Australians mark national day

By John Redmond

For expats in Korea, celebrating a national day is a time for people of all walks of life and nationalities to get together and toast a traditional event.

With the heavily structured work environment in Korea, what were national holidays back home are often celebrated over the nearest weekend to the actual day.

Australia Day fell on Jan. 26, which this year fell on a Thursday

With the number of Australians in Korea estimated at almost 10,000 and the fact that many Koreans travel to Australia for both business and study, it comes as no surprise that Australia Day is a big deal here.

Two events held in Seoul saw the diversity of the Australian population in Korea.

Tony’s Aussie Bar and Bistro

Thursday night saw a selection of expats from diverse cultures and locals gather at a private party held at Tony’s Aussie Bar and Bistro in Itaewon to rock the night away in true Aussie fashion.

With a band put together by session musician turned restaurateur Tony Le Rhodes, partygoers were treated to a night of Australian beer, homemade meat pies and live music. The band selected a classic Australian music mix featuring mainstream and independent Aussie rock.

With a crowd packed to capacity, the band kept the audience entertained till well after midnight, with Le Rhodes finally calling time in the wee hours.

Australian Chamber of Commerce Korea

The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AustCham Korea) presented the largest Australia Day celebration in Korea on Jan. 27 at the Champagne Room of the Novotel Ambassador in Gangnam, Seoul.

From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. some 145 guests enjoyed an Australian menu including an Aussie BBQ provided by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), Western Australian wines courtesy of W.A. Trade and Investment, meat pies supplied by Jesters, fish and chips and traditional Australian desserts including lamingtons and pavlova.

The “Priscilla Queen of the Desert” themed event was officially opened by the Ambassador of Australia to the Republic of Korea HE Sam Gerovich.

With the movie “Priscilla” being projected onto large screens as a backdrop, Rod Rothwell executive director of AustCham Korea, took center stage to welcome guests and thank sponsors for making the evening possible.

Rothwell was also in charge of announcing the raffle winners, offering prizes from bottles of wine to hotel accommodation.

Along with prearranged Australian music in the background, a live band performed a medley of hits by artists such as Men at Work and Kylie Minogue.

With a fine selection of food and an abundance of good wine, guests mingled and networked.

The event has long been one of the high points on the AustCham Korea annual calendar and is attended by senior diplomats and leading business figures.

Sponsors included MLA, West Australia Trade and Investment, Novotel Accor, Jesters Pies, and AGS Four Winds.