A delegation of 20 students and two teachers from Yeungnam University, Daegu, recently called on the Korean Cultural Centre India (KCCI) in New Delhi, in a major move to enhance cultural and academic exchanges between South Korea and India. The delegation was involved in a series of interactive sessions with Indian students learning Korean at the King Sejong Institute. Their trip was meant to enhance educational bonds and facilitate cross-cultural exchange, given the increasing influence of Korean culture within India.

Among the attractions of the trip was the volunteering activity undertaken by the Korean delegation at the Harijan Sevak Sangh, an institution established by Mahatma Gandhi for the benefit of disadvantaged groups. Through interactions with children during workshop sessions and cultural performances, the delegation enhanced the long-term opportunities for educational and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.

The activity at KCCI was held with the vision of offering an experiential cultural event in which students from both nations joined in some thrilling activities. Squid Game Season 2 inspired a game entitled ‘Circle Circle,’ which got the imagination rolling, creating groups and fostering problem-solving and collaborative skills as they brought into spotlight the universal demand for Korean pop culture. This activity served not only to create an air of excitement but also to reflect the increasingly popular Hallyu Wave in India, which has been boosted in popularity over recent years.

During the day, participants engaged in a series of educational and cultural activities designed to compare and explore elements of everyday life in South Korea and India. Team-building activities promoted team work, and quiz contests as well as keyword discussions enabled the students to learn about education practice, societal belief, and tradition of marriage among the two nations. The debates gave a meaningful insight into culture similarities and dissimilarities so that students can develop a sense of appreciation about one another’s heritage.

The activity also included traditional craft work, such as mood lamp and wish bracelet making. These activities provided students with a hands-on experience of artisanal traditions, echoing the craftsmanship and cultural importance of decorative arts in both nations. Participating in these creative activities enabled students to develop a personal connection with one another’s cultures, enhancing the relationship between the two groups even further.

Complementing the experience of immersion was a food exchange that saw the participants relish a fusion of Korean and Indian cuisine. From Korean dishes like kimchi and tteokbokki to Indian delights like samosas and gulab jamun, the food exchange represented the coming together of cultural identities. The mutual understanding and appreciation of each other’s food reinforced food as an instrument of cultural convergence and comprehension.

The energy of the day carried over into a talent competition, as students from both nations performed their best in a show of artistic skills. The Korean students impressed the crowd with their performances of Indian musical classics such as Jai Ho, illustrating their passion for Indian culture. The Indian students reciprocated by hosting a colorful extravaganza of traditional dances, representing their rich cultural history. The acts reflected the admiration and expanding cultural synergy between South Korea and India.

Looking back at the success of the event, Hwang Il Yong, Director of the Korean Cultural Centre India, was thrilled about the initiative. “We are happy to welcome the students from Yeungnam University for fruitful cultural exchanges among Indian and Korean students. This exchange transcends learning a foreign language—it develops long-term relationships and reinforces the cultural bridge between our countries.”. We trust that these mutual experiences in language, art, and customs will foster a greater appreciation for our cultures and pave the way for future scholarly collaboration.

The Yeungnam University delegation’s visit to India is a testament to the growing cultural and academic exchanges between the two countries. With interest in Korean culture still on the rise in India, efforts such as these open the door to closer educational ties and increased cultural awareness. Through shared experiences and fruitful dialogue, students from both countries are not only expanding their own horizons but also building a more integrated global community.