The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Rwanda marked Korea’s National Foundation Day with a vibrant celebration of culture, music, and friendship at Kigali Serena Hotel on Wednesday, October 1. The event brought together Rwandans and friends of Korea to strengthen cultural and diplomatic ties.
The celebration featured live performances, exhibitions, and interactive experiences that showcased the richness of Korean culture while highlighting the growing bond between Rwanda and Korea.
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Welcoming the guests, Korea’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Jeong Woo Jin, emphasized the steady progress in bilateral relations.
"Over the past year, Rwanda and Korea have deepened their cooperation in tangible and forward-looking ways across a wide range of sectors, from digital healthcare and cybersecurity to infrastructure development and vocational education,” he said.
"Such progress reflects not only our strong bilateral ties but also aligns with Korea’s broader foreign policy principle of ‘pragmatic diplomacy’ under the leadership of President Lee Jae-myung. Korea is committed to building bridges with all partners, and Rwanda occupies a special place as our development partner in this effort.”
A standout moment was the Samulnori performance by youth from Club Rafiki Youth Center, trained by a Korean traditional music expert. Samulnori, a dynamic percussion-based performance, reflects Korea’s rhythmic heritage, and, performed by Rwandan youth, it symbolized the blending of two cultures.
Adding a modern twist, the runner-up team of the July K-Contest, which drew more than 300 participants, delivered an energetic K-POP performance, showcasing Rwandan youth’s passion for Korean popular culture.
The guests also explored exhibitions on Korean tourism and cinema, sampled authentic Korean dishes and beverages such as sikhye (sweet rice drink) and sujeonggwa (cinnamon punch), and learned about ongoing cooperation at booths by KOICA, KTRN, and Korean businesses operating in Rwanda.
Representing the Rwandan government, Clémentine Mukeka, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed appreciation for Korea’s friendship and inspiration.
"Korea’s story is extraordinary. In just a few decades, you turned hardship into opportunity and built one of the world’s most dynamic economies. Your journey inspires many nations, including Rwanda, as we write our own story of transformation,” Mukeka said.
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To commemorate the 579th anniversary of Hangeul Day (Korean Alphabet Day), participants had their names written in Korean calligraphy on images of iconic landmarks and received gifts of eco-bags decorated with traditional Korean patterns.
National Foundation Day, known as Gaecheonjeol in Korea, is celebrated in Korea every October 3 to commemorate the legendary founding of the Korean nation in 2333 BCE by Dangun Wanggeom, a figure deeply rooted in Korean mythology. It is one of Korea’s most important national holidays, symbolizing unity, pride, and cultural heritage.