As part of its Culture Day activity, Korea Culture Center Nigeria (KCCN), has launched an interactive culture box to enhance Nigerians connection with Korean culture.
The boxes comprise visuals, audio and participatory crafts featuring a Korean food box (Hansik), Korean Language (Hangeul), and Korean traditional clothing (Hanbok).
The event also featured a workshop entitled Style Me Hanbok – which focused on the significance and design functionality of the Hanbok. Workshop facilitator and KCCN Culture and Event Admin Assistant, Jennifer Ezeonyeasi, intimated participants on the history of the hanbok, the various types of hanbok – and their ability to denote wearers’ social classes, as well as their specific ornamental accessories.
“The workshop serves as an inspiration to fashion designers and other Nigerian creatives on ways to fuse both Korean and Nigerian cultures to strengthen cultural relations between the two countries,” said Ezeonyeasi.
“Style Me Hanbok explains the Hanbok design and informs everyone of its excellence. The culture boxes are the newest addition to the center. As much as we can, we want Korea near to Nigerians,” said representative of KCCN director and Head of Events and Public Relations, Lee Hye Rim.
Speaking at the event, Turkish expatriate, Sena Ture and her husband Mr Gambo, who hope to visit Korea soon said the workshop serves as a refresher course for them prior to their trip.
Banker, Onyinye Nweke, spotted similarities between the Hanbok headgear to the Efik’s traditional hair ornaments, while Bio-Tech researcher, Ogechi Nweke noted the likeness between the mal hats and the traditional outfits of Rivers State men.
Meanwhile, undergraduate students at the University of Abuja, Wisdom Barnabas and Edroo Iyanna looked forward to taking up Hangeul classes at school as a means of furthering their knowledge of Korean culture.
