ASEAN-Korea Centre Opens ‘Jeonju ASEAN Hall’ to Further Expand ASEAN-Korea Cultural Exchange

- Traditional Cultures of 11 ASEAN Member States Brought Together in Inaugural Exhibition ASEAN: Where Hands Bridge Time

SEOUL & JEONJU, South Korea--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The ASEAN-KOREA CENTRE (AKC, Secretary General Kim Jae-shin) opened the Jeonju ASEAN Hall on September 17 at the Korea Traditional Culture Center in Jeonju. Marking the AKC’s third venue following Seoul and Jeju, the opening event drew around 100 guests, including representatives of the AKC, the ASEAN Committee in Seoul (ACS), Jeonju City, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jeonbuk State, media, and universities.

The Jeonju ASEAN Hall is the Honam region’s first venue for ASEAN-Korea cultural exchange. Situated between Seoul and Jeju, it expands ASEAN culture and arts beyond the Seoul metropolitan area. The Hall serves as a cultural diplomacy platform connecting K-culture and ASEAN culture (A-culture).

Its inaugural exhibition, ASEAN: Where Hands Bridge Time, highlights the traditional heritage of the 11 ASEAN Member States (AMS) through the theme of hands. Approximately 70 cultural artifacts, including masks, textiles, musical instruments, and shadow puppets, were displayed. Organized with ASEAN embassies in the ROK and AMS agencies, it is Korea’s first major exhibition featuring cultural heritage from all 11 AMS.

During the ceremony, remarks were delivered by AKC Secretary General Kim Jae-shin, Jeonju Mayor Cho Ji-hun, and Philippine Ambassador Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez, representing the 2026 ASEAN Chair. Director-General for ASEAN and Southeast Asian Affairs Kwon Jae-hwan spoke on behalf of Foreign Minister Cho Hyun.

The celebration featured Heungboga, a pansori performance by the Jeonbuk State Gugak Center, followed by Filipino singer Dorado performing “Golden” from K-Pop Demon Hunters and Cho Yong-pil’s “The Dreams.”

Following the opening, the AKC and Jeonju Cultural Foundation offered the ASEAN Brunch Box and ASEAN Cooking Class. Located near Jeonju Hanok Village, the Hall expands access to ASEAN culture and boosts Jeonju’s international profile as Jeonbuk State pursues its 2036 Olympic bid.

AKC Secretary General Kim Jae-shin said, “The AKC will continue presenting exhibitions and programs to establish the Hall as a venue for ASEAN-Korea cultural exchange across the wider region.”

The Hall is open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and closed on Sundays and public holidays.