London Korean Links

Covering things Korean in London and beyond since 2006

World Peace Concert celebrating 80th anniversary of VE day and Liberation in Korea

Get ready for a spectacular musical journey from the timeless elegance of Rossini, the passion of Piazzolla, to the anthemic power of Queen, all beautifully woven together with the rich sounds of traditional and contemporary Korean music. This special concert marks the first cultural collaboration between the Royal Borough of Kingston and Seocho District, Seoul, … [Read More]

1884 letter rediscovered in Cambridge giving insight into Kapsin coup

Earlier this month the Cambridge University Library blog uploaded an article telling the story of a letter recently rediscovered among the papers of Sir Harry Parkes by Jiyeon Wood, who is in charge of the Korean and Japanese collection at the library. According to Professor Kim Jong-Hak from Seoul National University: “[Prominent politician and leader … [Read More]

Cambridge Korea Day 2025

Korea Day is coming to Cambridge! Join Cambridge University Library librarians and special guests for an unforgettable celebration of modern and traditional Korean books and culture. Activities Korean bookmaking: Learn the basics of this ancient craft in a Hanji workshop led by paper artist and book maker, Yvette Ja. Embroidery: Korean embroidery is a traditional handicraft. … [Read More]

K-music – the archive

Here are all the concerts that have been part of the K-Music story over the years, together with links to reviews where we have been able to cover the events, or where we have identified reviews on third party websites. Although not branded under the K-music moniker, the series of five Korean concerts presented on … [Read More]

BKS “Two Ambassadors” event

The British Korean Society’s (almost) annual opportunity to hear in person from the British Ambassadors in Seoul and Pyongyang has been set for 6pm on Wednesday 2nd July. The event will be a joint venture with Chatham House, and will take place in the main hall of Chatham House (10 St James’s Square, London SW1Y … [Read More]

Seoul Arts Centre on Screen: Shim Chung

Back by popular demand, Shim Chung returns to the Korean Cultural Centre UK as part of the SAC on Screen series. This beloved ballet, performed by the Universal Ballet Company, retells the timeless Korean folktale of a devoted daughter who sacrifices herself to restore her blind father’s sight — and is miraculously reborn in a … [Read More]

SOAS–SKKU Symposium on Korean Philosophy and Society

The first symposium organised by jointly the SOAS Centre of Korean Studies and Sungkyungwan University will offer an opportunity for both established academics and PhD students from the two institutions to present their current work on topics related to Korean Confucianism and the roles of women in Chosǒn society. Time Description 1:00pm-1:15pm Opening remarks 1:15pm-3:00pm … [Read More]

Hyelim Kim’s Celadon Club perform in Wandsworth Arts Fringe

Experience vibrant ESEA (East and Southeast Asian) traditions with The Celadon Club, directed by Hyelim Kim. Featuring outstanding musicians and dancers from South Korea, Japan, China, and Indonesia, this captivating performance blends traditional instruments, folk melodies, and expressive dance, celebrating multicultural unity and artistic harmony. Performers: Hyelim Kim, Akinori Fujimoto, Kwong Thye Lee, Rachinta Platts, … [Read More]

K-music 2025: Seong-Jin Cho – Artist Portrait. Part of LSO Futures

World premiere of a new piano concerto by Dong-hoon Shin, written for Seong-Jin Cho Following his sold-out Barbican recital in 2023, piano superstar Seong-Jin Cho returns to the Barbican for the world premiere of a piano concerto commissioned by the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) from Dong-hoon Shin—one of Korea’s most prominent contemporary composers—written especially for … [Read More]