The Korea Culture Art Association is presenting the Korea Culture and Art Festival on Sept. 20, during the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event will be held at The Gathering Place, 421 Maiden Lane. Features include K-pop, K-Art, Zumba, K-tradition, and an art competition. The festival also highlights Dr. Ken Buckey, Kirk Hylton, Team Shin Myung, Ryu’s Taekwondo, Onggi & Jang, Ginsum Dance Team, Shin Sun Mi Dancer, Eunae Ji (Gayageum) Nanta Team, Kristie Kim Design, Young Ho Kim (Calligraphy), K Pack at NC State, Myong S Nam, Kung (Mayes) Soon Art Studio, and Jae Sung Yoo.
A youth art competition for students from pre-school to twelfth grade will be part of the festival. The theme is “About Korea.” Aspiring artists can use any medium, as long as the final submission is no larger than 11x14. For more information, email drawingsoon@gmail.com. Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded at the festival.
Korean art is a broad tradition encompassing calligraphy, ceramics, painting, music, and more, often characterized by simplicity, natural beauty, and connection to nature through organic forms and subtle designs. Paintings are inspired by landscapes and capture the mountains and streams of Korea.
K-pop is the abbreviation for Korean Pop Music, which originated in South Korea. K-pop incorporates a variety of styles such as pop, hip-hop, and electronic dance music. It is known for catchy melodies and intricate synchronized choreography, as well as traditional Korean music.
South Korean cultures emphasize strong family bonds, respect for elders, and Confucian values.
Korean Cuisine coordinates with the five elements of nature: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. This is based on the ancient Korean philosophical system of Eumyangohaeng: Yin and Yang and the Five elements and the Obangseak (Five Cardinal Colors). The philosophy declares that a balanced meal, which promotes harmony, health, and well-being, should incorporate foods corresponding to all five elements. The elements are represented by specific colors, flavors, and ingredients that are linked to different bodily organs and seasons. Balanced meals, inclusive of the five elements, are Bibimbap and Kimchi. Bibimbap consists of warm white rice topped with various seasoned vegetables (namul), meat (often beef), a fried egg, and a dollop of gochujang (chili paste). Kimchi is a dish of salted and fermented vegetables, most commonly napa cabbage, seasoned with chili powder, garlic, ginger, and jeotgal (fermented seaweed).
Be immersed in a multi-sensory experience with Korean culture. Experience the visual beauty of culture and the vitality of dance, K-pop, art and food. Experience the beauty of nature through the eyes of the artists.
Tickets are $20 for ages 13 and up, $10 for kids 3 to 12, and free for children 2 and under. For more information, contact gotokorefest@gmail.com.