Often found at theaters and museums, Kwon Mee-yoo has covered a wide range of cultural fields from K-pop and dramas to theater and fine art for over a decade. Now as K-Culture Desk editor, she tries to connect Korean culture with global readers through fresh perspectives.
K-culture shines at Korea-Africa Summit banquets
The waiting room for the official dinner of the Korea-African Summit, Monday, was decorated with "Chaekgado" (Paintings of Books and Scholar's Accoutrements) folding screens and "baekja" (white porcelain) vases, reflecting the art and philosophy of the 1392-1910 Joseon Dynasty. Courtesy of the presidential office
By Kwon Mee-yoo
The official banquets for the Korea-Africa Summit showcased a fusion of Korean culture and the vibrant energy of Africa, pointing to a future of mutual cooperation and cultural exchange.
For Monday’s welcome dinner at the Shilla Seoul, delegates from 48 African countries were greeted with a visual feast of Korean heritage. The waiting room was adorned with "Chaekgado" (Paintings of Books and Scholar's Accoutrements) folding screens and "baekja" (white porcelain) vases, reflecting the art and philosophy of the 1392-1910 Joseon Dynasty.
The photo wall for commemorative photos was decorated with traditional "dancheong" patterns and the reception area was furnished with items inspired by Korean traditions. From furniture crafted by intangible cultural heritage holders to Korean and African flowers arranged in handmade bronze vases, every detail was meticulously curated to recreate the atmosphere of the Heungbokjeon Hall of Gyeongbok Palace, a space used to host foreign diplomats during the Joseon era.
"Golden Sand," a dish of lotus root, purple sweet potato chips and seaweed chips on a bed of cassava chips, a staple in Africa, is served as amuse-bouche for the official welcome dinner of the Korea-Africa Summit at the Shilla Seoul, Monday. Courtesy of the presidential office
The dinner menu was a harmonious blend of Korean and African culinary traditions. The amuse-bouche, "Golden Sand," included lotus root, purple sweet potato chips and seaweed chips on a bed of cassava chips, a staple in Africa. The appetizer, "Four Rivers," included a variety of cold dishes symbolizing the rivers of Korea and Africa.
The dinner continued to "Dawn of the Plateau," a corn, cranberry bean and chestnut porridge; "Flavor of the Oceans," a grilled seaperch with gochujang-infused couscous; and "Idyllic Song of the Grassland," braised beef short ribs served on lotus leaves. "Choir of the Forest" was Korean “bibimbap” rice with colorful vegetables and clam doenjang (bean paste) soup.
The meal concluded with the dessert "Dreaming Continent," which included traditional Korean confectionery "moyakgwa" (honey pastry), chocolate and iced yuzu tea.
"The menu features seasonal specialties and ingredients that express the bountiful nature of Korea and Africa and captures the dynamic future that Korea and Africa are creating together," said an official from the presidential office.
Korean dance crew 1MILLION performs during the welcome dinner of the Korea-Africa Summit at the Shilla Seoul, Monday. Yonhap
The banquet was complemented by a 35-minute performance that celebrated the cultural pride and future aspirations of Korea and Africa. It began with a K-pop dance performance titled "Road to Dream," symbolizing a journey of empathy and hope.
The first act, "Root of Dynamics," featured a media art performance that combined traditional Korean drum dancing, followed by a demonstration from the World Taekwondo.
In the second act, "Jubilation of Humanity," the performance starred Kim Young-gi, a national intangible cultural heritage holder of traditional Korean vocal music "gagok," alongside a 20-member choir singing "Waka Waka," the iconic official song of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
The third act, "Power of Solidarity," combined "Namsadangnori" (traditional Korean folk performance designated as a National Intangible Heritage as well as UNESCO intangible heritage) with African percussion rhythms, highlighting the synergy between the two cultures.
These combined photos show the menu of the official luncheon for the spouses of African leaders during the Korea-Africa Summit at Sangchunjae in Cheong Wa Dae, Tuesday. The menu was created to harmonize Korean and African traditions. Courtesy of the presidential office
On Tuesday, first lady Kim Keon Hee hosted an official luncheon for the spouses of the African leaders, presenting a blend of Korean and African flavors in a lighter touch, at Sangchunjae in Cheong Wa Dae.
The luncheon started with a traditional tea ceremony, offering plum tea, tofu snack, vegetable chips and seasonal fruits and the courses included "gungjung tteokbokki," royal-style stir-fried rice cakes, and bite-sized "gimbap," seaweed rice rolls, presenting popular Korean dishes in an elegant and modern style.
At the luncheon, the cultural elements were enriched by performances such as CelloGayageum, a duo of Austrian cellist Sol Daniel Kim and gayageum (Korean zither) player Yoon Da-young. Additionally, pansori artists Min Hye-sung and Laure Mafo, of Cameroonian French origin, graced the event with their performances. The program also featured artist Seok Chang-woo, who showcased his talent despite having prosthetic limbs, adding a poignant dimension to the cultural exchange.