Sights, sounds and flavors of Africa in Seoul
African artists perform during the African Day festival at Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, Saturday. / Courtesy of Becky Hael
By Becky Hael
On May 25, a festival in commemoration of Africa Day took place in Seoul at Gwanghwamun Square. Organized by 14 African embassies in Seoul, the festival was a unique opportunity for Koreans and expats to learn about different African cultures and interact with embassy representatives, performers, and other members of the African community in Korea.
The holiday marked the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Organization of African Unity, which gave birth to today’s African Union, and is a special day for Africans residing in their home countries as well as abroad to unite and celebrate the progress and rich cultures of the continent.
The event was a rare chance for Koreans to be exposed to a small piece of the African continent and the Africans residing in their communities. In the words of one visitor who happened upon the festival, Kim Jung-suk said, “In Korea there is little cultural exchange so we don’t get to see (examples of African cultures) much. Korean people are not ready to host foreigners culturally. Events like this help in this respect.”
Kim Yae-ji, a student at Ewha Womans University who has lived in Ethiopia and Ghana during her studies, said, “In terms of distance, Korea and Africa are very far apart. Koreans only hear about the poverty of the continent and Africa Day is an opportunity for Koreans to see the cultural aspects such as music and dance.”
The scene was a vibrant display of colors, flavors and sounds with adults and children perusing the area in traditional garb speaking with visitors about their respective cultures. A representative from one of the African embassies said, “I get to know people and help them appreciate what Africa is.”
He also explained that the international importance of Africa Day is to unite Africans and that the event in Seoul is a medium in which not only individuals from diverse African countries, but also Koreans, may interact to exchange ideas and cultures as well as have fun in a melting pot of backgrounds and experiences.
Each country represented at the event set up a booth with artwork, such as statues, jewelry, and paintings; traditional cuisines and desserts; beverages made from organic sources such as flowers, berries and ginger; and informative material about items on display as well as cultural and tourist information. A stage, with Gyeongbokgung Palace as a contrasting cultural backdrop, featured musicians and dancers from Ethiopia, Kenya, the Ivory Coast, and Rwanda, among others, which visitors gathered around following the fast, rhythmic feet of dancers and quick hands of drummers.
In addition to the annual festival that is open to the public and free-of-charge, on the Friday before the event, an invite-only gala organized for African embassies took place as well as an Angolan Kizomba dance event supported by the Angolan Embassy, in which over one hundred expats and Koreans participated, took place in celebration of Africa Day.