74 countries, one plaza: Seoul Friendship Festival marks 30 years of bringing world closer

An Indonesian dancer performs at the opening ceremony of Seoul Friendship Festival in Jung District, Seoul, Saturday. Courtesy of the Seoul Metropolitan Government

Choi Yun-ho had never been to Poland despite dating his Polish girlfriend Pola for a year. On Saturday, this year's Seoul Friendship Festival brought a taste of her homeland to him.

“It's difficult to find a restaurant in Korea that serves proper Polish food,” the 30-year-old told The Korea Times after biting into kielbasa, a Polish smoked sausage, at one of the festival's food booths.

For Pola, 30, the festival was more than a taste of home. “It's not just food. There are embassy booths where you can learn about different countries. We did a quiz about Poland and won some postcards,” she said.

Now celebrating its 30th anniversary, this year's Seoul Friendship Festival took place Saturday and Sunday at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul, bringing together embassies from 74 countries under the slogan “30 Years with the World, Bridging Cultures Together.”

First held in 1996, the festival promotes cultural exchange between Seoul and cities worldwide, drawing about 160,000 visitors last year to DDP, one of Seoul's most visited landmarks.

“When the festival first took root in 1996, the idea of exchange between world cities felt unfamiliar. Today, however, it has become part of daily life in Seoul,” Park Chan-gu, the city's vice mayor for political affairs, said in his opening remarks, adding that more than 450,000 foreign residents are now living in the city.

Visitors browse food booths representing different countries at Seoul Friendship Festival in Jung District, Seoul, Saturday. Courtesy of the Seoul Metropolitan Government

“At times, different languages and environments can make us feel like there are walls between us. But music knows no borders, food holds no prejudice and there is no room for conflict on a shared dance floor. The simple, precious moments of laughter and joy we share here at this festival are what truly bind us together,” Park added.

This year's festival featured a wide range of programs, with promotional booths from 45 embassies showcasing traditions, culture and local specialties, along with areas for hands-on events like traditional games and trying on national clothing from around the world. A Korean culture zone spread across the venue served food and provided beauty services like skin-tone color consultations and product sampling.

Food booths included everything from Mexican tacos to goulash, an beef stew popular in many part of Europe, with sweet treats from all over the globe, including Africa and the Middle East, rounding out the offerings.

For 9-year-old Im Jun-su, the festival was his first taste of Nepali and Guatemalan food and he was about to try a Greek dish his mother had gone to get.

“The Nepali tandoori chicken was delicious,” he said. “I also had a triangular pastry filled with cheese from the Guatemala booth. I didn't catch the name, but it was great.”

Visitors sample dried fruits and nuts at the booth for Tajikistan during Seoul Friendship Festival in Jung District, Seoul, Saturday. Korea Times photo by Park Ung

The festival proved memorable not only for visitors, but also for those staffing the booths.

Taghoeva Dilafruz, a 24-year-old Tajik student studying in Korea, showcased handmade crafts from her country and was handing out dried fruits and nuts, one of the most beloved snacks in Tajikistan, to those passing by.

“Many Koreans stopped by, tasted the food and asked about our culture,” she said. “Tajikistan is the smallest country in Central Asia, so not many people know us. Today, however, seeing that curiosity feels great.”

Among those who stopped by was Yu Gyeong-hui, 68, who had traveled from Iksan, North Jeolla Province, and visited the festival after her daughter told her about the event. “The almonds and raisins were absolutely delicious,” Yu said, adding that she would strongly recommend the festival.

Visitors could also try on traditional attire from 11 countries, including El Salvador, Cambodia, Romania and Zambia, while nearby booths taught people how to play folk games from Mexico and Indonesia.

A film and photography exhibition screened tourism and promotional videos from more than 40 countries on large LED cube screens, while visitors could interact with photo zones featuring landmarks and cultural scenes from around the world.

“As it has done for the past 30 years, we hope this festival will continue to serve as an important occasion for spreading mutual understanding and solidarity through cultural exchange between Seoul and the world,” said Kim Su-deok, Seoul's director-general for global city policy, adding his thanks to all who have attended over its 30-year run.