From K-pop Demon Hunter, Manhwa, to delicious Kimchi, Korea and it’s culture has captured the hearts and imagination of people all over the world.
Here in Montreal, Korea Week MTL 2025 has recently concluded with resounding success, drawing more than 1,000 participants over two days of vibrant programming celebrating Korean culture, tradition, and contemporary creativity.
Organized by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Montreal and the Korean Students Association (KSA), this year’s edition stood out not only for its dynamic events but also for its meaningful expansion to McGill University, marking the first time Korea Week has taken place directly within a university campus.
Previously hosted in Quebec City in 2022 and in Montréal’s Old Port in 2024, the festival’s move onto campus represents a strategic step in engaging younger generations.
The McGill University Student Centre, a bustling crossroads for students from more than 150 countries, proved to be an ideal setting for fostering accessible, everyday cultural exchange.
Day 1: Tradition and Hands On Learning at the King Sejong Institute
On October 28, festivities began at the King Sejong Institute ( 3285 Boul. Cavendish Suite 200,) with a full slate of Traditional Culture Workshops led by Sejong Academy instructors.
Attendees tried their hand at
- Hangeul calligraphy and an introduction to its unique scientific principles
- Samulnori percussion, including janggu and kkwaenggwari rhythms
- Traditional dance forms, such as talchum movements and sangmo hat spinning
- Classic Korean games like Yutnori, Jegichagi, and Tuho
Two evening sessions of Samulnori and traditional performance workshops capped off the day. Each welcomed 30 pre registered participants who immersed themselves in rhythmic storytelling, musical exploration, and playful cultural activities.
Day 2: October 29th, Korea Week Expanded to McGill University for the First Time
The highlight of the festival unfolded on October 29, when Korea Week took over the McGill University Student Centre from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. This new setting allowed students to experience Korean culture woven directly into campus life, reinforcing cultural exchange at the heart of the student community.
Over ten interactive activities filled the building across themed booths designed to showcase the breadth of K culture.
K Hangeul Zone
Participants explored the origins of Korea’s alphabet and created their own calligraphy keepsakes as part of Stamp Challenge ❶.
K Culture Photo Zone
Hanbok and traditional accessories created a colourful backdrop for photos and cultural appreciation.
K Games Zone
K Music Zone
Students explored Samulnori instruments, practiced long sleeve talchum movements, and mastered plate spinning to complete Stamp Challenge.
K Tourism Zone
The Korea Tourism Organization shared travel inspiration, study abroad insights, and highlighted Korea’s major destinations.
K Food Zone
The 2025 Korea Kimchi Festival offered hands on kimchi making workshops, which quickly became one of the most popular features.
Performances, Games, Prizes, and Campus Spirit
K POP cover dance crews (featured above) energized the festival stage, followed by a lively Random Play Dance session that drew large, cheering crowds. A spirited Squid Game Round and Round activity brought students together in playful competition, while the Korean culture and history quiz highlighted the growing depth of knowledge among K culture fans on campus.
Participants who collected four stamps across the cultural booths were invited to spin the festival’s Prize Wheel, adding an element of excitement and reward to the celebration.
Strengthening Cultural Ties and Inspiring Future Leaders
The Consulate and KSA emphasized that this year’s university based format carries special significance. A festival shaped with student leadership at its core reflects the rising enthusiasm for Korean culture among young audiences. This enthusiasm was echoed by the impressive turnout, the vibrant atmosphere, and the strong community feel throughout the event.
Acting Consul General Mingoo Kang highlighted the broader vision behind Korea Week MTL.
“Korea and Canada are long time friends with deep mutual trust, and our collaboration is rapidly expanding into future oriented industries.”
Hosting the event on a university campus, he added, helps deepen cultural ties with the next generation and supports everyday public diplomacy inspired by the global Korean Wave.
Looking ahead, the Consulate plans to strengthen youth centered initiatives and expand cooperation with more universities across Quebec, continuing to nurture meaningful cultural connections between Korea and Canada.
To learn more about up-coming activities please follow :
Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Montreal : WEBSITE
IG : @coreeamontreal
Montréal Coréen Festival: IG : @MKFCM
King Sejong Institute in Montreal : WEBSITE
Wish to learn all about Korean Life and Culture and maybe pick up some Language skills along the way …
Professors Choi, Eun Jin & Choi, Younju from the Sejong Institute has recently released a series of fun and easy to use Webtoon format workbooks that are now available as e-books and in paperback.
All-in-One Korean: Book 1 for Beginners and Life & Culture are beautifully designed workbooks that not only teaches the language but also offers an inviting window into the everyday soul of Korea.
Clear trilingual explanations in Korean, English, and French make each cultural topic accessible, while thoughtfully curated vocabulary lists and “Check Your Understanding” sections keep learning engaging and reflective.
The rich visuals bring both traditional and modern Korea to life, and its compact, travel friendly format makes it an ideal companion for curious learners on the go.
This is a warm, immersive guide that invites readers to truly experience Korean culture, one page at a time.
Learn more: IG : @allin1korean
