What happens when the rhythms of Korean culture meet the beats of Telangana’s traditional drums? At Shilpakala Vedika here on Sunday, the answer unfolded through a lively mix of music, dance, martial arts and cultural exchange, as Korea Culture Day 2026 brought the traditions of two countries together on one stage.
From afternoon, stalls selling Korean products drew curious visitors, with crowds gathering around them to explore a slice of Korean culture. As the evening approached, the buzz moved towards the auditorium, where hundreds of people began assembling from 5 p.m., eager to witness the performances lined up for the occasion.
Inside, the anticipation gave way to a celebration that travelled between two cultures, from the precision and power of Korean martial arts to the vigorous movements of Telangana’s traditional dances.
The programme began around 5.30 p.m. with an address by Lee Seong-ho, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to India, who welcomed the audience to Hyderabad and spoke of the cultural ties that the event hoped to strengthen.
Drawing a connection between Diwali, India’s festival of lights, and Chuseok, Korea’s harvest festival, Mr. Lee spoke about the shared values underlying celebrations in both countries: family, togetherness, gratitude and hope for the future.
Though the traditions may differ, he said, the emotions they evoke are remarkably similar. Cultural exchanges, he added, help people discover just how much they have in common.
Ayuni classical performance at the ‘K Harmony Festa’ at Shilpakala Vedika in Hyderabad on Sunday.
| Photo Credit:
SIDDHANT THAKUR
Eolssigu, a Korean traditional performance, at the ‘K Harmony Festa’ as part of Korea Culture Day 2026 at Shilpakala Vedika in Hyderabad on Sunday.
| Photo Credit:
SIDDHANT THAKUR
Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, who addressed the gathering, spoke about Korea’s transformation into a global economic and cultural force. He noted how Korean music, cinema and television had found audiences across the world, demonstrating that a country’s influence extended beyond its economic and military strength to the power of its cultural imagination. He also highlighted the historical connections between India and Korea and Hyderabad’s long-standing identity as a meeting point of cultures, languages and traditions. “Telangana’s festivals, arts and heritage were an important part of its identity as a state looking towards a globally connected future,” he added.
Beyond culture, Mr. Vikramarka pointed to opportunities for closer cooperation between Telangana and Korean enterprises in areas such as electronics, electric vehicles, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy and emerging technologies.
Perini Sivatandavam performance at the ‘K Harmony Festa’ at Shilpakala Vedika in Hyderabad on Sunday.
| Photo Credit:
SIDDHANT THAKUR
The Daekyung Taekwondo Demonstration was among the evening’s most energetic acts. The performers combined agility, strength and precision in a series of martial arts displays, breaking tiles and executing impressive stunts that drew loud cheers from the crowd. Each demonstration was met with excitement, turning the auditorium into a space of applause and animated reactions.
The programme then shifted to the vigorous rhythms of Telangana’s Perini Shiva Tandavam. The traditional dance, known for its powerful movements and historical association with warriors, brought a distinctly local flavour to the evening. The Telangana Dappulu performance followed, filling the programme with the forceful beats of traditional drums.
Daekyung demonstration at the ‘K Harmony Festa’ at Shilpakala Vedika in Hyderabad on Sunday.
| Photo Credit:
SIDDHANT THAKUR
The audience was then introduced to Korean traditional performance through Eolssigu, before a violin duo offered another musical dimension to the evening. The Atti Classic Vocal Crossover Performance further broadened the programme’s musical range, leading into an instrumental performance by a Korean band that brought the cultural showcase to a close.
Published – October 26, 2026 12:27 am IST
