London Korean Links

Covering things Korean in London and beyond since 2006

December events 2023

The film and music festivals are ended, the State Visit over, and commiserations are due to Busan for missing out on the 2030 World Expo. December, thankfully, is less hectic than the last couple of months, with not much happening (as far as we know) apart from the following: Exhibitions Han Collection has a lovely … [Read More]

BKS annual reception and dinner

The British Korean Society holds its annual dinner on 8 December in the House of Lords, held in collaboration with the Korean Embassy to mark the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UK & the Republic of Korea. Host Viscount Trenchard Hugh Trenchard, 3rd Viscount Trenchard DL, is an investment banker and a member … [Read More]

Site of first Korean legation in London unveiled

At a brief ceremony on 30 October, Ambassador Yoon Yeocheol unveiled a plaque marking the location of the first Korean legation to London, together with Mr Ian McDermott, representing the owners of the building. The building is at 4 Trebovir Road [map], a side street by Earls Court Station in West London, and is now … [Read More]

November events 2023

The customary autumnal calendar carnage continues, with the overpacked screening schedules of the film festivals clashing with music and food events, the challenges exacerbated this year by events marking 140 years of diplomatic relations bunching together in the run-up to the State Visit. I wonder if kimchi will feature on the menu of any of … [Read More]

Cairo Declaration and Korean service in British army commemorated in SOAS conference

Hands up, anyone who had actually heard of the Cairo Declaration before this SOAS conference designed to mark its 80th anniversary? I certainly hadn’t. Winston Churchill was in Cairo with a contingent of over 100 diplomatic and administrative staff, in late November 1943, where along with Chang Kai-shek and President Roosevelt they were starting to … [Read More]

Focus Art Fair at Saatchi Gallery: well worth a second look

This month the Saatchi gallery is playing host to several showcases of Korean art and technology. From 29 October, KOCCA is organising Oulim, a digital media art showcase that celebrates 140 years of UK Korea diplomatic relations; next week sees StART art fair which always has a strong Korean representation as its origins can be … [Read More]

London Korean Film Festival Announces 2023 Programme

Yesterday the KCC released the final programme for the 2023 London Korean Film Festival. While in general 2023 has not so far been a stand-out year for Korean film, there’s plenty to enjoy here. I’m looking forward to seeing Hur Jin-ho’s latest, as his Christmas in August was one of the first Korean movies I … [Read More]

October events 2023

It’s coming up to film festival season, which brings the customary diary clashes. But also watch out for tube strikes, which if I remember right torpedoed at least one of the K-Music performances last year and promise to do the same this year. Performance The K-music Festival kicks off with: Jung Jae-il and the LSO … [Read More]