Anna Jiwon Park has been covering the politics at The Korea Times since the summer of 2024, when she joined the press pool for the Office of the President in Korea. Prior to that, she spent about five years reporting extensively on financial markets, regulatory authorities and the financial industry. She joined The Korea Times in 2019 after spending eight years as a broadcast journalist at Arirang TV, Korea’s leading global broadcaster, covering politics, defense and culture.
Czech Film Week 2026 brings contemporary Czech cinema to Seoul
Visitors attending the Czech Film Week 2026 collect their tickets at the Seongsu Art Hall box office in eastern Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Anna J. Park
By Anna J. Park
Czech Film Week 2026, a five-day showcase of contemporary Czech cinema, is underway at the Seongsu Art Hall in eastern Seoul through April 4.
Presented under the theme “Beyond Movies, Meet Czechia,” this year's festival offers a carefully curated lineup of recent Czech films spanning genres, such as historical drama, documentary and animation, creating a unique platform to experience the richness of Czech filmmaking on the big screen.
The event is co-organized by the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Korea, the Czech Center Seoul and the Seongdong Foundation for Arts & Culture. It is also supported by the ČEZ Group, a major Czech energy company actively involved in strengthening cooperation between the two countries, particularly in nuclear energy.
Ivan Jančárek, left, ambassador of the Czech Republic to Korea, speaks during the opening ceremony of the Czech Film Week 2026 at Seongsu Art Hall in eastern Seoul, Tuesday. Korea Times photo by Anna J. Park
During the festival's opening ceremony, Czech Republic Ambassador to Korea Ivan Jančárek emphasized the significance of such cultural initiatives, noting that the partnership between the two countries continues to grow across multiple sectors.
"Cinema is one of the most engaging ways to open a window into another society. Through stories, characters, humor, and imagination, films allow us to experience a culture not as distant observers, but as participants," the Czech ambassador said.
“The Czech Republic and Korea share a strong and growing partnership that extends from culture to advanced industry and energy cooperation. Cultural projects like Czech Film Week allow us to meet not only as economic partners, but also through creativity, stories and shared cultural experiences.”
Echoing this sentiment, Michal Emanovský, director of Czech Center Seoul, highlighted the enduring appeal of Czech cinema.
“Czech cinema has long been admired for its originality, imagination, and ability to tell deeply human stories. With this selection we wanted to present films that show the artistic breadth of contemporary Czech filmmaking while giving audiences in Seoul a chance to experience a small window into Czech culture.”
Poster image for Czech Film Week 2026 / Courtesy of Embassy of the Czech Republic in Korea
The festival program opened on March 31 with “Sea of Hope,” a warm comedy-drama about unexpected changes in everyday life, accompanied by an opening ceremony and a performance by the Seongdong Dream Orchestra.
During the festival, five other films will also be showcased to Korean audiences.
"The six films selected for this year’s program highlight the diversity and vitality of contemporary Czech cinema," the ambassador explained.
"You will see works that reflect history and memory, such as 'Waves' or 'Havel Speaking, Can You Hear Me?'; films that examine our society with honesty and humor, like 'Sea of Hope' or 'After Party'; and animations that celebrate imagination and childhood, like 'Pat & Mat' or 'Tales from the Magic Garden.' Many of these films have never been screened in Korea before, making this week an especially meaningful encounter between our audiences and our artists."
A visitor examines a book displayed at Seongsu Art Hall in Seoul, Tuesday, where the Czech Film Week 2026 is being held until April 4. Korea Times photo by Anna J. Park
Screenings take place at 7 p.m. throughout the festival, except on Saturday when films are shown at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Free reservations are available through Korean ticket platform Yes24.
In addition to film screenings, visitors can explore the exhibition “Treasures of Czechia” in the venue’s lobby, showcasing UNESCO-listed historic sites and cultural landmarks of the country.