For a weekend in Belgium, go on a trip with the Korean cultural center in the heart of South Korea.
This weekend took place in Brussels, Belgium, the festival “KOREA UNBOXED “Taste, Glow, Explore”, according to CHUNG HAETAL, the festival is like an assortment of Korean culture, which as the name suggests “Taste, Glow, Explore“, is made to taste Korean food, to discover “Korean cosmetics” in order to take care of oneself, one’s skin, as well as one’s appearance, and finally the explore side for those who do not have the possibility to go to South Korea at the moment, so that they immerse themselves in the Korean universe, atmosphere and culture.
For this year in terms of Korean cuisine, visitors were able to discover a little more about “Street food“. Deeply rooted in Asian culture, Korean “Street food” is an integral part of the country’s customs, because indeed you can, as soon as you travel to Korea, discover, especially in the evening, in the streets, small stalls allowing you to quickly and convivially enjoy a small dish. This is very often done between colleagues after work, after classes at university, but also for the weekend with friends.
More and more in the world, Korean cosmetics are taking up space and are proving to be quality products, providing care and well-being. Previously, the products could be purchased online, but more and more stores are opening all over the world, particularly in Belgium, in Brussels. The festival therefore focused on these, which you were able to discover throughout the festival.
Our reporter Maëlle went to discover the interior of the Korean cultural center with the different K-BEAUTY stands. Exhibiting their products directly imported from Asia and of course from South Korea, brands like “Nabil Bardani” and “L’YAAN Skincare” attracted a large number of curious and connoisseurs. Other stands were more focused on travel and you could discover Korea, but also take the opportunity to ask for advice for a future trip or why not organize one.
After a quick tour, Place de la Chapelle for the moment “street food“, Maëlle was surprised by the large number of stands present that were there to discover the best of Korean cuisine. Each stand having its specialty, the gourmands were able to feast between Japchae, bimbimbap, kimbap, and other Tteokbokki. Before returning to the Korean cultural center of Brussels for the official opening ceremony of the festival.
On her return, Maëlle was able to meet alderman Houba Delphine, alderman for Culture, Tourism, Major Events and Municipal Equipment of Brussels, who was heavily involved in this event, advocating the discovery of Korean culture. In addition, the Korean ambassador to Belgium, RYU JEONGHYUN, was present to validate the opening of the festival.
After the official speeches, Maëlle was able to discover the different activities offered throughout the festival. What particularly caught the eye was a performance by a young Belgian dance cover group, but especially the color tests to determine what would suit you best in terms of hair color, makeup and clothing. Professionals were present to calculate and advise you as best as possible for you.
Other activities allowed you to discover which city in South Korea corresponded to you according to your MBTY or your astrological sign. And of course you had the opportunity to try on the traditional Korean clothing “Hanbok”.
The Korean cultural center of Brussels was formed in 2013, when it was created few people knew about the country and this culture. Thanks to the development and export of Korean popular music called KPOP, but also to the diffusion of dramas and films, the development of culture has expanded, and more and more people in Belgium but also in Europe and in the world, are becoming more and more interested in the culture itself.
Events are already in preparation, a new exhibition will be held at the beginning of December. The year 2025 is announced with more and more events, whether they are carried out within the Korean cultural center (very often free), whether they are in the form of cooking classes or language learning, the cultural center also organizes different concerts of classical music or Kpop, artistic exhibitions or other. One of the key words of all this is “sharing”.
Our reporter’s words: “I was very well received and pleasantly surprised by the large number of people present. The organization was very good, truly showing Korean efficiency.“
Reporter: Maëlle
Journalist: Shawn
Photos: Maëlle
Source: KSTATION TV
