36th Korean Cultural Center worldwide, located in Kuala Lumpur's busiest district; opening ceremony Friday features joint performances by artists from both countries

The Korean Cultural Center in Malaysia. [Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism]
The Korean Cultural Center in Malaysia. [Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism]

South Korea is opening a new Korean Cultural Center in Malaysia to serve as a base for spreading K-culture in the country.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said it will hold an opening ceremony Friday afternoon in Kuala Lumpur. The center is the 36th Korean Cultural Center worldwide and the fifth in Southeast Asia.

Malaysia serves as a bridge between the Islamic world and East Asia, and the ministry said it hopes the center's opening will deepen bilateral ties by expanding cultural exchanges into economic, social and other areas.

Located across from the Petronas Towers — Malaysia's most iconic landmark and top tourist destination — the center spans 1,199 square meters. The first floor houses a 100-seat performance hall, an exhibition room and a film screening room, while the second floor offers a library, a traditional lounge and classrooms, all open to visitors year-round.

The opening ceremony is expected to draw about 70 local dignitaries, including Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Vice Minister Kim Young-su, Malaysian Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Chew Chun Mun, and Deputy Secretary-General of the Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Syed Mohamad Hasrin.

Under the theme "Connection Through Culture," artists from both countries will share the stage. South Korea's National Gugak Center Busan will perform the court music piece "Saengsobyngju," the dance "Hakchum" and the pansori "Heungboga," while Malaysia's national theater Istana Budaya will present the traditional dance "Zapin Budi" and the performance "Puteri Santubong."

K-pop choreographer Lia Kim will then take the stage alongside Malaysian youth dance team Zefo Youngsters.

An inaugural exhibition will also open alongside the center. "Hanbok Dressed in Art," produced in collaboration with Savina Museum of Contemporary Art, presents works that blend traditional hanbok with contemporary design and artistic sensibility, reinterpreting the colors, lines and material beauty of hanbok through a modern lens.

The Cultural Heritage Administration will present ceramics and traditional craft works to convey the aesthetic values and spirit of Korea's traditional lifestyle culture.

The National Museum of Korea's cultural product brand MU:DS will also be introduced, showcasing how traditional heritage is expanding into contemporary design and everyday consumer culture.

"Malaysia has a high level of interest in K-culture, and we expect the Korean Cultural Center to work closely with local partner organizations to serve as a hub that brings fresh energy to the K-culture industry as a whole," Vice Minister Kim said.


pink@heraldcorp.com