The Korean Cultural Centre in South Africa (KCCSA) made history on August 22 by bringing its Travelling Korea festival to Botswana for the first time, transforming the University of Botswana campus into a vibrant celebration of cross-cultural exchange. The groundbreaking event attracted more than 1,000 attendees, demonstrating the rapidly growing interest in Korean culture throughout Botswana while showcasing the strengthening bonds between the two nations.
The festival offered visitors an immersive experience featuring an exciting blend of performances and hands-on activities from both cultures. Korean pop culture enthusiasts energized the crowd with dynamic K-pop cover dance performances, while festival-goers had the opportunity to explore traditional Korean customs through interactive calligraphy workshops, traditional craft demonstrations, hanbok fitting experiences, and a comprehensive exhibition highlighting Korean history and cultural heritage.
Botswana's rich cultural traditions took equal prominence at the event, captivating audiences with an impressive array of local performances and cultural displays. Spectators were mesmerized by powerful traditional dance performances, moving choral presentations, and live musical acts featuring talented student bands from local universities. Interactive exhibitions and participatory activities celebrating Botswanan heritage created an atmosphere where both cultures engaged in meaningful dialogue within a single, unified celebration.
"This festival went beyond introducing Korean culture – it became a meaningful platform for Korea and Botswana to meet and celebrate each other's traditions," said Jiyeol YOU, Director of the Korean Cultural Centre. "We are delighted by the enthusiastic response here in Gaborone, and we look forward to expanding these exchanges across the region."
The Travelling Korea initiative represents a mobile cultural program specifically designed to bring Korean culture to communities that lack easy access to the Centre's main location in Pretoria, South Africa. Since its initial launch within South Africa, the program has successfully visited major cities including Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, before expanding internationally to Eswatini in 2024. The Gaborone festival marked the program's second international destination outside South Africa, highlighting its growing role in building cultural bridges throughout the Southern African region.
Following the remarkable success of the Botswana event, the Korean Cultural Centre plans to continue expanding the Travelling Korea series to additional major cities across South Africa. This ongoing initiative aims to create broader opportunities for diverse audiences to experience and engage with Korea's rich and varied cultural offerings, strengthening international cultural connections and mutual understanding between nations.
