Culture Minister Choe Kwang-shik on Monday awarded Korean Cultural Centers in the United Kingdom and Kazakhstan the top prize for their contributions to promoting Korean culture.

Han Jae-hyek, a counselor at Korean Cultural Center in Hong Kong also received a prize for his efforts in organizing “Korean Festive,” a large-scale event aimed at promoting Korean food, arts and culture.

“KCC in London received the prize in recognition of its role in supporting war veterans who participated in the 1951-53 Korean War and also K-pop fans in the U.K.,” an official at the ministry said.

In 2010, the cultural center donated 20,188 pounds ($33,000) ― profit it earned by selling 40 artworks by Korean artists ― to war veterans in need. It also held a series of contests for K-pop fans who wished to show off their talents and the love of Korean music.

“KCC in Kazakhstan also promoted Korean performing arts and culture in many parts of the country by operating a touring bus with Korean artists,” she explained.

The ministry is currently holding a week-long event for 41 directors and counselors from KCCs in 31 countries around the world to share ideas on promoting Korean wave or hallyu. KCC directors will visit JYP Entertainment, one of the major entertainment agencies here, and also Gilsang Temple in northern Seoul on Tuesday for tourism promotion. They will discuss how to support major events to be held in Korea this year including the Nuclear Security Summit and Yeosu Expo, the ministry said.

By Cho Chung-eun (christory@heraldcorp.com)