Bangkok: South Korea has chosen Thailand to host its prestigious 2026 KOREA SEASON festival, showcasing specially created art, performances, and exhibitions throughout the year.
According to Thai News Agency, the Korean Cultural Center in Thailand, in collaboration with the Thai Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE), is officially organizing the "Korean Cultural Festival 2026 KOREA SEASON" this May.
"KOREA SEASON" is a project by the South Korean government to promote Korean culture overseas. It selects countries with a deep interest in Korean culture to present specially created art, performances, and exhibitions throughout the year. For 2026, Thailand has been chosen as a key strategic location to celebrate the relocation of the Korean Cultural Centre in Thailand, which has operated in Asoke for over 13 years, to a new location in Thonglor in July. The new office building is scheduled to officially open in October of this year.
Under the 2026 KOREA SEASON project, the Korean Cultural Center in Thailand aims to create a space for cultural exchange, providing opportunities for both Thai audiences and artists to participate in activities such as dance performances, media art exhibitions, and festivals. Key programs include the contemporary ballet "GAT" in May, the K-Live Festival in October, and a media art exhibition showcasing traditional Korean culture. The 2026 KOREA SEASON festival will kick off with the contemporary ballet "GAT" on May 23rd at the KBank Siam Pichet Theatre. Inspired by the "GAT," a traditional Korean hat, the performance conveys Korean aesthetics through Western ballet movements, interpreting the appearance and symbolism of different hat types through body language, representing the elegance of scholars (Sunbi) and the grace of Korean women.
Ms. Sonju Lee, Director of the Korean Cultural Center in Thailand, expressed her pleasure in introducing Korean arts and culture to Thai people through performances, exhibitions, and concerts, under the 2026 KOREA SEASON project. She hopes that these art forms will inspire new ideas and serve as a bridge of friendship, promoting stronger cultural exchange between the two countries.
Those interested in attending the contemporary ballet performance "GAT," to be held on May 23rd at 6:00 PM, can register for free seating via Google Forms on the Korean Cultural Center in Thailand's social media channels (Facebook: @koreanculturalcenterTH, Instagram: @kccthailand).