Korea-China youth arts festival concludes in Seoul

On a midsummer day in Seoul, where sweltering temperatures approached 40 degrees Celsius, a stage of passion and emotion even hotter than the heatwave unfolded. A beautiful festival of harmony for Korean and Chinese youth, who broke through borders and language barriers to connect through the common language of art, concluded successfully.

The '2026 3rd Korea-China International Youth Arts Festival,' hosted by the Korea Asia Culture Friendship Exchange Association and co-organized by the Korea Asia Culture Friendship Exchange Association, Beijing Shuangziboxin, Culture Propagation Co., Ltd., International Youth Exchange Association, and KIC Investment Co., Ltd., was held in grand style on the 7th at the Daeyang Hall of Sejong University in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul.

Approximately 700 participants, including elementary, middle, and high school students and instructors from Korea and China, took part in the event, engaging in intense competitions and touching performances from 8:00 AM until past 10:00 PM. Even as Seoul's daytime temperature soared to 39 degrees, the passion of the youth remained undiminished.

The festival opened with calm and sincere recitations by Chinese youth. This was followed by dances and Guzheng performances by Chinese participants dressed in colorful traditional costumes, as well as immersive acting set against historical videos, drawing gasps of admiration from the audience.

The passionate performances by young students, clenching their fists with determination, delivered a deep resonance and emotion to the venue.

The stages of the Korean participants were equally brilliant. Whenever exciting traditional Korean Samulnori performances and dynamic K-pop dance stages took place, cheers erupted from the audience, and the melodies of the drama 'Dae Jang Geum' echoing through the hall united the hearts of both nations.

Bang Seong-sik, president of the Korea Asia Culture Friendship Exchange Association, stated in his congratulatory remarks, "The future we will live in is becoming increasingly interconnected. The international cultural exchange experienced by you, the youth, will be more than just a simple memory; it will serve as strong wings that help you develop the inclusivity to understand and respect the cultures of other nations."

He continued to encourage the participating youth, saying, "Art is the most courageous way to express oneself. Just as you boldly present your stories on stage, I hope you pave a bright future on the large canvas of life."

Kim Hee-gon, CEO of KIC Investment Co., Ltd., also remarked, "This occasion is not a mere competition, but a festival of harmony where approximately 700 youth from both Korea and China communicate through the common language of art and share deep friendship. This moment of listening to each other's SoRi and offering applause will serve as a solid stepping stone to build a better tomorrow for both nations."

Judges Kim Young-mook and Yu Gi-suk, who served on the panel, provided a general review, stating, "Although it is not easy to express oneself in a short time of 3 minutes, it was very impressive how the Chinese participants expressed their stories calmly and coherently. We look forward to these opportunities for youth from both countries to continue in the future."

After completing the performances, the Chinese youth spent the following day, the 8th, touring famous scenic spots in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do to experience Korean culture and atmosphere. The arts festival concluded amidst warm praise, providing unforgettable memories of harmony to all participating students, teachers, parents, and officials.

Having confirmed their deep friendship through art and culture, the Korean and Chinese youth shared bittersweet farewells, promising to meet again next year with even more maturity and growth.