An annual trilateral cultural exchange between South Korea, Japan, and China has commenced, spanning various facets of culture, including music, exhibitions, sports, and tourism.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in Seoul revealed on April 25 that the inauguration of the 2025-26 East Asian cultural city took place at Anseong Art Hall in Gyeonggi-do Province, featuring a diverse array of performances.
The event kicked off with Anseong Namsadang Baudeogi’s traditional pungmulnori, a Korean folk music and dance, alongside Chinese dragon dance and Japanese noh play presentations. The celebrations also included performances by Anseong children’s choir, Harmonize musical group, and singer Gummy.
Following the grand ceremony, Anseong will host a series of events highlighting the cultural richness of the three nations, including a traditional performing arts festival, a culinary contest, and a collaborative choir performance.
Since 2014, South Korea, Japan, and China have been selecting cities in each country annually to foster cultural exchange and collaborative projects, following an agreement established during the fourth trilateral summit of culture ministers in 2012.
This year, the East Asian cultural cities chosen are Anseong and Huzhou in China, and Kamakura in Japan, with Macao, China also designated as part of this cultural exchange initiative.
The cultural exchange program aims to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen cultural ties between the three countries through a shared celebration of their unique traditions and heritage.
This initiative not only promotes cultural diplomacy but also serves as a platform for the participating nations to showcase their rich cultural tapestries on an international stage, fostering goodwill and cooperation among the East Asian nations.
By bringing together diverse cultural expressions from South Korea, Japan, and China, this annual trilateral exchange program contributes to the preservation and promotion of the region’s cultural heritage, fostering a spirit of unity and collaboration through the arts.
The 2025-26 cultural exchange signifies a commitment to cross-border cultural dialogue and cooperation, embodying the shared vision of South Korea, Japan, and China to promote cultural diversity and intercultural understanding.
As the cultural exchange unfolds throughout the year, it is poised to enrich the cultural landscape of the participating nations, fostering a deeper appreciation for the shared heritage and traditions that bind the East Asian region together.
Through initiatives like the annual trilateral cultural exchange, South Korea, Japan, and China continue to strengthen their cultural bonds, paving the way for greater collaboration and mutual respect in the realm of arts and culture.