On 6 March, the Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) hosted a special edition of its Lunch Hour Performance series featuring tenor Kim Hyungyum, offering audiences a refined musical interlude in the middle of the day.   The programme presented a carefully curated selection of Korean art songs alongside well-known European classics, highlighting the expressive range and lyrical warmth of the tenor repertoire. Through both delicate phrasing and powerful operatic resonance, Kim Hyungyum delivered a performance that captivated listeners and filled the space with rich musical colour.   The intimate setting allowed the audience to experience the emotional depth and storytelling of classical vocal music up close, transforming an ordinary lunch break into a memorable cultural moment.   The performance formed part of the Korean Cultural Centre’s ongoing Lunch Hour Performance series, which continues to introduce diverse live performances to local audiences in Pretoria.     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 2 March, the Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) launched the first session of its eight-week Korean Brush Writing short course, welcoming participants eager to explore the art of traditional Korean calligraphy.   The opening class introduced students to the fundamentals of brush handling, ink preparation, and the structure of Hangeul (the Korean alphabet). Under guided instruction, participants began practicing the basic strokes that form the foundation of Seoye (traditional Korean brush calligraphy), an art form known for its balance, rhythm, and expressive flow.   As the session progressed, the classroom settled into a quiet atmosphere of focus and concentration, with each participant carefully translating brush movements into characters on paper. Through these first exercises, students experienced both the technical discipline and the meditative qualities that have long defined this centuries-old practice.   The short course will continue over the coming weeks, offering participants the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Korean calligraphy while developing their own style and expression through the traditional art of brush writing.     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 Friday, 27 February, the Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa hosted a lively Lunch Hour Performance featuring the debut stage of AERA — the duo Megan and Tia — who brought vibrant energy to the Centre during the midday programme.   Blending live vocals with dynamic choreography, the performers delivered a powerful and engaging set that captivated the audience from the very first song. Their stage presence and musical chemistry created an electrifying atmosphere, transforming an ordinary lunch break into a memorable cultural moment.   The performance was further enriched by appearances from dancers of the KCC K-Pop Academy, whose high-energy routines added another layer of excitement to the programme and highlighted the growing enthusiasm for Korean popular culture among local participants.   The special debut stage offered audiences an opportunity to enjoy live music and dance in an intimate setting, continuing the Korean Cultural Centre’s Lunch Hour Performance series, which regularly brings diverse Korean-inspired performances to local audiences in Pretoria.     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, 24 February, the Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa opened this year’s K-Food Academy in partnership with Steyns Culinary School, welcoming students into the kitchen for an introduction to two of Korea’s most iconic dishes — bibimbap and gimbap.   The session offered an in-depth look at the philosophy behind Korean cuisine, where balance, harmony, and visual presentation play an essential role. Through the preparation of a wide variety of seasoned vegetables, rice, and complementary ingredients, students explored how colour, texture, and nutrition are carefully combined to create meals that are both aesthetically refined and nutritionally balanced.   Beyond learning new recipes, the programme provided future culinary professionals with a broader understanding of Korean food culture and its emphasis on thoughtful preparation and shared dining. Working hands-on with the ingredients, participants experienced how individual components come together to form dishes that reflect the values of balance and cohesion at the heart of hansik.   The opening session marked the beginning of another year of culinary exchange between Korea and South Africa, offering aspiring chefs an opportunity to engage with Korean flavours and reinterpret them within their own culinary practice.     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, 17 February, the Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa hosted a vibrant Seollal 2026 celebration, offering visitors a warm and immersive experience of Korea’s most important traditional holiday.   The programme introduced the meaning of Seollal as a time of renewal, gratitude, and togetherness, and invited participants to engage directly with customs that have been passed down through generations. Dressed in hanbok (traditional Korean attire), attendees took part in traditional New Year games and a themed quiz, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the Centre.   A hands-on mandu-making session was followed by a tasting of tteokguk (rice cake soup with dumplings), a dish traditionally enjoyed on New Year’s Day in Korea to mark the beginning of a new year. Sharing this meal together added a communal and celebratory dimension to the event.   Through these interactive activities, the celebration provided South African audiences with a meaningful opportunity to experience the spirit of Seollal while deepening their understanding of Korean culture and its seasonal traditions.     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