"Changwon Was Abuzz" ... In Changwon, MAMF Opens with "Twenty-One, One World"

A place for people from 22 countries to come together,
understand and engage with one another's cultures

The cultural diversity festival MAMF, held under the slogan “Twenty-One, One World” and bringing together 22 countries, opened in Changwon with a ceremony and began its three-day program.

Changwon Special City in Gyeongsangnam-do announced the opening of the 21st Cultural Diversity Festival MAMF 2026 at the main stage of Yongji Cultural Park.

Changwon Special City Mayor Kang Kiyoon delivers opening remarks at the MAMF2026 opening ceremony. [Photo courtesy of Changwon City]

The opening ceremony, held on October 23, was attended by Changwon Special City Mayor Kang Ki-yoon, Gyeongsangnam-do Vice Governor for Administrative Affairs Park Il-woong, Changwon City Council Chair Lee Hae-ryeon, Ali Sher Abdusalomov, Uzbekistan’s ambassador to South Korea, other diplomatic representatives from various countries, the MAMF Organizing Committee, provincial and city council members, and Korean and foreign residents.

The ceremony began with a performance by the “Modu” Choir, followed by the opening declaration, welcoming remarks and congratulatory speeches, and an opening performance. At the performance, attended by key guests, organizers conveyed this year’s festival message of “One World,” where different cultures come together, and launched the three-day celebration.

At the ensuing celebratory performances, the guest country’s Uzbekistan National Art Troupe and cultural performance groups invited from overseas presented acts showcasing the distinct characteristics of their countries. A performance by the band N.Flying added to the first night of the festival, bringing traditional culture and popular music together.

“MAMF2026 Opening Performance.” [Photo provided by Changwon City]

Marking its 21st edition this year, MAMF is being held under the slogan “Twenty-One, One World” and features participants from 22 countries and 10 foreign embassies in South Korea. Associations of compatriots from each country are preparing and running performances and cultural experience programs, creating opportunities for migrants and local residents to understand one another’s cultures and interact.

Changwon Special City Mayor Kang Ki-yoon said, “MAMF is a festival that celebrates respect for different cultures and the value of living together as neighbors. Through this festival, we will work to bring local residents and foreign residents closer and encourage continued interaction and harmony in everyday life.”

MAM 2026 runs through October 25 at Yongji Cultural Park, Seongsan Art Hall, and areas around Jungang-daero in Changwon. The program includes special cultural performances by the Uzbekistan National Art Troupe and Korea National University of Arts, the Korea Migrant Song Festival, a cultural diversity parade, Migrants Arirang, a world music concert, and global culture experience programs.

We hope the MAMF festival will create opportunities for countries to celebrate cultural diversity and engage with one another, while helping raise the profile of Changwon Special City around the world.

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