Korean Cultural Centre In Malaysia To Open On Oct 30, Public Access From Nov 2

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 (NNN) -- The Korean Cultural Centre (KCC) in Malaysia will officially open on Friday (Oct 30), with the public opening scheduled for Nov 2, marking a new chapter in cultural exchange between Malaysia and South Korea.

In a statement, KCC said the centre’s establishment, which builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cultural Cooperation signed between the governments of Malaysia and South Korea in 2020, will offer a year-round programme of cultural classes, exhibitions, performances and workshops.

It will also expand collaborative projects with Malaysian artists, cultural and educational institutions, and local communities.

The official opening ceremony on Oct 30 will bring together senior government officials, artists and representatives from the cultural sectors of both countries, including South Korean Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Kim Young-soo and Malaysian Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Chiew Choon Man.

“I hope the centre will go beyond introducing Korean culture and become a vibrant platform where the people and artists of Korea and Malaysia can meet, share their cultures and create new experiences together,” Kim was quoted as saying in the statement issued on Monday.

The opening ceremony, themed “Connection through Culture”, will feature traditional and contemporary performances from both countries, including by the Busan National Gugak Centre and Malaysia’s Istana Budaya.

The Korean programme will include Saengso Byeongju, Hakchum (Crane Dance) and an excerpt from the Heungbuga pansori epic, while Istana Budaya will present the traditional dances Zapin Budi and Puteri Santubong.

A collaborative performance of Arirang, one of Korea’s most representative folk songs, will also feature artists from Malaysia’s National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA).

Contemporary K-culture will be represented by leading South Korean K-pop choreographer and leader of 1MILLION Dance Studio, Lia Kim, in a joint performance with Malaysian youth dance team Zeppo Youngsters.

Ahead of the official opening, the centre held a series of pre-opening events throughout October, including performances by contemporary dance group Ambiguous Dance Company and workshops led by dancers from 1MILLION Dance Studio.

To commemorate the opening, the centre will present “Hanbok, Reborn as Art”, an exhibition organised in collaboration with the Savina Museum of Contemporary Art that explores the patterns, artistry and diversity of Korea’s traditional attire from a contemporary perspective.

Visitors will also be introduced to traditional Korean lifestyles, architecture and crafts at the centre’s SARANGBANG space, including traditional craftsmanship on loan from the Korea Heritage Service.

Meanwhile, the K-Culture Festival 2026, which begins on Nov 2, will feature a range of activities covering Korean beauty, K-pop, street dance, traditional music, contemporary dance and musicals.

Highlights include a K-Beauty Class supported by Amorepacific Malaysia, “The K-STREET”, “K-Love Story” and the musical gala concert “K-MUSICAL: Songs of Korea”.

The festival will also feature “K-Dance Academy”, presented by the National Gugak Centre of Korea, offering hands-on classes in traditional Korean music and dance.

Further details on upcoming programmes and events are available on the centre’s official website at my.korean-culture.org.

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