Young artists from South Korea, Indonesia, the Philippines and China gathered in Seoul to share their nations' traditions and creativity at an international culture and arts festival.
The 2026 World Culture & Arts Festival (WCAF) in Seoul was held Friday evening at the World K-Pop Center in Seoul.
Organized by the nonprofit Loverock and hosted by the World Culture & Arts Exchange Committee, the event was supported through the Seoul Metropolitan Government's private international cultural exchange promotion program. Participants connected across language and nationality through performances spanning music, dance and taekwondo.
Advisory members and partners of Loverock, representatives of sponsoring organizations, and figures from the arts community attended to encourage the young performers. National Assembly Speaker Jo Jeong-sik, Assembly Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee Chair Lee Jae-jeong, Seoul Metropolitan Council Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee Chair Hwang Cheol-gyu, and Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education Superintendent Jung Keun-sik — who also chairs the Korean Council of Superintendents of Education — delivered congratulatory remarks that underscored the event's significance. They described culture and the arts as a common language connecting people of different backgrounds, and expressed hope that WCAF would grow into a festival that deepens friendship and cooperation among young people worldwide.
In her welcoming address, Loverock President Kim Ji-yeon said, "Culture and the arts hold a special power to unite different hearts as one," adding that "the dreams and passion of the young people who are the true stars of Friday's stage are the future of WCAF."
From traditional arts to taekwondo and contemporary dance: a showcase across 4 nations
This year's festival adopted "WCAF ONE TEAM" as its slogan, reflecting an emphasis on collaboration over competition as participants from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds shared their individual artistic identities.
South Korean participants included the National Gugak Middle School, the Korea Lion Dance Research Society, the Hwaseong University of Medicine and Science taekwondo demonstration team, Joy Focus, Aya Dance Company and the Cute Angels.
The National Gugak Middle School conveyed the depth and beauty of Korean traditional arts, while the Korea Lion Dance Research Society drew an enthusiastic response with a powerful and dynamic lion dance. The Hwaseong University of Medicine and Science taekwondo demonstration team expressed the discipline and artistry of taekwondo through precise poomsae and high-energy performances.
Joy Focus delivered an upbeat percussion set featuring the cajón, and Aya Dance Company captivated the audience with a work blending contemporary dance and interdisciplinary art. The Cute Angels added bright energy to the evening with a colorful performance incorporating traditional lanterns.
From Indonesia, the Ratu Jaro Dance Company of a Jakarta Islamic school presented a group dance rooted in the traditions of the Aceh region, drawing strong applause for its rapid, precise hand movements and seamless ensemble coordination.
The Marilago Folk Dance Company of Cavite Institute in the Philippines introduced their country's folk arts through vibrant traditional costumes and lively choreography. Chinese musician Chen Shuang and child singer Dora rounded out the program with a bright and spirited special performance.
The evening's program featured fan dance in the Kim Baek-bong style, lion dance, a taekwondo demonstration, Indonesia's Ratu Jaro, Philippine folk dance, a Chinese children's special performance, cajón percussion, and works combining contemporary dance with interdisciplinary art.
Participation over rankings — and a joint finale, 'I Stand by You'
Before the main performances, an awards ceremony honored the efforts of the participating youth and their instructors and recognized their contributions to international cultural and arts exchange.
Team leaders received certificates of merit and letters of appreciation from the Seoul Metropolitan Council's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee. Each team was presented with a best performance award and a letter of appreciation, while individual participants received certificates of participation. The ceremony was designed to celebrate the process of participation and contributions to cultural exchange rather than to rank competitors.
The festival closed with a full-cast performance of "I Stand by You," through which performers conveyed a message of mutual support and encouragement through music and movement.
The phrases "Different, Together!" and "Wherever you are, we stand by you!" encapsulated WCAF's vision of embracing difference while standing united. Instructors, staff and audience members joined the performers in the finale, giving full meaning to the "ONE TEAM" spirit.
The festival served not only as a stage for young people to showcase their talents but also as a space for cultural and arts education, giving participants a close look at the everyday lives and traditions of other countries. By layering the sensibilities and interpretations of a younger generation onto traditional culture, the event also pointed to new possibilities for passing on cultural heritage.
Loverock continues to run cultural arts education, performance and international exchange programs aimed at helping children and young people discover their talents and grow as global citizens.
"The significance lies not just in introducing our own cultures, but in respecting our differences and completing one stage together," Kim said. "We will develop WCAF into an international culture and arts platform where young people around the world can dream together, so that this gathering leads to ongoing exchange and shared growth."
7toy7@heraldcorp.com
