A Korean cultural evening in Hyderabad with a distinctly Telangana twist
What happens when the rhythms of Korean culture meet the beats of traditional Telangana drums? At the Shilpakala Vedika here on Sunday, the response unfolded through a vibrant mix of music, dance, martial arts and cultural exchange as Korea Culture Day 2026 brought together the traditions of the two countries on one stage.
Starting in the afternoon, stalls selling Korean products attracted curious visitors and crowds gathered around them to explore a bit of Korean culture. As the evening approached, the noise moved towards the auditorium, where hundreds of people began to gather from 5pm eager to witness the performances prepared for the occasion.
Inside, expectations gave way to a celebration that traveled between two cultures, from the precision and power of Korean martial arts to the energetic movements of traditional Telangana dances.
The program began at around 5:30 pm with a speech by Lee Seong-ho, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India, who welcomed the audience in Hyderabad and spoke about the cultural ties that the event aimed to strengthen.
Drawing connections between Diwali, India’s festival of lights, and Chuseok, Korea’s harvest festival, Mr. Lee spoke of the shared values that underpin both countries’ celebrations: family, togetherness, gratitude and hope for the future.
Although the traditions may differ, he said, the emotions they evoke are remarkably similar. Cultural exchanges, he added, help people discover how much they have in common.
Ayuni’s classical performance at the ‘K Harmony Festa’ at Shilpakala Vedika in Hyderabad on Sunday. | Photo credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR
Eolssigu, a traditional Korean performance, at the ‘K Harmony Festa’ as part of Korea Culture Day 2026 at Shilpakala Vedika in Hyderabad on Sunday. | Photo credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR
Addressing the gathering, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka spoke about transforming Korea into a global economic and cultural powerhouse. He noted how Korean music, cinema and television have found audiences around the world, proving that the country’s influence extends beyond its economic and military power to the power of its cultural imagination. He also highlighted the historical links between India and Korea and Hyderabad’s longstanding identity as a meeting place of cultures, languages and traditions. “Telangana’s festivals, arts and heritage have been an important part of its identity as a state moving towards a globally connected future,” he added.
Apart from culture, Mr. Vikramarka highlighted opportunities for closer collaboration between Telangana and Korean businesses in areas such as electronics, electric vehicles, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and new technologies.
Perini Sivatandavam performing at ‘K Harmony Festa’ at Shilpakala Vedika in Hyderabad on Sunday. | Photo credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR
The Daekyung Taekwondo demonstration was one of the most energetic events of the evening. The performers combined agility, strength and precision in a series of martial arts displays, smashing tiles and performing impressive stunts that drew loud cheers from the crowd. Each demonstration was met with enthusiasm, turning the auditorium into a place of applause and animated reactions.
The program then moved to the vigorous rhythms of Telangana Perini Shiva Tandavam. The traditional dance, known for its powerful movements and historical association with warriors, brought a distinctly local flavor to the evening. This was followed by a performance by Telangana Dappulu, who filled the program with the forceful beats of traditional drums.
Daekyung demonstration at the ‘K Harmony Festa’ at Shilpakala Vedika in Hyderabad on Sunday. | Photo credit: SIDDHANT THAKUR
The audience was then treated to a Korean traditional performance by Eolssig, before a violin duo offered another musical dimension to the evening. The Atti Classic Vocal Crossover performance further expanded the musical scope of the program and led to an instrumental performance by a Korean band to end the cultural show.
Published – 26 Oct 2026 0:27 IST