Korean Cultural Center in Osaka Hosts 2026 Korea Festa Saga

Students from the Department of Korean Traditional Dramatic Performing Arts at K-Arts presented traditional music and dance performances at the 2026 Korea Festa Saga, held in Saga City, Saga Prefecture, Japan. Hosted by the Korean Cultural Center in Osaka (KCC Osaka) from October 17 to 18, the event attracted approximately 20,000 visitors.

The festival was part of KCC Osaka’s project, Together in Harmony: Korean Cultural Festival, which brings Korean culture to regional cities where local residents have fewer opportunities to experience it. Saga City – known for its significant historical ties to Korea – was selected as the project’s first venue. KCC Osaka organized a program of performances and hands-on activities to offer visitors an immersive experience of both traditional and contemporary Korean culture.

On stage, the program featured a Taekwondo demonstration, an ensemble performance by the gayageum quartet Be:sm, and dynamic dance performances by students from K-Arts’ Department of Korean Traditional Dramatic Performing Arts. Local groups also joined the program: Hama House, a local Taekwondo club, presented its own demonstration, while a local dance group performed K-pop dance.

Outside the performance hall, visitors enjoyed a variety of hands-on cultural activities, including trying on hanbok, making Hangeul beaded name keyrings, tasting traditional Korean liquor, and playing traditional games. A K-beauty program, which introduced Korean makeup through a live demonstration, also drew strong interest from visitors curious about Korean popular culture.