'Global K-Zones' to Launch at Korean Cultural Centers in New York, Tokyo, etc., as K-Culture Promotion and Export Hubs

Exhibitions and Experiences of K-Lifestyle Including K-Beauty and K-Food
Tokyo K-Zone Opens on September 5; 10 Locations to Be Established by Next Year

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will establish "Global K-Zone" spaces—permanent K-Culture experience and promotion zones—at six Korean Cultural Centers abroad, including those in the United States, Japan, China, and France.

On September 4, the Ministry announced its plan to newly implement the "Global K-Zone Project" this year. The project aims to expand the role of overseas Korean Cultural Centers from simple sites of cultural exchange to hubs for cultural export, and to enhance the brand value of K-Culture and related industries.

The "Global K-Zone" is a permanent exhibition space within overseas cultural centers, displaying consumer goods that represent K-lifestyle—such as K-Beauty, K-Food, and K-Fashion—along with cultural events that introduce each product's story, design, and uses. The goal is to not only showcase the products themselves but also to present the cultural context and meaning behind them, encouraging local visitors to visit the centers and purchase K-lifestyle goods.

The Ministry will set up Global K-Zones at six overseas Korean Cultural Centers: Los Angeles (LA) and New York in the United States, Beijing and Shanghai in China, Tokyo in Japan, and Paris in France. Working with Korea Tourism Organization, Korea Creative Content Agency, Sejong Institute, as well as K-Food, K-Beauty, and craft-related organizations such as Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, National Museum Cultural Foundation, and Korea Craft & Design Foundation, the Ministry will cultivate these cultural centers as notable landmarks for K-Lifestyle and key hubs for exporting Korean consumer goods.

The Global K-Zones will open sequentially within this year at the Korean Cultural Centers in Tokyo, New York, France, LA, Beijing, and Shanghai. Each location will offer permanent exhibition spaces with distinct themes tailored to local demand and conditions.

The first to open will be the Global K-Zone at the Korean Cultural Center in Japan, which will launch on September 5. Until October, it will feature K-Beauty as its main theme, showcasing 194 beauty products from 52 brands such as Amorepacific, Sulwhasoo, and Laneige. It will also provide experience programs such as artificial intelligence (AI) skin diagnosis, making lip gloss and cosmetic pouches, and tasting beauty drinks. Additionally, there will be performances that blend makeup with modern ballet, and makeup events featuring Korean and Japanese students.

The Global K-Zone at the Korean Cultural Center in Japan, opening on the 5th. Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

The Global K-Zone at the Korean Cultural Center in New York, opening on September 17, will collaborate with organizations such as Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) and Sempio's YounDoo Culinary Studio. It will exhibit K-Beauty products, Korean traditional paste products, and National Museum of Korea's "MU:DS." Various events integrating product exhibitions and cultural content, such as Korean cuisine workshops, will also be held.

The Korean Cultural Center in France will open its Global K-Zone in October, designing the space with a "21st Century Palace" theme. It will permanently exhibit K-Beauty, K-Food, and Hangul-related consumer products, and offer events such as the creative ballet "GAT" by the Yoon Byul Ballet Company, Hangul educational workshops, and cooking classes.

The LA Korean Cultural Center will also unveil its Global K-Zone in October. It will create an interactive, Hanji-themed space to introduce Hangul, Hanji, and contemporary crafts in celebration of Hangul Day. Programs will include workshops on independent publishing, typography, webtoons, as well as experiences in beauty, tourism, and fashion.

The Global K-Zones at the Korean Cultural Centers in Beijing and Shanghai are expected to open after October.

The Ministry plans to establish four additional Global K-Zone sites next year. The regions will be selected based on local demand for the Korean Wave (Hallyu), the Ministry’s plan for integrating overseas agencies, and each center’s conditions.

Kim Jaehyun, Director-General for Culture, Media, and Industry Policy at the Ministry, stated, "We hope that, through the Global K-Zone, overseas Korean Cultural Centers will serve as forward bases for exporting K-Culture—not just places to view Korean culture, but spaces where visitors can experience K-Lifestyle and purchase a wide range of cultural products." He added that the Ministry plans to continue expanding the Global K-Zone initiative.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.