The Korea Racing Authority is hosting an exchange race and Korean cultural event in South Africa, stepping up efforts to expand cooperation in the horse industry and cultural ties between the two countries.
The Korea Racing Authority (KRA) said Friday it is holding the Korea Racing Authority Cup at Greyville Racecourse in Durban, South Africa, together with local racing body the Racecourse Turf Club (RCTC).
This year marks the 17th edition of the exchange race between the KRA and its South African counterpart. The KRA plans to use the event to strengthen cooperation between the two countries' racing industries while also promoting Korean horse racing and culture to local audiences.
On race day, Greyville Racecourse will host a range of Korean cultural experiences under the theme "All Things Korean." Programs include K-pop performances and dance sessions, fan dancing, samulnori, hanbok performances, a lantern photo zone, bibimbap making and other hansik experiences — all designed to give South African racegoers a hands-on taste of Korean culture.
The KRA will also introduce jockey goggles developed by a Korean small and medium-sized enterprise to local jockeys and jockey school trainees, exploring potential overseas expansion for domestic horse-industry companies.
Interest in Korean culture has been growing rapidly in South Africa, moving beyond K-pop and drama series to encompass K-food and K-beauty. A Korean culture festival held in Johannesburg earlier this month drew around 2,000 local visitors over two days, reflecting rising demand for direct cultural experiences.
Cooperation between the two countries has also extended beyond racing exchanges into talent development. The KRA is working with the South African Jockeys Academy (SAJA) to provide roughly two years of professional training to five aspiring Korean jockeys. After completing internationally accredited instruction in riding technique, racehorse management, weight and fitness control, and competitive riding, the trainees will seek selection as licensed jockeys in Korea.
yjc@heraldcorp.com
