Thai Delegation Joins 'K-Festival' in South Korea, Deepening Ties Through Traditional Games and Cultural Exchange

A delegation from Thailand participated in a "K-Festival" in Wonju, Gangwon Province, South Korea, engaging in traditional Korean games and fostering fellowship with believers from around the globe. The event, hosted by Manmin Central Church under Senior Pastor Dr. Soojin Lee, took place on the morning of August 4 at the convention hall of the Oak Valley Resort. It was part of a three-day summer retreat from August 3 to 5, attracting believers from 23 countries. The festival commenced with a performance by the Honduras team, followed by the Latvia deaf team and the Malaysia team, each energizing the atmosphere. The closing performance by the Thailand team, composed of members from Chiang Rai Manmin Church, garnered an enthusiastic response, bringing the event to a successful conclusion. Naraphon, a Thai participant, expressed happiness, stating, "The audience responded so warmly to our Christian performance set to traditional music, and that made us very happy as well. It was also a wonderful opportunity to experience Korean culture firsthand, and a great time to introduce Thai culture." The competitions featured traditional Korean folk games, with participants divided into white and blue teams. Early rounds included "tuho" (arrow tossing into a vase) and "jegichagi" (shuttlecock kicking). Later rounds involved "ddakjichi" (a tile-flipping game) and a hands-on session making "dalgona" (sugar candy), concluding with an O-X quiz. The Thai delegation was part of the white team, alongside believers from Kenya, the deaf community, Japan, and Malaysia. The blue team comprised participants from Russia, Kazakhstan, Israel, Moldova, Mongolia, Latin America, and Australia, highlighting the gathering's international diversity. Through the K-Festival, the Thai delegation experienced Korean traditional culture and introduced Thai performance culture, sharing fellowship that transcended national borders. Wonju is also known for the annual Wonju Dynamic Dancing Carnival held in September, which showcases energetic street and stage performances, including K-pop dance and hip-hop, drawing large crowds with its vibrant blend of contemporary Korean entertainment and local energy. Complementary events like the Hanji Festival (traditional Korean paper-making) and the Mandu Festival (dumpling tasting) further enhance the cultural experience, making Wonju a vibrant hub for exploring both traditional and modern Korean culture amidst the scenic backdrop of Gangwon Province. By Jungkil Park – Voluntary Contributor Source: Chiang Rai Times