This year, the Undergraduate Program of Korean Language and Culture at UGM once again held its annual event, the 20th Korean Day. The 20th Korean Day was successfully held over two days—on November 14 at the Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM and November 15, 2025, at the UGM Innovation and Creativity Hall (GIK). This year’s event adopted the theme “어울림 Korean Seonlight Carnival: Welcome to The 20th Korean Dream” to celebrate two decades of Korean Day. Carrying the concept of a carnival with a brighter and more hopeful spirit, the word “Seonlight” combines “Seon (선)” in Korean—referring to the idea of a starting line or choice—and the English word “light.” It reflects the long journey of Korean Day, which continues to shine the way toward new dreams in the present. This year’s Korean Day collaborated with the Korean Cultural Center Indonesia (KCCI), producing new breakthroughs through various engaging activities beautifully merging Korean and Indonesian culture.
The series of events for the 20th Korean Day began on the first day with a public lecture titled “Public Diplomacy: Building Bridges Between Korea and Indonesia,” held at the Poerbatjaraka Building Auditorium, Faculty of Cultural Sciences UGM, and attended in person by the Acting Ambassador of South Korea, Mr. Park Soo-deok. The lecture, presented in the form of a public seminar, proceeded with high enthusiasm from the participants and featured interactive discussions between the audience and Mr. Park Soo-deok. The public lecture concluded with a photo session with the South Korean Ambassador.
On the second day, which marked the peak of the 20th Korean Day celebration, the event took place at the UGM Innovation and Creativity Hall (GIK), mainly at the Joglo and Student Center areas. The closing celebration was vibrant and successful, beginning with the K-Pop Demon Hunter Sing Cover competition, a performance by SMKN 1 Kasihan Bantul, and a hanbok fashion show.
Additionally, the Student Center housed numerous interactive booths and displays featuring hanbok designed by Korean designer Hwang Yi-seul, previously worn by various K-artists. Moreover, hanbok designer Hwang Yi-seul also enlivened the Student Center by sharing her experiences and perspectives on hanbok transformation through the public lecture “Tradition in Innovation: Designing Hanbok for K-Artists.” In front of the Student Center, there was also a Korean food booth where visitors could enjoy dishes for free.
The event continued with various talent showcases, dongari (student club) collaborations, and stunning performances from the guest stars.
One of the newest and most exciting performance innovations this year is the ballet talent show.
The excitement grew even more with an energetic performance from UGM’s Taekwondo Student Activity Unit, presenting captivating martial arts choreography. The festivities, which continued into the evening, did not dampen the spirit or enthusiasm of the visitors. Performances by the main guest stars—Rifki Kurniawan (Rifkurt) and Zhavanya—successfully enlivened the stage, celebrating two decades of Korean Day. The 20th Korean Day celebration concluded with a noraebang (karaoke) session featuring Maze Culture, who performed a wide range of musical genres and received an enthusiastic response from the audience.
The dazzling stage and the festive atmosphere of the entire series of events at the 20th Korean Day were made possible thanks to the support of many parties, including the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism; the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Indonesia; the Korean Cultural Center Indonesia (KCCI); the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO); the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA); the Korea–Indonesia Forest Cooperation Center (KIFC); the King Sejong Institute (KSI) Yogyakarta; Volcano Production; PT. TKG Taekwang Indonesia; PT. Waskita Karya (Persero) Tbk; Daesang; Millennium Studio; Astra Honda Motor (AHM); Nasi Kulit Syuurga; Orent (IFrame); BSM Rental; Sari Roti; WBX Studio; HT Milik Kita; The Rich Hotel; Yesplis; Korea 360; as well as support from 33 media partners.
The 20th Korean Day successfully took place and had a positive impact on introducing Korean and Indonesian culture more broadly to the public. Through active participation from attendees and the support of various parties, this event became an important moment in strengthening cultural relations between Indonesia and South Korea. More than just a celebration, Korean Day also created a warm and meaningful intercultural meeting space. Each performance, exhibition, and interaction served as a bridge of understanding between two different yet mutually appreciative nations. With a spirit of sustainability, it is hoped that this event will continue to grow as an inspiring platform for cultural exchange, fostering curiosity, and strengthening public appreciation for the diversity of world cultures.
(Salma Hayati Kurniasari & Uut Sriutami)
