By Honorary Reporter Ava Valentine from U.K.
Photos = Ava Valentine

Korea Day held on May 1 drew hundreds of visitors to the Octagon Centre in Sheffield, England.

The British city of Sheffield on May 1 hosted the annual event Korea Day hosted by the Korea Society of the University of Sheffield and the Korean Cultural Center in London. 

Showcasing modern and traditional Korean culture, the event brought together a diverse community passionate about all things Korean ranging from Korean residents of the U.K. to Korean studies majors at the school. As a newcomer to Sheffield, this gave me my first taste of this vibrant festival.

At the Octagon Centre located in the heart of campus, I first went to the section Explore Korean Culture, where attendees could play traditional games like jegichagi (kicking a shuttlecock), tuho (pitch-pot) and ddakjichigi (flipping folded paper tiles). 

Calligraphy artist Lee Kil-chan makes beautiful Hangeul bookmarks using both Korean and foreign names.

In another corner, calligrapher Lee Kil-chan created beautiful bookmarks featuring names in Hangeul, drawing long queues all day. Across the room was Experience Korean Culture, a zone where people could try on Hanbok and take pictures at the Seoul-themed photo wall.

In the afternoon, two K-pop cover dance groups, New Dawn from Sheffield and Cove from Birmingham, performed energetic routines.

A K-pop cover dance group performs on stage.

The Shilla Ensemble also impressed with a blend of traditional flute and harp sounds, mixing modern hits like music from the soundtrack of the K-drama "My Love from the Star" and "Ditto" by NewJeans. 

I loved this event highlighting the best of Korea and will definitely go again next year.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.