One of two accounts of the recent Anglo-Korean Society evening at the KCC – this one by new contributor Béatrice Colbrant
What a cheerful and pleasant evening at the Korean Cultural Centre, organised on 10 April 2008 by indefatigable and always enthusiastic Sylvia Park, social events secretary of the Anglo Korean Society!
The new Korean Cultural Centre is ideally located at Number 1 Northumberland Avenue, WC2N 5EJ, near Trafalgar Square, in premises which are dedicated to the discovery and the enjoyment of Korean culture. An important convivial space, an art gallery and a library make it the ideal location for an evening of Korean delights. “Contemporary Korean Art”, the current exhibition (from 27 March to 16 May), paints a portrait of contemporary Korean life and examines the daring ways in which artists approach tradition and modernity.
The evening began with a warm welcome by Sir Stephen Brown, Chairman of the Anglo Korean Society greeting the participants and thanking the organisers and sponsors with great cheerfulness and humour in the presence of the Chargé d’Affaires of the Korean Embassy.
A joint presentation by the Korea Tourism Organization and Asiana Airlines enabled the audience to learn more about the tourism and transport opportunities available to reach Korea and visit its most interesting sites.
After this interesting and informative presentation, the audience was treated to a concert of Kayageum and Guitar with two exceptional performers. Contemporary and traditional pieces were played and the audience was given an opportunity to join in and sing.
Then it was time for an exciting Taekwondo demonstration with young performers – including one brave girl – eager to show their talent at this very efficient martial art, under the attentive supervision of their instructor, Master Ha, of New Malden. Taekwondo became a worldwide sport after it was designated as an official Olympic sport in 2000.
After this brilliant and energetic demonstration, a raffle was drawn with various prizes including a return ticket London to Seoul kindly donated by Asiana Airlines and many other gifts which caused much surprise and emotion among the lucky winners!
It was then time to have dinner. Members and guests were offered a wonderful Korean buffet with a variety of exquisite dishes and the traditional kimchi, with its strong and spicy flavour. Plenty to eat and plenty to rejoice with lovely food and French wines as it seems that Korean food and French wines go particularly well together – and it is a French national who says so!
Members of the Anglo Korean Society had the good idea of bringing guests with them which contributed to create an even more intense atmosphere of discovery and excitement.
Thanks to Lee Hyung-wook, editor of The East, for the photos