Seoul, South Korea – Representatives from 42 Korean Cultural Centers and cultural promotion offices spanning 35 countries convened in Seoul this week, beginning March 10th, to discuss strategies for expanding the global reach of “K-Culture.” The meetings, hosted at the Korea Press Center and the National Museum of Korea, are scheduled to continue through March 13th.
The gathering brings together leaders of institutions established by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) as key diplomatic and cultural exchange hubs. According to the MCST, these centers serve as vital platforms for promoting Korean arts, traditions, and contemporary culture internationally.
The primary focus of the conference is to enhance the role of these overseas centers as pivotal points for exporting Korean cultural content. The MCST aims to foster collaboration and synergy among the centers to maximize their impact, according to a statement released by the ministry.
Currently, South Korea operates 35 Korean Cultural Centers in 30 countries, alongside 7 cultural promotion offices in an additional 7 nations, as of March 2026. These institutions facilitate a wide range of activities, including performances, exhibitions, language courses, and cultural workshops, designed to foster mutual understanding and strengthen ties between Korea and host countries.
The meetings approach as South Korea continues to experience a surge in global interest in its popular culture, including music, film, and television dramas. The government views the overseas cultural centers as essential infrastructure for sustaining this momentum and translating cultural popularity into broader economic and diplomatic benefits.
No public statements have been released regarding specific outcomes or agreements reached during the conference as of March 10th. The MCST has not announced any further public events related to the meetings beyond the scheduled conclusion on March 13th.
