The Korean Wave (Hallyu) continues to captivate Indonesian audiences, fostering strong enthusiasm to explore Korean culture more deeply. This growing interest has given rise to various cultural expressions, including within academic settings. As one of only four universities in Indonesia offering an undergraduate program in Korean Language and Culture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) became a vibrant hub of cultural celebration through the “Festival Oullim Korea Yogyakarta: 20th Korean Day”, held at the Innovation and Creativity Hub (GIK UGM) on Saturday (Nov. 15).
UGM Rector Professor Ova Emilia expressed her appreciation for the event. She noted that young people’s enthusiasm for Korean culture continues to grow and is supported by ample opportunities for development.
“I am delighted that today we can take part in a festival eagerly awaited each year, especially by those who are passionate about Korean culture, which, as we can see, attracts an extraordinary number of enthusiasts,” the rector said.
She further emphasized Yogyakarta’s strategic role in shaping the spread of Korean pop culture in Indonesia.
“In terms of fostering interaction with Korean culture, I believe Yogyakarta has become one of the central hubs, given the many youth communities here who truly love Korean culture,” she added.
Carrying the theme “어울림 (Oullim) Korean Seonlight Carnival: Welcome to The 20 Korean Dream,” the festival opened with a collaborative performance combining Indonesian gamelan and mask dance with Korea’s Buchaechum (fan dance) and Jindo Buk Chum (drum dance).
The concept of Oullim, meaning harmony, served as the central thread of the event.
Acting Head of the Investment and One-Stop Integrated Service Office of Yogyakarta Province, Imam Pratandi, underscored the importance of culture in strengthening Indonesia–Korea relations.
“Today, we are all part of that spirit. Coming together as people united through culture, art, music, and friendship,” he remarked.
Beyond the main stage, the GIK UGM Student Center drew large crowds eager to experience Korean culture firsthand.
From hanbok-wearing sessions, lectures on modern hanbok, and face painting, to sampling traditional Korean street snacks, visitors enjoyed a wide range of cultural activities.
Initiated by HIMAHARA UGM and supported by the Korean Cultural Center Indonesia (KCCI), the event drew more than 300 participants, including UGM students and staff, K-pop communities, and the general public from beyond Yogyakarta.
Visitors also expressed their excitement. Nita, a UGM alumna attending with her children, shared her admiration for how the event has grown significantly from previous years.
“I studied here years ago. Back then, Korean Day was small, just within the faculty. But now the event is truly amazing, with so many performances and places to explore with my kids,” she said.
Geoumbi (10), one of the youngest participants, enjoyed the hanbok fashion show and various activities around the venue.
“I liked the hanbok fashion show, especially the red one, the king and queen. I wanted to try face painting, but it was crowded, so I went to the next booth, and they gave me stickers,” she said with a big smile.
Author: Aldi Firmansyah
Editor: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna
Photographs: Aldi Firmansyah and Korean Day Committee