A comprehensive Korean cultural celebration is coming to Australia's capital city this September, featuring an exciting lineup of music, dance, literature, and interactive workshops. The K-Culture in Canberra festival, scheduled to run from Friday, September 19 through Sunday, September 28, 2025, promises to deliver an immersive experience showcasing the best of contemporary Korean arts and culture.
The event is being presented through a collaborative partnership between Immersia-ANU School of Culture, History & Language and ANU Harry Hartog, with activities taking place at both the ANU Harry Hartog bookstore and the Street Theatre. This multi-venue approach allows organizers to offer diverse programming that caters to different interests within Korean culture, from high-energy dance workshops to intimate literary discussions.
One of the festival's headline attractions will be a free K-Pop Cover Dance Workshop led by KINKY, recognized as one of South Korea's most renowned choreographers in the K-Pop industry. The workshop is designed to welcome participants of all skill levels, from complete beginners curious about Korean pop culture to dedicated K-Pop fans eager to learn professional moves from an industry insider. Participants will have the rare opportunity to master the latest K-Pop choreography techniques directly from someone who has worked with top Korean artists.
Literature enthusiasts will have multiple opportunities to engage with Korean authors and translators throughout the festival. The Korean Book Club will feature acclaimed author Kim Keum Hee, whose works include "The Grand Greenhouse Repair Report" and "Diary of a Plant Parent." She will be joined by Clare Richards, the translator responsible for bringing these novels to English-speaking audiences. This session will offer unique insights into both the creative process behind the original works and the intricate art of literary translation that makes Korean literature accessible to global readers.
Another significant literary event will showcase the work of Nobel Prize-winning author Han Kang, specifically focusing on her novel "We Do Not Part." This special discussion will bring together Paige Morris, who translated the book into English, and Kate Evans, co-host of ABC Radio National's popular program "The Bookshelf." The conversation will explore the themes, cultural context, and literary significance of Han Kang's acclaimed work, providing attendees with deeper appreciation for contemporary Korean literature.
The festival will culminate with Korean Literature Week, offering Australian book lovers an exceptional opportunity to discover and purchase a carefully curated selection of highly acclaimed Korean literature titles available in English translation. ANU Harry Hartog will serve as the central hub for this literary celebration, with books becoming available for purchase starting Friday, September 19th. This initiative aims to make Korean literature more accessible to Australian readers while supporting the growing international interest in Korean storytelling and cultural narratives.
