper Janggu workshop, offering participants a unique opportunity to engage with Korean traditional culture through hands-on craft.   During the session, participants created their own miniature janggu—Korea’s iconic hourglass-shaped drum—using paper and other craft materials. The activity not only introduced the artistic elements of Korean traditional instruments but also conveyed the deeper cultural significance and harmony embodied by the janggu in Korean music.   The workshop provided a meaningful midweek retreat, inviting participants to immerse themselves in the spirit of Korean creativity and craftsmanship.   We extend our sincere thanks to all who joined us. Your enthusiasm and participation made the event a memorable success.   The Korean Cultural Centre looks forward to offering more cultural experiences in the near future.     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