Korean culture continues to capture global attention far beyond the realms of K-pop and Korean dramas, as traditional crafts and cultural practices gain international recognition. This fall, Toronto will host the Korean Intangible Cultural Heritage Week 2025, marking a significant milestone as the program makes its first major expansion into North America.
Organized jointly by the Korea Heritage Service and Korea Heritage Agency, this comprehensive two-week celebration aims to introduce Canadians to the depth and richness of Korean intangible heritage. The event presents these cultural treasures not as ancient relics confined to museums, but as vibrant, living traditions that continue to hold relevance and meaning in contemporary society.
The highlight of the cultural week is an innovative exhibition titled "Once Upon a Day of Lady Kim with K-craft," which will run from September 11 through September 23 at the Arta Gallery located in Toronto's historic Distillery District. This unique exhibition breaks away from conventional historical displays by creating an immersive narrative experience that follows the fictional character Lady Kim through her daily life, showcasing the wisdom and lifestyle of Korean women through generations of handcrafted artistry.
The exhibition features an impressive collection of 192 carefully curated pieces spanning 91 distinct categories of traditional Korean crafts. Among the standout items is an exquisite gold-and-silver inlaid peony wedding chest created by Hong Jeong-sil, a master of traditional inlay techniques recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage practitioner. Visitors will also encounter a complete set of traditional garments meticulously sewn by needlework master Koo Hye-ja, alongside an intricately designed metal comb case crafted by metalcraft master Kim Geuk-cheon.
The exhibition's innovative approach organizes these masterpieces within themed spaces that mirror the natural flow of everyday Korean life. The display progresses through various aspects of daily existence, from personal adornment and household items to family rituals and ceremonies, creating a cohesive narrative that presents artistry as an integral extension of lived experience rather than mere decorative objects.
On September 13, the cultural celebration will expand beyond visual arts with "Living, Time, Arirang," a special performance centered around Korea's most beloved and internationally recognized folk song. The event will take place at the Meridian Arts Centre and will feature Arirang, which has been designated by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. This timeless song has served for generations as a powerful symbol of resilience, longing, and Korean national identity.
The performance is structured in multiple segments to showcase both traditional and contemporary interpretations of this cultural treasure. The first section, titled "Living," will feature renowned pansori narrative singer Kim Il-koo alongside Gyeonggi Province-style folk singer Lee Chun-hee, who will present various traditional variations of Arirang that have been preserved and passed down through different regions of Korea. The second half, called "Time," offers a fresh perspective by reinterpreting the classic song through the contemporary artistic lens of fusion band Yegyul, working in collaboration with acclaimed choreographer Park Cheol-woo. This segment will encourage active audience participation through an interactive sing-along experience, breaking down the barriers between performers and spectators.
The performance will conclude with "Arirang Harmony," a grand finale that brings together all participating artists in a transcultural celebration that bridges traditional and modern expressions of Korean culture. This collaborative segment aims to demonstrate how cultural heritage can evolve and adapt while maintaining its essential spirit and meaning.
To ensure maximum public engagement and hands-on cultural immersion, the Korean Intangible Cultural Heritage Week will offer interactive workshops at the prestigious Royal Ontario Museum on September 13 and 14. These experiential sessions provide visitors with unique opportunities to directly engage with Korean traditional crafts and customs. Participants can try on authentic hanbok, the traditional Korean clothing known for its elegant lines and vibrant colors, gaining firsthand appreciation for the garment's cultural significance and aesthetic beauty.
Additionally, workshop attendees can learn the intricate art of maedeup, traditional Korean decorative knotting techniques used to create beautiful keychains and ornamental items. The hands-on experience also includes instruction in Korean embroidery methods, where visitors can stitch their own pouches inspired by traditional Korean needlework patterns and designs that have been refined over centuries.
As an added incentive for full participation, visitors who complete all three program components – the exhibition, performance, and hands-on workshops – will receive special commemorative gifts. These include norigae, traditional Korean decorative ornaments that have recently gained additional recognition through their featured appearance in the popular animated film "K-Pop Demon Hunters." This thoughtful integration of traditional elements with contemporary pop culture references demonstrates the ongoing relevance and adaptability of Korean heritage in modern contexts.
