An Indonesian dancer performs at the opening ceremony of Seoul Friendship Festival in Jung District, Seoul, Saturday. Courtesy of the Seoul Metropolitan Government
Choi Yun-ho had never been to Poland despite dating his Polish girlfriend Pola for a year. On Saturday, this year's Seoul Friendship Festival brought a taste of her homeland to him.
“It's difficult to find a restaurant in Korea that serves proper Polish food,” the 30-year-old told The Korea Times after biting into kielbasa, a Polish smoked sausage, at one of the festival's food booths.
For Pola, 30, the festival was more than a taste of home. “It's not just food. There are embassy booths where you can learn about different countries. We did a quiz about Poland and won some postcards,” she said.
Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, this year's Seoul Friendship Festival took place Saturday and Sunday at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul, bringing together embassies from 74 countries under the slogan “30 Years with the World, Bridging Cultures Together.”
First held in 1996, the festival promotes cultural exchange between Seoul and cities worldwide, drawing about 160,000 visitors last year to DDP, one of Seoul's most visited landmarks.
“When the festival first took root in 1996, the idea of exchange between world cities felt unfamiliar. Today, however, it has become part of daily life in Seoul,” Park Chan-gu, the city's vice mayor for political affairs, said in his opening remarks, adding that more than 450,000 foreign residents are now living in the city.
Visitors browse food booths representing different countries at Seoul Friendship Festival in Jung District, Seoul, Saturday. Courtesy of the Seoul Metropolitan Government
“At times, different languages and environments can make us feel like there are walls between us. But music knows no borders, food holds no prejudice and there is no room for conflict on a shared dance floor. The simple, precious moments of laughter and joy we share here at this festival are what truly bind us together,” Park added.
This year's festival featured a wide range of programs, with promotional booths from 45 embassies showcasing traditions, culture and local specialties, along with areas for hands-on events like traditional games and trying on national clothing from around the world. A Korean culture zone spread across the venue served food and provided beauty services like skin-tone color consultations and product sampling.
Source: Korea Times News
