Korean culture workshop series

We are pleased to invite you to a series of special events introducing Korean traditional culture, organised by the SOAS Centre of Korean Studies in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Centre UK and the Korea Tourism Organization London Office.

The types of event on offer are as follows.

Samulnori: Korean traditional percussion workshop

Key information:

• Instructor: Dr Cholong Sung
• Date: Thursday, 6 November 2025
• Venue: Room P/G/52 (Music Room), Main Building, SOAS University of London
• Capacity: 10 participants per session

There will be two one-hour sessions as follows; please choose only one session when registering:

• Session 1: 2:00pm–3:00pm
• Session 2: 3:00pm–4:00pm

Minhwa: Korean traditional painting workshop

Key information:

• Instructor: Han Gyeol Jaekal
• Date: Thursday, 6 November 2025, 5:00pm–8:00pm
• Venue: Room B301, Brunei Gallery, SOAS University of London
• Capacity: 10 participants

Lecture: Korean history and culture through the film Chi-hwa-seon

Key information:

• Speaker: Dr Anders Karlsson
• Date: Thursday, 13 November 2025, 5:00pm–7:00pm
• Venue: Room P/G/51, Main Building, SOAS University of London

This lecture will explore the historical and cultural background of late 19th-century Korea, as reflected in the award-winning film Chi-hwa-seon (Painted Fire), directed by Im Kwon-taek. The film portrays the life of the legendary painter Jang Seung-eop (Owon), whose artistic genius flourished amid a turbulent era of political and social change.

If possible, we recommend watching the film in advance to fully appreciate the historical and artistic context discussed in the lecture.