Montreal is a city that thrives on its rich cultural diversity, and this summer, Korean culture has taken center stage. From the silver screen to the bustling streets of Griffintown and the scenic Old Port , the city has been abuzz with Korean influences, offering locals and visitors alike a taste of Korea’s vibrant arts and traditions.
Fantasia Film Festival: A Spotlight on South Korean Cinema
From July 18 to August 4, 2024, the Fantasia International Film Festival was an epic celebration of genre cinema.
Korean cinema has been gaining global recognition, especially following Bong Joon-ho’s groundbreaking success with “Parasite.” This year, the Fantasia Film Festival embraced this trend by introducing the CineMapsosa program, dedicated to showcasing the best of South Korean genre cinema. The program featured a quartet of mid-length films from emerging directors who pushed the boundaries of storytelling.
Among the standout films was the Canadian premiere of “The Rooms” (2023), directed by You Heeryun. This psychological thriller took viewers on a surreal journey through a mysterious corridor filled with identical doors, each leading to a different bizarre scenario. The film offered a nightmarish exploration of posthumanism, challenging the audience to question their own perceptions.
Another highlight was the international premiere of “Memory” (2024), a heartfelt science-fiction drama by Jang Hawon. The film told the story of Siwoo, a young woman who brings home a robot replica of her father, complete with his memories, in a desperate attempt to reunite her family. With stunning cinematography, a brilliant script, and an appearance by the legendary Bae Doona, “Memory” captivated audiences with its emotional depth and thought-provoking narrative.
Twenty two other Korean films graced the screens at the festival such as the much anticipated “The Roundup: Punishment”. Directed by Heo Myeong Haeng, the film is the fourth installment of The Roundup series (one of the best Korean action series of all time) and sequel to The Roundup: No Way Out.
For a complete list of all the Korean films screened at Fantasia , or to access the complete program schedule, please visit the Fantasia Film Festival’s main site: HERE
Pocha Market: A Korean Street Food Extravaganza
This past weekend, the Hangar 1825 in Griffintown was transformed into a vibrant hub of Korean street food and culture with the Pocha Market.
The event attracted over 20,000 people who came to indulge in mouth-watering Korean BBQ, crunchy kogos, and a variety of unique boba drinks and desserts.
The market was a feast for the senses, with the sounds of K-pop filling the air and the smell of sizzling meats and grilled sea food tempting every passerby.
Pocha Mtl was more than just a food festival; it was a celebration of Korean culture.
Visitors enjoyed cultural workshops, tried their luck at claw machines from Clawklaws for cute plushie prizes, and soaked in the lively atmosphere that made them feel as though they had been transported to the bustling streets of Seoul.
Also for dance and music fans, a special after-hours K-POP dance party was organized. Fun times indeed !
To learn more about Pocha please visit their official FB page : HERE
La Semaine de la Corée 2024: A Cultural Festival Not to Be Missed
As summer draws to a close, Montrealers can look forward to one more major event celebrating Korean culture: La Semaine de la Corée 2024.
From August 22nd to the 25th, the Quai de l’Horloge in Old Port will host this sensational festival, organized by the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Montreal and MKFCM.
This free event promises to be a cultural immersion like no other. With 30 vendors offering a variety of Korean delicacies, from traditional dishes to modern fusion creations, foodies are in for a treat.
But the festival isn’t just about food—spectacular performances, including B-boy shows, Samulnori drumming, and K-pop cover dances, will keep the energy high throughout the weekend.
Attendees can also participate in workshops on Korean cooking, try their hand at traditional games, or even enter a raffle for a round-trip flight to Korea.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Korean culture or just curious to learn more, La Semaine de la Corée 2024 offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Please visit their official Facebook page for mode details : HERE
안녕하세요 – Annyeonghaseyo – HELLO !
Montreal’s celebration of Korean culture this summer has been nothing short of extraordinary.
From the thought-provoking films at Fantasia Film Festival to the flavors and festivities at Pocha Mtl and the upcoming La Semaine de la Corée, there’s never been a better time to dive into the rich and diverse world of Korean arts and traditions right here in our city.
Make sure to mark your calendars and be part of this cultural wave that’s sweeping through Montreal!