Festival brings together Korean traditional performing arts, hands-on heritage workshops, and K-pop performances for an audience of around 400 in Abuja

ABUJA, Nigeria, May 16, 2026 — The Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN), led by Director Jeon Juho, held the 2026 Abuja K-Heritage Festival at Nicon Hotel on Saturday, May 16, bringing together around 400 attendees, including members of the Nigerian public, KCCN class participants, and local arts and culture stakeholders.

The event was designed as a combined cultural programme where visitors could experience both Korea’s traditional heritage and contemporary culture. It opened with a special performance by the Korean traditional arts project team SORI-CHUM, followed by a showcase by participants of KCCN’s traditional arts workshop and K-pop dance and vocal performances, presenting the diverse appeal of Korean culture to the audience.

The traditional performance segment featured a range of Korean performing arts, including Hyangbalmu, Bango-chum, Chimhyangmu, and Saetaryeong. Hyangbalmu combined the graceful movements of Korean court dance with dynamic rhythmic elements, while Bango-chum conveyed the excitement and energy of Korean nongak through swift rotations and lively beats. Saetaryeong, performed in the style of gayageum byeongchang, also left a strong impression on the audience with the lyrical and vibrant character of Korean traditional melodies.

The workshop showcase that followed featured participants of KCCN’s fan dance and janggu classes, who presented what they had learned through the traditional arts programme. Through rhythm, movement, and stage interaction, the participants demonstrated their growing familiarity with Korean performing arts and shared the experience directly with the audience.

“The fan dance and janggu classes were more than a simple cultural experience; they offered participants a chance to feel and share the beauty and rhythm of Korean traditional arts firsthand,” the SORI-CHUM duo said. “It was impressive to see the students become more comfortable with the rhythms over time and immerse themselves in the stage. We hope this performance remains a special memory of the rhythm and energy they created together.”

One participant in the traditional arts workshop said, “At first, the rhythms and movements felt unfamiliar, but through the classes, I was able to experience the rhythm and beauty of Korean traditional arts for myself. It was especially meaningful to present what we had learned in front of an audience.”

In the latter part of the festival, KCCN K-pop dance class students and K-pop Festival participants presented dance and vocal performances, reflecting the strong interest and enthusiasm of Nigerian youth for Korean popular culture.

Director Jeon Juho said, “The K-Heritage Festival was prepared to introduce Korean traditional arts and contemporary popular culture in one place, allowing Nigerian audiences to gain a broader understanding of Korean culture. We will continue to expand cultural exchanges between Korea and Nigeria through diverse cultural programmes and share the appeal of Korean culture with the Nigerian public.”

About the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria

The Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria promotes cultural exchange between Korea and Nigeria through programmes in Korean language, performing arts, traditional culture, Korean popular culture, exhibitions, and public events.