A dazzling display of traditional Korean dance set Times Square ablaze with excitement.
The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on Thursday that they kicked off Korea on Stage in New York, a promotional event for the national heritage visit campaign, on Wednesday in New York City. The event, organized in collaboration with the National Heritage Promotion Institute and the Korean Cultural Center in New York, is set to run for four days until Saturday.
The event, themed Wishes of Light: Korea’s Brilliantly Shining Heritage, began with a special performance in Times Square.
The Korean Traditional Dance of Choomnoori (KTDOC) and the National Heritage Promotion Institute’s artistic ensemble took the stage, delivering a mesmerizing 30-minute performance titled Wishes in Motion Times Square. Spectators were treated to a dynamic showcase featuring ensemble drums, small hand drum dances, and the iconic Jindo drum dance, reportedly eliciting enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.
The opening ceremony at the Korean Cultural Center in New York drew over 250 attendees, including notable figures such as Heo Min, head of the Cultural Heritage Administration; Lee Gui-young, director of the National Heritage Promotion Institute; Kim Cheon-soo, director of the Korean Cultural Center in New York; and various luminaries from the local arts and culture scene.
In his opening address, Heo Min expressed that it’s truly meaningful to showcase Korea’s national heritage here in New York, a global cultural hub. He emphasized their commitment to spreading awareness that the popularity of K-Culture is rooted in the depth and beauty of Korea’s millennia-old heritage.
The event also features hands-on experiences for local visitors. These include crafting workshops where participants can apply gold leaf to traditional Korean pouches, Temple Food classes led by Master Jeonggwan of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, and traditional tea tasting sessions guided by monks from Jingwan Temple. All these activities are taking place at the Korean Cultural Center in New York.
The Cultural Heritage Administration reported that over 1,700 people have registered for the traditional arts performances by the promotion institute’s artistic group and the temple food class conducted by Master Jeonggwan.
This event marks the beginning of a broader initiative by the Cultural Heritage Administration and the National Heritage Promotion Institute. They plan to roll out various programs aimed at globally promoting the value of Korea’s national heritage and establishing it as a cornerstone of South Korean cultural content.