Public invited to Korean Culture Day in Kansas

Fri, 03/21/2025

LaGretia Copp

LAWRENCE — Korea comes to Kansas during Korean Culture Day on March 29, providing an opportunity for University of Kansas and Kansas residents to experience various aspects of Korean culture.

Collage of photos (clockwise from righthand corner): hand performing Korean calligraphy, closeup of various Korea games, gifts wrapped the bojagi way, two men kicking at each other's heads in taekwondo demonstration, three dancers performing K-pop song, and KU students in hanboks holding a KU flag in front of Korean temple.

The free public event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the fifth floor of the Kansas Union.

Korean Culture Day in Kansas will showcase a diverse array of programs that seamlessly blend traditional and contemporary Korean culture.

"Although interest in Korean language and culture has increased due to the Korean Wave, students and local residents have had few opportunities to experience it firsthand," said Ji-Yeon Lee, an assistant teaching professor who teaches Korean in the KU Department of East Asian Languages & Cultures. "This event will be a precious opportunity for them."

Attendees can look forward to:

playing Korean traditional games such as tuho (투호) and jegichagi (제기차기)
trying on Korean traditional clothing called hanbok (한복)
participating in bojagi (보자기) wrapping sessions
learning Korean calligraphy
watching a taekwondo demonstration
enjoying performances & K-Pop random dance play
savoring K-snacks.

The event is co-sponsored by the Korean Cultural Center Los Angeles (KCCLA), KU Center for East Asian Studies (CEAS), KU East Asian Languages and Cultures Department (EALC) and King Sejong Institute Center, U.S.A. (KSIC).

Since 2023, KCCLA has been introducing various aspects of Korean culture across the U.S., targeting areas without a Korean Cultural Center. It has expanded programs that allow people to experience Korea's cultural heritage and modern culture in collaboration with related organizations like KSIC and CEAS.

“KU is one of only 10 U.S. universities that offer five levels of Korean language programs, along with a major and minor," said CEAS Director Akiko Takeyama, professor of women, gender & sexuality studies. "This event is a wonderful opportunity not only to showcase what we offer at KU but also to deepen the understanding of Korean culture among both university students and community members alike. It is a great way to promote cultural exchange between Korea and the U.S. while fostering a strong sense of community."