Experience Korea in Pretoria at the Korean Cultural Centre
Are you a South African wanting to experience Korean culture? Don’t stress about travelling thousands of kilometres and
many hours. Experience Korea in Mzansi at the Korean Cultural Centre in Pretoria.
Calling all those who reside in South Africa but have never been to Korea! Here is a place to go and experience the rich culture of the Asian country.
The Korean Cultural Centre is located in Brooklyn, Pretoria, and showcases the best of the East Asian country's content to the local market.
The centre opened in November 2021 and has been a source of entertainment and learning for many South Africans.
Interest in Korean culture
Over the past few years, there has been much hype around Korean culture. This is after many people all over the globe fell in love with their music and movies. Bands such as BTS brought a new sound that got many people all over the world hooked on Korean music!
READ: Taste of Global: Experience tastes from around the world
If you have been consuming Korean content but have never visited the country, don't fret.
South Africans now get to witness the best of Korean content without worrying about spending a lot of money or travelling thousands of kilometres.
Below is what you will see when you visit the Korean Cultural Centre in Pretoria:
Cultural Experience Room
The centre has a cultural experience room which shows off some of the most beautiful Korean cultural products.
There are also traditional instruments on display, such as drums.
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Exhibition Halls
The venue has an exhibition hall where visitors can experience special exhibitions of Korean culture.
There are several masterpieces made by Korean artists.
The exhibitions serve as history or cultural lessons.
Library
The library has a collection of books that tell Korean stories. Korean authors mostly write them, and you will also find English-translated books.
Visitors can find Korean novels, children’s books and textbooks that will teach you the language.
There are also books on physics, technology and science.
Lecturer Room
Do you want to learn the Korean language? Then head to the centre for Korean language classes.
The classes take place in the three lecture rooms on the premises.
They happen twice a week and cater for the different levels of proficiency.
Cooking Studio
Experience the best of Korean food at the cooking studio. This is where delicious Korean meals are made.
The centre offers cooking lessons or workshops to those who want to learn how to cook Korean dishes.
There are courses designed for aspiring chefs. These types of lessons are more intense, but there are also courses for beginners and they are less hectic. The beginners classes are only for a day.
Cafeteria
The centre has a cafeteria where visitors can enjoy their meals while having conversations. The cafeteria is also used as an eating area during events and festivals.
Events
Attend events hosted at the centre regularly throughout the year to experience the best of Korea.
The events cater to people of different ages and aim to showcase the best of Korean culture.
During events, vendors cater and serve Korean food, ensuring visitors go home having tasted some of the scrumptious K-food delights.
Kids-friendly activities
The centre has several kid-friendly activities.
Children as young as seven can participate in K-pop classes, fashion shows, and other events.
The centre has an auditorium or performance hall that can accommodate 100 people.
Hang out spot
The centre is a great place to spend time out and about!
With all the activities, lessonsm and foods offered, visitors are sure to be entertained!
It opens Monday to Friday from 09:00-16:00, however, it is closed between 12:00 and 13:00.
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Taste of Global: Experience tastes from around the world
From Monday, February 24, we're launching something truly special on 'Breakfast with Martin Bester', brought to you by FNB Private.
Welcome to Taste of Global – an eight-week culinary journey that brings global cuisine to our studio and your airwaves.
Each week, from Monday to Thursday, we'll explore the flavours, traditions, and stories behind some of the world's most iconic dishes.
A featured country will take centre stage every week, with a chef, cook, or flavour maestro joining us to showcase their nation's signature cuisine.
These countries include:
South Korea
Mozambique
Italy
Ghana
Greece
Botswana
United Kingdom
India
Tune in to the 'Breakfast with Martin Bester', weekdays from 06:00 – 09:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
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Image courtesy of iStock/ @Windzepher