BANGKOK, Thailand – The Korean Cultural Center in Thailand hosted the annual Korean New Year celebration, “Happy Seollal 2026,” on February 17, welcoming participants living in Bangkok to mark Korea’s most significant traditional holiday while reinforcing cultural ties between Thailand and the Republic of Korea.
The event served not only as a festive occasion but also as a platform for cultural exchange, highlighting the long-standing friendship between the two countries. Thai and Korean attendees took part in traditional customs, including Sebae, the New Year’s bow to elders, sharing Tteokguk, rice cake soup symbolizing a fresh beginning, and playing Yutnori, a traditional board game.
Korean Cultural Center Director, Lee Sunju, stated that the Center remains committed to promoting mutual understanding through diverse cultural programs throughout the year, including performances, exhibitions, and educational activities, further strengthening people-to-people exchanges between Thailand and Korea.
The program opened with Korean and Thai students performing Sebae in honor of distinguished guests who have contributed to strengthening Thailand–Korea relations.
Among those present were Minister Counsellor and Consul General Mr. Nam Hyuk Kim, Vice President of the Thai Korean War Veterans Association Air Chief Marshal Weerasak Kaenmanee, presidents of Korean-related organizations in Thailand, and representatives from Thailand’s arts and cultural sectors. The ceremony underscored mutual respect and the shared history between the two nations.
A highlight of the evening was a performance by the traditional music ensemble “Pine Tree” from Chungcheongbuk Province, Republic of Korea. The group presented a repertoire blending heritage and contemporary influences, including “Binari,” a song offering blessings for the New Year, “Hojeok Pungryu” featuring the Taepyeongso pipe, a medley of “Arirang,” and “Golden,” a soundtrack from , which recently became the first K-pop song to receive a Grammy Award.
Participants also enjoyed tasting Tteok Mandu-guk (Rice Cake Soup) and seasonal Korean strawberries, along with a variety of interactive cultural activities. These included traditional rice cake pounding, Hanbok wearing, Hojakdo painting, Yut-jeom fortune telling, and traditional games. The event concluded with a lucky draw featuring Korean products. (NNT) (Photo Courtesy of Korean Cultural Center in Thailand)
