The Korean Art Association of New Zealand recently organized a cultural event featuring folk art fan painting and traditional lantern making [1].
These workshops aim to introduce Korean traditions to New Zealand residents and help the next generation of the Korean diaspora connect with their cultural roots [1]. The initiative marks a shift in strategy for the association, which has historically focused its educational efforts on adults [3].
Participants engaged in painting 'minhwa,' a genre of Korean folk art. One participant, Kim Sa-rang, said she painted the fans because she wanted to create something as beautiful as traditional Korean paintings [2].
The event also featured 'cheongsachorong,' traditional red and blue lanterns. These activities provide a tactile way for participants to explore Korean aesthetics while integrating local perspectives into the art.
Lee Yu-jung, another participant, emphasized the importance of preserving these customs. She said minhwa has been a tradition for a long time and that protecting it is a necessary task [2].
By expanding its reach to younger audiences, the association seeks to ensure that traditional techniques do not fade among the diaspora. The event combined the practice of ancient art forms with the multicultural environment of New Zealand, creating a bridge between the two nations through visual storytelling.
“"Korean traditional (paintings) are beautiful," said Kim Sa-rang.”
This shift toward youth-oriented programming by the Korean Art Association of New Zealand reflects a broader trend of 'K-culture' expanding beyond modern pop music and cinema. By focusing on folk art and traditional crafts, the community is attempting to build a sustainable cultural identity for second- and third-generation immigrants while utilizing soft power to increase visibility among the general New Zealand public.
