Seoul Africa Festival set to showcase continent’s charm

Showcasing the rich diversity of African cultures, a festival in Seoul next week is set to offer a vibrant glimpse into the continent’s traditions, music and cuisine.

The nonprofit organization Africa Insight said Wednesday it will co-host the Seoul Africa Festival along with the African Group of Ambassadors in Korea and Seoul Design Foundation at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in central Seoul from Sept. 12-13.

Launched in 2016, the festival is Korea’s largest event dedicated to African culture. This year’s edition will feature fashion, performances, hands-on programs and exhibitions that highlight the continent’s diversity.

The opening ceremony and dinner on the first day will bring together around 200 dignitaries, including African diplomats, officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, scholars, business leaders, cultural figures and local residents.

At the venue, visitors will be able to sample food and drinks from across Africa, including wine and coffee. Special souvenirs donated by African embassies in Seoul and round-trip tickets to Africa provided by Ethiopian Airlines will also be given away through a raffle.

On the second day of the festival, around 80 performers, including Twimbo, a traditional dance institute from the Division of African Studies at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, will take to the streets and plazas to perform and interact with the public.

That evening, a fashion show at Dongdaemun Design Plaza will showcase works by designers from South Africa, Nigeria and Korea. Among them will be Laduma Ngxokolo, the world-renowned designer who founded the South African fashion brand MAXHOSA AFRICA.

The festival will also offer programs for visitors to experience African dance, music, art and beauty, along with promotional booths run by African embassies.