The Korean Cultural Center in the United Arab Emirates is organizing a special cultural workshop that showcases TalChum, Korea's traditional masked dance that has been recognized by UNESCO as part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The hands-on program, titled "Learning Korean Tal" with the subtitle "Tal Tal Tal," offers participants a comprehensive introduction to this ancient Korean art form through performance, crafting, and movement instruction.
The workshop is specifically designed for children and youth aged 8 to 18 years old and will take place on two consecutive evenings. Sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, November 25th, and Wednesday, November 26th, both running from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Each day will accommodate a maximum of 10 participants to ensure personalized instruction and meaningful engagement with the cultural activities.
The program features three main components that provide participants with a well-rounded experience of Korean traditional culture. The workshop begins with a live TalChum performance showcase, allowing attendees to witness the artistry and storytelling elements of this traditional dance form. Following the demonstration, participants will engage in a hands-on mask-making activity where they can create their own Korean traditional masks, learning about the symbolic meanings and craftsmanship techniques involved in this ancient art.
The final component of the workshop focuses on practical learning, as participants will be taught basic TalChum dance movements. This interactive segment allows young people to experience firsthand the physical and cultural aspects of the traditional dance, connecting them directly with Korea's intangible cultural heritage through movement and expression.
The workshop is hosted by the Korean Cultural Center in the UAE and organized by Cloud Cultures, demonstrating a collaborative effort to promote Korean cultural education internationally. Expert instruction will be provided by a team of qualified educators from the Department of Traditional Arts at Chung-Ang University, including Hyunchang Yang, Seojeong Kim, Gyeonbgin Yu, and Jeonghwan Kim, ensuring authentic and professional guidance throughout the program.
Interested participants must register in advance through an online RSVP system accessible via a Google Forms link. The workshop represents part of the Korean Cultural Center's ongoing efforts to share Korea's rich cultural traditions with international audiences, particularly focusing on engaging younger generations in meaningful cultural exchange and education about Korea's UNESCO-recognized heritage practices.
