A group of Korean students living in Victoria hope to expose their country’s culture to our city on May 10. The first Korean Festival will introduce traditional foods, clothes, games, and performances to those passing by Centennial Square throughout the day.
One of the festival’s organizers, Danbi Hong, says that although there are many Korean people living in Victoria, and a lot of Korean students attending UVic, Camosun, and other local schools, not many Canadians are fully versed in the small Asian country’s culture.
“I figured out there were many people who had no idea about Korea, or even Korean culture,” says Hong. “Some were aware of Samsung, but they never knew what country the brand is from. Those who are interested in international situations knew about South Korea as the country that is confronted with North Korea. But I really wanted people to know Korean culture and that made me plan this festival.”
The festival will feature events such as arts projects, face painting, Korean games, and a chance to try on traditional Korean clothes. There will also be a Korean BBQ for those looking to try the country’s tasty foods.
But Hong is quick to point out the festival organizers aren’t trying to teach people everything about Korea, but rather expose them, perhaps for the first time, to the country’s rich traditions and culture.
“I would just like people to know there is a small country called Korea and Korean people have their own distinctive culture and enjoy it, and they have fun together without any inhibition,” says Hong. “This is what we aim to do.”
Following the ethical and philosophical system of Confucianism, those who live in Korea have a certain code to adhere to, something which makes the adjustment to Canadian culture a bit of a challenge.
“We basically have to be polite, humble, and respect our elders. In the relationships between men and women, they have to keep the distance from each other,” explains Hong. “The women who are submissive to the men are considered the ideal, and they used to be dominated by men. Although this traditional patriarchal system has been weakening these days, we still have those customs throughout our culture.”
Despite these differences, Hong says the festival will focus on celebrating Korea’s positive customs, such as jeong, which means a feeling of affection and caring for other people and enjoying time spent together.
“Korean people have this feeling a lot, so we make Kimchi [fermented vegetables] every single year and share it and exchange it with neighbours,” says Hong. “Korean people are usually warmhearted people, even though they may act abrupt or look displeased at first sight.”
As for why so many Korean students choose Canada as their country of study, Hong says our country and its opportunities are very attractive to young Asians.
“We come here to study English, go on travels, and experience foreign cultures,” says Hong. “English is a very, very important skill for us to go to a high-level college or university and get a lucrative job.”
Korean Festival
11 am-6 pm, Saturday May 10
Centennial Square, free
facebook.com/vicorea2014