A Hub for Spreading Hallyu to Be Established in the Heart of New York, USA

Korea Center Opens... Expected as a Korean Culture Experience Destination
"Creating Economic Ripple Effects Including Attracting Foreign Tourists"

A hub offering a one-stop service for various Korean cultures has been established in New York, USA. It is the New York Korea Center, built by the Korean Cultural Center in New York on 32nd Street in Manhattan. The opening ceremony was held on the 27th (local time), marking the full-scale launch of the Hallyu (Korean Wave) project.

This comprehensive cultural and artistic space was created in response to the steadily growing local interest in Korean culture. The Korean Cultural Center, Korea Tourism Organization, Korea Creative Content Agency, and Sejong Institute have all moved in to organically connect and showcase various elements of Hallyu.

The building, with two basement floors and seven above ground, has a total floor area of 3,383㎡. The basement houses a 190-seat performance hall for concerts and film screenings. The first floor features a media wall, the second floor includes an exhibition hall and garden, the third floor has a library, and the fourth floor is equipped with a cooking class room. A total of 78.6 billion KRW was invested in land, design, construction, and other project costs.

The Korean Cultural Center conducted a pilot operation over the past four months to improve weak facilities. Approximately 8,000 people participated in the evaluation. A representative of the Korean Cultural Center in New York said, "It is expected to become a landmark for experiencing Korean culture in New York," adding, "We will provide various services to enhance the national brand value while creating economic ripple effects such as cultural content exports and attracting foreign tourists."

The opening is celebrated with a cultural and artistic event. The National Gugak Center blesses the future of the New York Korea Center with Mungut and Binari (songs sung during rituals). They will also perform 'Arirang Semachi' in collaboration with the chamber ensemble New York Classical Players.

Mungut is a ritualistic performance. It soothes the earth deity residing in the site to remove misfortune entering the house and invites good fortune. 'Arirang Semachi' is a chamber music piece based on the Korean folk song Arirang. It conveys representative regional Arirangs such as Miryang Arirang and Jindo Arirang in a bright and lively atmosphere.

At the exhibition hall, a special exhibition titled "Hanbok in Films" is held. Professor Lee Jin-hee of Korea National University of Arts, who has been in charge of historical costumes in movies and dramas, presents the beauty of Hanbok. The excellence of Hangeul is also promoted through public art. A giant mural created using Hangeul messages contains 1,000 phrases selected from over 8,000 submissions from around the world.

Yoo In-chon, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, who visited the New York Korea Center, said, "Hallyu has gained such immense popularity that it even influences the food industry," and urged, "Please make efforts not only to promote Korean culture but also to lead to direct experiences and consumption of related products."

About 150 local cultural and artistic figures attended the opening ceremony, including Minister Yoo, Jodana Lee, Deputy Artistic Director of Programming at New York Lincoln Center, sculptor John Bae, Shin Chunsu, CEO of Audi Company, and fashion designer Linda Cho.