Chuseok, observed on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, is an important Korean holiday that celebrates  the autumn harvest and brings families together to express gratitude. Korean Cultural Centre India celebrated Chuseok, Korea’s traditional harvest festival, on September 24,  by inviting Indian audiences to experience the customs and cultural traditions associated with the occasion.  The event offered participants an engaging introduction to Korea’s festive traditions, artistic practices and architectural heritage. Inspired by the Korean tradition of making wishes under the full moon, participants used brush pens to write their personal wishes,  and experience the artistic expression and beauty of Korean calligraphy. Attendees explored Korea's architectural heritage by crafting miniature paper Hanok models and learning about traditional home designs. The participants further experienced few traditional Korean games such as Jegichagi, a game similar to shuttlecock kicking; Gonggi,  a traditional stone game; and Tuho, a game of throwing arrows into a narrow-necked jar. Participants also had the opportunity to wear ‘hanbok’, Korea’s traditional attire, and share ‘songpyeon’,  a traditional rice cake associated with the autumn harvest and the spirit of sharing.

Korean Cultural Centre India, with the support of the Honorary Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Hyderabad, took Korean cultural experiences beyond New Delhi and directly to audiences,  particularly students and young people, in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. The two-day outreach programme, ‘KCCI ON THE GO: GUNTUR’ received an enthusiastic response from local citizens,  highlighting the growing interest in Korean culture beyond major metropolitan cities in India. The activity provided an engaging introduction to Korean culture while encouraging active participation from the audience. The Samulnori Team of the Korean Cultural Centre India, Hae-O-Reum, showcased a performance sharing the vibrant traditions of Korean percussion music which is ensemble,  known for its powerful rhythm and energy. Taekwondo, another major component of the programme, generated strong interest among students and young participants at both events. The programme further connected traditional Korean culture with contemporary K-culture through a K-pop cover dance performance by a local dance group.              The attending students also got to experience Korean traditional games like Jegichagi and Tuho. Jegichagi (제기차기) is a traditional Korean outdoor folk game where players repeatedly kick a small shuttlecock-like object called a jegi into the air,  trying to keep it off the ground for as long as possible using their feet. Tuho (투호) is a traditional Korean pitch-pot game where players throw arrows or sticks from a set distance into a narrow-necked jar The attendees also got to experience an introduction to Hangeul, the Korean language, discovering the unique structure and beauty of the Korean writing system through an engaging session. The combination of traditional arts, language, martial arts and popular culture offered participants a broad and interactive experience of Korea.

On 3 March, the Korean Cultural Centre India organised a special Holi celebration, bringing together Korean and Indian participants for a unique cultural exchange. Holi is celebrated in India as the “festival of colours” and marks the arrival of spring and celebrates renewal, joy, and social harmony. Similarly, ‘Jeongwol Daeboreum’ is a traditional Korean holiday observed on the first full moon of the lunar New Year. The term “Jeongwol” refers to the first month of the lunar calendar, while “Daeboreum” means the great full moon. △ Several participants celebrate Holi and Jeongwol Daeboreum by tossing vibrant clouds of colour into the air, filling the atmosphere with festive cheer. △ Participants smear vibrant colours on each other during Holi celebrations. △ Participants  enjoy this joyfull occasion with brightly coloured hands and faces. △ Attendees capture cheerful selfies amid the festive splash of colours. △ Attendees leave colourful handprints and handwritten wishes on a moon-shaped board, symbolising fresh hopes and new beginnings for the year ahead.

The spirit of Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, came alive on 17 February as the Korean Cultural Centre India held a vibrant cultural gathering at its centre in New Delhi. This was attended by over 90 students enrolled in its Korean language programmes for an event centered on tradition, reflection, and cultural exchange. △  Marking the beginning of the Lunar New Year, Seollal is one of Korea’s most cherished holidays – a time for families to gather, pay respects to elders, share blessings, and look ahead with hope.  A group of participants holding New Year wish cards. △ The event began with an introduction to Seollal customs, including family greetings, the traditional New Year’s bow (sebae), the sharing of words of blessing (deokdam), and the significance of eating tteokguk (rice cake soup). The representative students and the Korean language instructor demonstrated how to perform a deep bow in front of the participants. △ Participants were guided through the cultural meanings behind these traditions, helping them understand how the Lunar New Year is celebrated in Korea. Participants also learned and practiced the deep bow themselves, creating a truly heartfelt moment. △ The highlight of the celebration was the Full Moon Wish-Making Ceremony. A luminous image of the full moon was projected in the auditorium, recreating the spirit of the first full moon of the lunar year. The students write down their wishes for the year on special wish cards, reflecting on personal goals, gratitude, and dreams for the future.

“Travelling Sketch: Beyond Us, Between Us” Opening Ceremony Over 200 drawings, watercolours, digital works, and ceramics created by four Korean and Indian artists interpreting each other’s cultures were unveiled. △ Artists led a guided tour, sharing insights into their creative process and cultural perspectives. △ Visitors engaged directly with the artists and artworks, creating a participatory and interactive viewing experience. Lucky draw Event A lucky draw with exhibition-themed gifts added excitement and enjoyment for the attendees. Live group drawing session A live group drawing session invited artists and audience members to create together, blending Korean and Indian visual ideas in real time. Group photo session Artists and visitors came together for a group photo, marking the celebration of the opening event.