“Korea Season 2026” is a project organized by South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, jointly implemented throughout 2026 by the Korean Cultural Center in Vietnam and the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange through a wide range of activities.

Throughout 2026, a series of cultural exchange programs spanning multiple art forms - including dance performances, media art exhibitions, music festivals and classical concerts - will take place across Vietnam.

Highlights of Korea Season 2026 include the contemporary ballet performance GAT in May, the K-Live Music Festival featuring Vietnamese and Korean bands in October, the SM Classics Live concert in Hanoi in November featuring a choir performance alongside the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra, and an art exhibition inspired by traditional Korean materials in December.

Korea Season 2026 carries special significance as the first large-scale cultural exchange event held in Vietnam following the revision and signing of a cultural cooperation memorandum between the two countries during high-level talks between Vietnam’s General Secretary and President To Lam and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. Each program is expected to serve as a cultural bridge, attracting government leaders, artists from both countries and members of the diplomatic community.

Opening Korea Season 2026 is the contemporary ballet performance GAT, scheduled for May 27 at Ho Guom Theatre in Hanoi. Inspired by the traditional Korean “gat” hat, the production presents a fresh fusion between Korean traditional aesthetics and the body language of Western contemporary ballet. Through movement, the performance recreates iconic Korean hats such as the heukrip - the black hat worn by aristocratic scholars, the satgat - the conical hat of commoners, and the jokduri - the bridal crown for women. The choreography portrays the refined spirit of scholars, the calm strength of warriors and the graceful elegance of Korean women.

Blending tradition and modernity, East and West, GAT was selected as the symbolic opening performance for Korea Season 2026 and is expected to offer Vietnamese audiences a new perspective on Korean arts and culture.

Park Chan A, Director of the Korean Cultural Center in Vietnam, shared: “As this year marks the 20th anniversary of the Korean Cultural Center in Vietnam, we have prepared a series of special programs under Korea Season 2026 to bring Vietnamese audiences richer and more accessible experiences of Korean culture.

“We are especially honored to welcome guests who may work quietly behind the scenes yet play an invaluable role in strengthening cultural exchange between our two countries, including multicultural Vietnam-Korea families, Taekwondo club students, Korean language majors and teachers from King Sejong Institute, to attend the opening performance of GAT.”

“Hallyu has become a globally recognized form of soft power, with Korean cultural products increasing public affinity toward Korea worldwide and encouraging broader consumption of Korean-made products.”

Huyen My