Mumbai will get a taste of Seoul this week-end. The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Mumbai and the Korean Cultural Centre India on Saturday bring the inaugural K-Harmony Festa to Jio World Drive, BKC. Hailed as the city's first large-scale Korean cultural festival launched in association with Maharashtra’s Department of Tourism, the day-long event will introduce Mumbaikars to the many faces of already very popular Korean life, from K-pop and K-beauty to K-food and street culture. The highlight, ‘SeoulStreet’, aims to recreate some of the capital’s most iconic neighbourhoods, from Myeongdong’s buzzing shopping lanes to the traditional hanok houses of Bukchon, Jongno’s food alleys, Hangang Park’s riverfront vibe, and Gangneung’s BTS-famed bus stop. Hwang Il Yong, Director of the Korean Cultural Centre India, said, “Hallyu has become a mainstream cultural phenomenon among India’s young generation. Through K-Harmony Festa, we hope to deepen cultural ties and open new doors for collaboration between Korea and India.” The festival will act as a gateway for Korean businesses looking to expand in India’s financial hub. As part of which, Korean brands like Amorepacific, Lotte and Orion are setting up immersive zones. Visitors can also sample Korea’s beloved snacks like Pepero and Choco Pie, or join 30-minute Amorepacific masterclasses on K-drama natural makeup and K-pop idol makeup. On stage, the line-up spans the country’s cultural spectrum, from traditional performances by Kukkiwon Taekwondo and S-Flava (a fusion of Korean folk music and b-boying) to the eight-member K-pop group Younite, who will also host a special fan meet.
