[HanCinema's Digest] Culture Corner

Wongok Village is a multicultural hub, Korea to import Canadian hemp, France creates "K-culture week" ahead of their 130th diplomatic anniversary, and Korea-Iran relationships gets presidential approval.

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"In Homogeneous South Korea, A Multicultural Village Hints At Change"

Elise Hu, writing for NPR, explores the changing face of Korean culture as it moves towards multiculturalism. Wongok Village, for example, the "borderless village", is a multicultural hub that has one of country's largest immigrant population: "Right now, [integration] is about fitting into the Korean context... True multiculturalism would involve mixing and blending and fusing of different languages, cultures, customs. We don't see much of that - except in places like Wongok Village".

...READ ON NPR

"Hemp takes off in S. Korea"

Is Canada making South Korea just a little greener? Hemp is largely unknown in Korea, but a new trade agreement between Korea and Canada could see a sudden surge of interest: "The contract is significant for Hempco because the company recorded $4.1 million in sales of hemp protein power, hemp seed oil and hemp seed nut in the last fiscal year". Hemp culture, however, may take a little more time.

...READ ON THE WESTERN PRODUCER

"France to mark 'K-culture Week' in time for Park's visit"

Ties between France and Korea are strong: the two countries enjoy each other's cultures, food, music, films, and now France plans to celebrate "K-culture Week" at the beginning of June to commemorate the two countries 130th diplomatic anniversary.

...READ ON THE KOREA TIMES

"Park embraces Muslim culture to befriend Iran"

If you haven't noticed by now, South Korea is actively building bridges all over the world. One of the most recent diplomatic missions has been with Iran. President Park Geun-hye recently had her state visit there and even wore a headscarf as a sign of respect and goodwill to the Iranian people: "Also, as the last schedule on her agenda, Park paid a visit to the Iran National Museum on Tuesday afternoon to appreciate the cultural heritage of the Persian empire".

...READ ON THE KOREA HERALD