Out of Africa

The National Museum of Korea is one of the capital’s biggest hot spots in itself, with an unparalleled collection of Korean art, historical artifacts and special exhibitions from around the world in a stunning new building. From June 30 until July 3, however, the museum’s Theater Yong performance venue will be glowing hotter than ever as it plays host to the 2011 African Cultural Festival.

Bringing audiences and visitors into contact with culture from countries as diverse as Ghana, Nigeria, Republic of South Africa, Burkina Faso, Senegal, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Togo, and Cote d´Ivoire, the festival features performances, film screenings, exhibitions and hands-on opportunities to engage with African culture, arts, crafts and music.

Thursday (June 30)’s opening performance, starting at 7:30pm, features a 30-minute slot by Erik Aliana & Korongo Jam from Cameroon, 20 minutes from Cote d’Ivoire’s traditional dance and music company Aaninka, and 30 more minutes of rhythm from a special group starring musicians from Korea, Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Togo. Theater Yong hosts performances on each evening of the subsequent three days of the festival (see table below).

Celluloid gems

Film buffs will be excited at the chance to catch 10 top recent African films over the festival’s four days, from documentaries on communities of “witches” in Ghana to a biopic about Ethiopian marathon running legend Abebe Bikila. Other offerings include Kunle Afolayan (Nigeria)’s “The Figurine,” the story of three friends whose lives are changed forever—or 14 years, at least—by a mysterious figurine they find one day; and Florent De La Tullaye and Renaud Barret’s “Staff Benda Bilili,” following the rise to musical stardom of the Congo Kinshasa band of the same name.

Photo & art exhibition

Three Korean photographers— Park Tae-hee, Sung Nam-hun, and Shin Mi-sik—have captured various aspects of Tanzania, Ethiopia, Madagascar and various other parts of Africa over years of extensive travel: an exhibition of their works will be held in the theater lobby, along with various African artworks and artifacts.

Visitors that prefer a more hands-on approach, meanwhile, will be able to take part in activities including making traditional African key chains, necklaces and batik, and playing the djembe.
Don’t miss one of the best chances to get a dose of African culture that Seoul is likely to have for some time.

MORE INFO
T. (02) 3216-1185
Website: www.africanculturalfestival.co.kr (in Korean)
Duration: Jun 30—Jul 3
(see table for details)
Admission: Free

GETTING THERE
Ichon Station, Jungang Line & Line 4, Exit 3. Walk 150m towards Yongsan Family Park.