Korean Foreign Ministry hosts festival, photo and painting exhibitions to introduce wide spectrum of African art


Just in time for summer, events and exhibitions featuring African culture have arrived in South Korea.

The “African Cultural Festival,” hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and organized by Seoul Selection of the International Dance Council, will offer a wide range of African culture from dances and exhibitions to films.

The four-day festival will kick off on June 30 at the National Museum of Korea’s Theater Yong in Ichon-dong, central Seoul, introducing cultures from 12 African countries: Ghana, Nigeria, Republic of South Africa, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Togo and the Ivory Coast.

“Participating countries were selected among the 46 south of the Sahara Desert. We excluded countries in the Maghreb region because they differ greatly in cultural aspects,” said Cho Jai-chel, director of MOFAT’s Culture and Arts Division, at a press conference on Thursday.

Since 2006, the Foreign Ministry has been introducing the arts and culture of regions that are relatively less known here, like Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Central Asia, Central and South America and the coastal regions along the Black Sea.

“We are not yet a powerful nation but are on the way to being one. Given that, we need to understand and embrace other cultures more than ever. About one million to 1.2 million foreigners live in Korea right now and the number of Africans is continuously increasing. This will be a chance to shed a new light on Africa, other than its poverty and conflicts,” said Kim Sang-il, director-general of MOFAT’s Cultural Affairs Bureau. 

The key to enjoying the festival will be to see and experience how the African and Korean culture can harmonize. Dancers and musicians from participating African countries will collaborate with Korea’s African percussion team and traditional Korean orchestra, as well as performing on their own.

Ten African movies that have been well received in international festivals will be screened during the festival, including one Nigerian film titled “The Figurine.” Nigeria’s film industry, nicknamed Nillywood, produces about 1,000 movies per year while Hollywood produces about 600, said Cho.

“The shows will be of a totally different level from what you might find in tourist resorts. The invited artists are highly established. They are supported by their nations or are used to attracting big crowds in their expensive shows back home,” said Kim Shin-ah, general director of Seoul Selection of the International Dance Council.

MBC, broadcaster of the hit documentary “African Tears,” is preparing a show to introduce African relics, sculptures, Jembe performances and also photos of the beautiful continent.

Titled “Rhythm of Africa,” the show will open at KINTEX in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province, on June 29. Among the exhibits, photographer Kim Jung-man’s special gallery will be notable. The renowned Korean photographer will display over 30 photos taken during his journey across African nations. 

In Sagan-dong, central Seoul, Africarho, a museum which focuses on African art, is currently holding artist John Da Silva’s painting exhibition. The Tanzanian artist is one of the best known African artists not only in Africa but also in Europe. He is showcasing 19 watercolor paintings that portray his village.

“African Cultural Festival” will run from June 30 to July 3 at the National Museum of Korea’s Theater Yong in Ichon-dong, central Seoul. Admission is free but need online reservation. For reservations, visit www.africanculturalfestival.co.kr.

“Rhythm of Africa” will run from June 29 to Aug. 18 at KINTEX in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province. Tickets range from 6,000 won to 11,000 won. For more information, call 1544-0811 or visit www.tearsafrica.com.

John Da Silva’s exhibition runs through June 28 at Africarho in Sagan-dong, central Seoul. Tickets range from 2,000 won to 3,000 won. For more information, call (02) 730-2430 or visit www.africarho.co.kr.

By Park Min-young  (claire@heraldcorp.com)