Korean cultural events to be held in Netherlands, Belgium

Traditional Korean dance performances will take place in the Netherlands and Belgium to mark the anniversaries of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and the two countries.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will hold a cultural event in The Hague, Netherlands, and in Brussels, Belgium, to mark the 50th and 110th anniversaries of diplomatic relationships between Korea and the Netherlands and Belgium, respectively.

The first event will be held on May 30 at 7 p.m. at Dans Theater in The Hague, which will be attended by Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS) Director Seo Kang-soo, former Prime Minister of Netherlands Win-kok, high-profile government officials and other influential figures in culture and arts sectors.

In Brussels, the event will be held at 8 p.m. on June 1 at Brussels National Theater and is expected to attract more than 700 dignitaries, including Minister Choung Byoung-gug, high-profile Belgian government officials, lawmakers and journalists.

These celebratory events include traditional Korean dance performances by the National Dance Company of Korea, such as their fusion piece, “Soul,” which combines Korean tradition with European jazz.

A variety of Korea-related cultural and arts programs will be held over the course of the year, including a fashion show and exhibition of Korean traditional clothes, called Hanbok, and a performance by the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra in the Netherlands as part of the celebrations.

In Belgium, these programs include a concert by the Korean Chamber Orchestra, a taekwondo demonstration performance, and an exhibition of traditional Korean musical instruments and a performance by the National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts.