Korean Cultural Center Opens in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as 36th Worldwide

Fifth Korean Cultural Center in Southeast Asia ... Located across from the Petronas Towers
Equipped with a performance hall, exhibition space and library, it will serve as a hub for K-culture exchange

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is opening the 36th Korean Cultural Center worldwide.

The ministry said it will hold an opening ceremony for the Korean Cultural Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, at 3:30 p.m. local time on Oct. 30. It is the 36th Korean Cultural Center worldwide and the fifth in Southeast Asia.

About 70 local dignitaries will attend the ceremony, including Kim Youngsu, First Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Chiu Chun Man, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia; and Sid Mohamad Hasrin, Assistant Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Performance hall on the first floor of the Korean Cultural Center in Malaysia. Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Sarangbang on the second floor of the Korean Cultural Center in Malaysia. Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism

The ministry said it expects the opening of the Korean Cultural Center to expand cultural exchanges between the two countries into all fields, including the economy and society, and further deepen their friendly relations. It added that Malaysia is a key hub for maritime transportation and an economic center linking Europe, the Middle East and East Asia. It also described Malaysia as an important country that can serve as a bridge between the Islamic world and East Asia, drawing on the rich cultural diversity of its multiethnic, multicultural society.

The Korean Cultural Center in Malaysia is located across from the Petronas Towers, one of the country's most recognizable landmarks and a major tourist destination. With a total floor area of 1,199 square meters, the center will be open to visitors year-round. The first floor houses a 100-seat performance hall, an exhibition room and a screening room, while the second floor has a library, a Sarangbang lounge and classrooms. A large LED panel in the lobby performance hall showcases Korean cultural content, conveying Korea's sophisticated image as a technology powerhouse. Bookshelves line both sides of the seating area, making it a welcoming place to read and chat on days without performances.

Performances and exhibitions will also be held to mark the opening. Under the theme "Connecting Through Culture," artists from both countries will perform together at the commemorative concert. Busan National Gugak Center will present Saengso Byeongju, a crane dance and the pansori work "Heungboga." Istana Budaya, Malaysia's national theater, will present the traditional dance "Zapin Budi" and "Puteri Santubong," a performance based on one of Sarawak's best-known folktales. Following the traditional performances from both countries, K-pop choreographer Lia Kim, head of 1MILLION Dance Studio, will perform with the Malaysian youth dance team Jepo Youngsters.

The opening exhibition, "Artfully Adorned Hanbok," is being held in collaboration with the Sabina Museum. It explores the patterns, artistry and diversity of hanbok from a contemporary perspective. The Sarangbang lounge will feature traditional craftworks designated as National Heritage by the Korea Heritage Service and MU, the National Museum of Korea's cultural merchandise brand.

"The Korean Wave, which has taken shape worldwide around K-pop and Korean dramas, is leading to the consumption of products such as food, beauty and fashion," said Vice Minister Kim Youngsu. "Malaysia has particularly strong interest in K-culture, and we hope the Korean Cultural Center will work with many local organizations and serve as a focal point for bringing new momentum to the entire K-culture industry."

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