KoreaON festival returns to Budapest with culture, cuisine and K-pop!
Photo: Korean Cultural Center
Change language:
This summer, the KoreaON cultural festival returns to Budapest, this time taking place at Kristály Színtér on Margaret Island.
K-pop enthusiasts, K-beauty devotees, and fans of Eastern cuisine will all find something to enjoy. The two-day event—completely free to attend—will be framed by music and dance performances. From 27–28 June, festivalgoers can take part in workshops, hands-on crafts, cooking demos, and tastings at this cultural oasis surrounded by the Danube.
Across Europe and the world, there’s growing interest in Korea’s rich and diverse culture—and a desire to get closer to its traditions. That might mean learning skin care routines, exploring ancient calligraphy, mastering the fermentation process of kimchi, or picking up a few K-pop dance moves. Over the course of two days, attendees can dive into these timeless yet often trend-forward customs, all free of charge.
Photo: Korean Cultural CenterPhoto: Korean Cultural CenterPhoto: Korean Cultural CenterPhoto: Korean Cultural Center
Two stages will feature a continuous lineup of performances and presentations from open to close. In addition to the day-long stage shows, visitors can explore close to 1,500 square meters of cultural exhibits from Korea.
Concerts, performances, and a K-pop party
Photo: Sweet Sorrow Company
One of the festival’s marquee events will be a performance by vocal group Sweet Sorrow at 7:00 p.m. on June 28. The group began in the male chorus of Yonsei University’s GLEE CLUB and has since gained a wide following. Meanwhile, the Kkokdu Gwangdae theatre troupe will offer unique and visually stunning music-and-mask performances aimed at children, showcasing the importance of family bonds.
Photo: Korean Cultural CenterPhoto: Korean Cultural CenterPhoto: Kkokdu Gwangdae/Korean Cultural CenterPhoto: Korean Cultural Center
In addition to their main stage performance, the troupe will also participate in parades and joint performances with several Hungarian artists, underlining the powerful cultural connection between the two nations, despite the 8,000 km distance. These lively shows will give festivalgoers the feel of an open-air market throughout the venue.
Traditional Korean dance will also take centre stage thanks to groups like Mugunghwa, Nawoul, and Manwol. Their performances—featuring vibrant costumes, precise movements, and rhythmic melodies—promise to mesmerise audiences. The Noremoá Korean-Hungarian choir will further promote cross-cultural unity, while the Mindeulle ensemble will present a colourful program that highlights Korea’s best-known traditional string instrument, the gayageum.
Crafts, workshops, and Korean cuisine
Inside the expansive exhibition space, visitors will find traditional craft booths, family activities, Korean culinary experiences, music and dance workshops, personal K-beauty consultations, and interactive displays from Korean companies.
Zsani Antal/Korean Cultural CenterPhoto: Korean Cultural Center
Guests can create artwork alongside the Munbangsau group, guardians of Korea’s historic calligraphy traditions in Hungary, or get to know minhwa—the heritage of Korean folk painting.
Kim Taeyeon, chef and head of The Kimchi Institute, will take the stage both days to showcase the secrets of “jang” and kimchi-making. Notably, she’ll use Hungarian ingredients in place of exotic imports, helping attendees incorporate Korean flavours into their daily lives. Yes, tastings will be available!
Taeyeon Kim. Photo: Korean Cultural Center
As always, the festival will conclude with a high-energy K-pop party!
The Korean Cultural Center and the HanYou Foundation once again played a major role in organising the event. Thanks to their efforts, KoreaON continues to feature world-class programming and performers.
Venue: Margaret Island, Kristály Színtér (Schulek Frigyes Promenade)
