Culture Ministry to Present Diverse Cultural Events for 'Korea Day' at Osaka Expo

Joseon Tongsinsa Ship Arrives in Osaka for the First Time in 261 Years: "Arrival Ceremony"
Korea Collection, Korea Tourism Festa, and M Concert to Be Held

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced that a variety of cultural events showcasing both traditional and modern aspects of Korea will be presented on May 13, Korea Day, at the 2025 Osaka-Kansai World Expo.

Events include the Joseon Tongsinsa Arrival Ceremony and Procession Reenactment; the Korea Collection, which promotes Korean tourism through K-culture such as Korean music, beauty, and a Hanbok fashion show; the Korea Tourism Festa, featuring 54 booths from local governments to highlight attractions from every corner of Korea; the Korean Drama Exhibition, introducing the filming locations of Korean dramas; and the M Concert, filled with the passion of K-pop. These programs will take place throughout the expo venue.

First, starting at 9:30 a.m., the Joseon Tongsinsa Arrival Ceremony will be held in front of the Asia Pacific Trade Center (ATC) in collaboration with the National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage. The ceremony will celebrate the disembarkation of the eight-member navigation team, including the captain and chief officer, and feature performances highlighting the history and culture of the Joseon Tongsinsa, as well as an onboard museum tour. At 1:10 p.m., the official Korea Day parade at the Expo will reenact the Joseon Tongsinsa procession. The parade will start in front of the Korea Pavilion, proceed along the Grand Ring, and conclude at the Ray Garden, where the official Korea Day event will be held, ending with a traditional street performance. To commemorate the 60th anniversary of Korea-Japan diplomatic relations, the Ministry will fully reenact the Joseon Tongsinsa procession for the first time in 261 years, symbolizing cultural exchange between the two countries. The Joseon Tongsinsa Ship, which will arrive in Osaka on this day, departed from Busan on April 28.

On the afternoon of the 27th of last month, the Joseon Tongsinsa Ship Departure Ceremony was held at Yongho Byeolbit Park in Nam-gu, Busan. The Joseon Tongsinsa Ship departed from Busan on the 28th and after a 14-day voyage, arrived in Osaka on the 11th. The arrival ceremony will be held on the 13th, Korea Day at the Osaka Expo. It will meet people from around the world.
Photo by Yonhap News

At the Expo Hall within the Osaka Expo site, a special stage event called the Korea Collection will take place from 3:00 p.m., presenting the charms of Korea under three themes: "Live," "Beauty," and "Fashion." In the "Live" segment, singer K.Will will deliver a K-pop performance to energize the audience. The "Beauty" segment will feature a makeup expert and a model demonstrating Korean-style makeup, giving visitors a hands-on experience of K-beauty. The "Fashion" segment will present a Hanbok fashion show under the theme of "Spring Outing."

Notably, during the Korea Collection, popular Japanese actor Sakaguchi Kentaro will be appointed as an honorary ambassador for Korean tourism. Well known to Korean viewers through the drama "What Comes After Love," he is recognized as a leading pro-Korean actor with a deep affection for Korean culture. Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yoo In-chon will personally present the honorary ambassador plaque.

At the Arena within the Osaka Expo venue, the M Concert will be held from 6:00 p.m. in partnership with CJ ENM. Six K-pop groups?Jung Yonghwa of CNBLUE, TWS, ViViZ, Kep1er, ME:1, and Hi-Fi Un!corn?will take the stage.

At the Exhibition Center within the Osaka Expo venue, the Korea Tourism Festa will run until May 16. Under the theme "Travel to Korea," a total of 54 booths will introduce hidden tourist destinations in Korea, as well as air travel and tour packages. Eleven tourism venture companies that have developed products such as regional vacation workations, bicycle tours, and senior travel packages will also participate, offering visitors a diverse look at Korean tourism. In an experiential space recreating a Korean street, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of Korean foods.