KOREA FESTIVAL in Melbourne
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'How much do you know about Korea?' While living in Melbourne, I guess this is a question I've asked my foreign friends at least once. Isn't it said that Koreans living abroad have a greater sense of patriotism than those living in Korea? Everyone has probably listened attentively when they hear about Korea at least once. As Koreans, this is only natural. In this way, so many people have been longing for Korea in their hearts.
▲ Scene from the KOREA FESTIVAL site (c) YOUNGMOK LEE
On Saturday the 17th, greeting the morning with warm sunlight, I hurriedly finished my preparations and headed to Federation Square. It was the day of the event I had been most looking forward to months ago. Korea Festival is a chance to introduce Korea, a proud country, to many in Melbourne!
When you ask foreigners about Korea, many already know a lot about the country. During my stay in Melbourne, I met many foreigners who knew about Korea, and many even visited in person. Many foreigners already knew about Korea. Koreans said they were friendly and said Korea is great for shopping and traveling. They said they really wanted to visit Korea at least once and had a good impression of Korea. They also wanted to learn more about Korean culture, but reportedly never had the opportunity.
▲ Scene from the KOREA FESTIVAL site (c) YOUNGMOK LEE
Facebook, social media, Girls' Generation's support messages, and posters were posted all over Melbourne, and not long ago, I saw an advertisement for the Korea Festival on an outdoor tram billboard and felt really proud. Thus, the Korea Festival became known in various ways, and finally, on Saturday the 17th, the event kicked off.
At 11 a.m., the curtain rose with a Korean Folk Dance Performance, and many people had already arrived. After the opening ceremony of the inaugural Korea Festival, Korea's representative orchestra performances followed. They energized the 11-hour festival.
▲ Scene from the KOREA FESTIVAL site (c) YOUNGMOK LEE 
Chunhyang and Mongryong Appearing in Melbourne City
Mongryong watches Chunhyang swinging, Bangja arranges a meeting with Wolmae, and Hyangdan and Bangja peek through the door to glimpse Chunhyang and Mongryong's love.
The day before, the weather was bad and I was a bit worried, but fortunately, Melbourne's sunny weather seemed to welcome our event. This event featured a variety of programs including a hanbok fashion show, orchestra performances, taekwondo, traditional Korean music troupe, and a K-Pop contest. Melbourne's fashion is world-renowned. Hanbok fashion caught the eye of fashionable individuals, and while the hanbok fashion show was underway, Melbourneans' attention was drawn to hanbok fashion.
▲ Scene from the KOREA FESTIVAL site (c) YOUNGMOK LEE
Next, they performed traditional Korean weddings, various orchestras, dances, and taekwondo. They also showcased the tremendous effort they put into just one day by watching various programs such as K-pop contests.
▲ Scene from the KOREA FESTIVAL site (c) YOUNGMOK LEE
Mount Geumgang is also a post-meal view, enchanted by the sweet aroma of Korean cuisine
The booths stretching about 100 meters along the Yarra River offered many Korean dishes. It was the first time there had been so many Korean dishes on a single street in Melbourne. Each booth—tteokbokki, bulgogi, skewers, fish cakes, chicken— was waiting for us. Delicious Korean food only fueled our excitement.
▲ Scene from the KOREA FESTIVAL site (c) YOUNGMOK LEE
Despite Melbourne being a very different city to promote Korea, the festival was successfully completed. I also express my gratitude to Jeong Seong-seop, Director of the Korean Embassy in Australia, Lee Hyun-joo, Chair of the Organizing Committee, who made great efforts to host the first Korea Festival in Melbourne, and to all the event staff and staff who helped ensure a happy ending, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who showed interest in Korea Festival and visited it. The Korea Festival, which served as a truly excellent medium to promote the country of Korea in Melbourne, concluded successfully, which made me feel great pride as a Korean.
▲ Scene from the KOREA FESTIVAL site (c) YOUNGMOK LEE
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