A Decade of African Cultural Celebration
Seoul’s Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) transformed into a kaleidoscope of colour, music, and heritage as the 8th Seoul Africa Festival unfolded, this year shining a special spotlight on South Africa. Nearly a decade after the festival’s inception, what began as a modest cultural initiative has grown into one of Asia’s most vibrant celebrations of African identity.
Over 2,000 attendees witnessed a weekend of performances, fashion showcases, and interactive exhibitions that blended African tradition with Korean design sensibilities, underscoring the universal appeal of South African creativity.
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South Africa Takes Center Stage
Coinciding with South Africa’s Heritage Month, the festival offered a home-away-from-home experience for South Africans living in Korea. Many donned traditional attire, adding a personal and emotional layer to the event. Social media buzzed with excitement, as attendees and online viewers shared their pride. One TikTok user wrote, “Guys, I watched this runway exhibition live and it was magical,” while another celebrated the collaborative effort: “Love to see Korea bringing talents from Africa to collaborate for this project!”
The festival, organized by Africa Insight in partnership with the African Group of Ambassadors in Korea and the Seoul Design Foundation, ran from September 12 to 13 at DDP, a hub for global design and creativity.
Rhythm, Runways, and Cultural Exchange
The opening night was electrified by Ponike, a West African ensemble whose drumming and dance set the stage for the fashion showcase. African diplomats followed, proudly displaying their national costumes in a vivid celebration of heritage.
Fashion was a central highlight, with South African and Korean designers collaborating to create innovative collections that merged traditional fabrics, patterns, and silhouettes with modern aesthetics. Fifteen African embassies hosted interactive booths showcasing crafts, cuisine, and cultural artifacts, Rwanda tempted palates with traditional dishes, while the Congo exhibited intricate handicrafts.
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Spotlight on Laduma Ngxokolo
The festival drew particular attention with the presence of Laduma Ngxokolo, the celebrated South African designer behind MaXhosa Africa. Known for modernising Xhosa knitwear for a global audience, Ngxokolo’s designs were a perfect reflection of the festival’s theme: cultural pride meeting innovation. His participation amplified the festival’s message, bringing South African fashion to the international stage and inspiring both designers and attendees alike.
A Celebration of Pan-African Unity
Beyond fashion and performance, the event became a hub for pan-African solidarity. Attendees from countries including Angola, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Burundi, and Nigeria came together to share stories, traditions, and experiences, highlighting the festival’s role as a unifying cultural platform.
The 8th Seoul Africa Festival was more than a showcase—it was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and heritage. Through music, fashion, and interactive experiences, it demonstrated that even thousands of kilometres from home, African culture continues to thrive and inspire.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: Asahayi
