SEOUL, October 15 (AJP) - Nami Island in Gangwon Province turned into a lively cultural hub last month as it hosted "Peru Week," a weeklong event celebrating the art, heritage, and traditions of the South American country. Organized in partnership with the Embassy of Peru in South Korea, the program ran from September 20 to 28 and attracted thousands of visitors, both Korean and international.
Held during the island's peak autumn season, when an average of 12,000 visitors arrive each day and nearly 20,000 on weekends, the festival offered a mix of performances, exhibitions, and hands-on experiences. Guests were invited to explore Peru's cultural and natural diversity through dance shows, music, art displays, and interactive workshops designed for all ages.
During the opening ceremony, Paul Duclos, the Ambassador of Peru to South Korea, joined the CEO of Nami Island Arts & Education to welcome guests. "We are delighted to see the beauty and diversity of Peru shared with Korean and international audiences in such a meaningful setting," the ambassador said. The ceremony was followed by lively performances from the Peruvian Cultural Association C.I.D.A.N. "Mi Perú" and the music ensemble "Peru Latin," filling the island with the rhythms of traditional Peruvian sounds.
Peruvian flags and banners decorated the island's main entrances, walkways, and ferry docks throughout the week, creating a colorful display of friendship between Peru and South Korea. Visitors took part in family-friendly activities such as painting tote bags with Peruvian motifs, coloring traditional patterns, and playing simple versions of classic Peruvian games. Local Korean groups also joined in, performing Latin-inspired music to add to the festive mood.
One of the highlights was the exhibition "Treasures of Peru: The Amazon Rainforest," held at Paz Gallery. The show featured vivid images of Peru's Amazonian landscapes, wildlife, and communities, including "Portraits of My Blood," a photography series by David Díaz portraying the Shipibo-Konibo people of the Amazon region.
The HEI School Nami Island, part of the Helsinki International Schools network, also held a special educational session on September 27. Students learned about Peru's geography, culture, and biodiversity through interactive activities, baking alfajores, and decorating Ayacucho retablos, dolls, and bags with designs inspired by Machu Picchu, Pucará bulls, and alpacas.
The event wrapped up with live performances by Peruvian musician Ángel Puma, who played traditional melodies that drew crowds across the island and offered visitors a memorable glimpse of Peru's cultural identity.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
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