East-West University Anchors Busan as K-Culture Education Hub after Successful ‘Take-off Festa’
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- East-West University Anchors Busan as K-Culture Education Hub after Successful ‘Take-off Festa’
Busan, South Korea – East-West University has cemented its role as a pivotal center for K-Culture education in Busan following the successful completion of the 2025 Take-off Festa busan Program. The program, a key component of the Humanities Convergence Founding project (HUSS) Global K-Culture Consortium, supported by the Ministry of Education and the Korea Research Foundation, concluded recently, highlighting the university’s commitment to fostering talent in the burgeoning field of Korean cultural arts.
‘Take-off Festa’ Showcases Integrated Cultural Arts
The ‘Take-off Festa,’ an integrated cultural arts program, spanned approximately four weeks starting May 16, 2025, and was hosted across multiple universities, including Dankook University, East-West University, Wonkwang University, Cheonggang Culture Industry University, and Hanseo University. The event underscored East-West University’s successful establishment as a central hub for K-Culture education within the Busan region.
Did You Know? South Korea’s cultural exports reached a record high of $12.3 billion in 2023, demonstrating the global appeal of K-Culture [source: Statista].
Animation Expert Provides Global Insights
A highlight of the Festa Program was the participation of Han Hill, director of the animated series ‘King of Kings,’ which has garnered significant acclaim in North America, and co-director of the globally recognized ‘Garfield’ animation. Han Hill provided participants with invaluable insights into the competitive landscape and future opportunities within the Korean animation industry.
Lectures Engage Students and Local Community
The program, held at the Ibagu Complex culture Center in Dong-gu, Busan, attracted over 40 local citizens and students. Han Hill delivered a lecture on the production process of ‘King of Kings,’ focusing on its Chinese adaptation. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of the international expansion of korean content and strategies for achieving success in the global market.
Pro tip: Understanding cultural nuances is crucial for successful global content adaptation. Researching target markets and tailoring content accordingly can considerably increase its appeal.
Webtoons and Animation Convergence Explored
At East-West University’s campus, more than 80 students and community members attended a session featuring a lecture by Han Hill and a presentation by Professor Lee Bo-hye of Yeongsan University. Professor Lee introduced the animation production process centered on the popular webtoon “Pointed Point Fork Family,” sharing practical knowledge related to the creation of convergent content combining webtoons and animations.
| Event | Location | Participants | Key Speakers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture on ‘King of Kings’ Production | Ibagu Complex Culture Center | 40+ Citizens and Students | Han Hill |
| Webtoon & Animation Convergence | East-West University Campus | 80+ Students and citizens | Han Hill, Professor Lee Bo-hye |
Student Testimonials
choi Dong-hyuk, a student at East-West University, remarked, “With this Take-off Festa, we were able to communicate directly with global experts and experience the vivid reality of the industry.”
Looking ahead, East-west university intends to host specialized lectures featuring experts in webtoons and animations during the latter half of 2025.These lectures will be an integral part of the Global K-Culture Consortium project, further solidifying the university’s position as a leading institution for cultivating talented individuals in Busan’s thriving K-Culture scene.
Future of K-Culture Education in Busan
East-West University’s ongoing initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to nurturing the next generation of K-Culture professionals. By providing students with access to industry experts and practical training, the university is playing a vital role in shaping the future of Korean cultural content on the global stage.
The Enduring Appeal of K-Culture
K-Culture, encompassing K-Pop, K-dramas, Korean cinema, and Korean cuisine, has experienced a meteoric rise in global popularity over the past two decades. This phenomenon,frequently enough referred to as the “Korean Wave” or “hallyu,” has transformed South Korea into a cultural powerhouse,influencing trends in music,fashion,beauty,and entertainment worldwide. The success of K-Culture can be attributed to several factors, including high production values, catchy melodies, compelling storylines, and the strategic use of social media to engage with international audiences. Furthermore, the Korean government has actively supported the growth of the cultural industries through funding initiatives and promotional campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions About K-Culture
- What are some popular examples of K-Culture? Popular examples include K-Pop groups like BTS and Blackpink, K-dramas like “Squid Game” and “Crash Landing on You,” and Korean films like “Parasite.”
- What is driving the global popularity of K-Culture? Factors include high production values, catchy content, strategic use of social media, and government support.
- How can I learn more about K-Culture? Manny online resources, including streaming services, fan communities, and educational programs, offer insights into K-Culture.
- What role does education play in the K-Culture industry? Universities like East-West University are increasingly offering specialized programs to train professionals in various aspects of K-Culture, such as arts management and beauty design.
- What are the career opportunities in the K-culture sector? Career opportunities include roles in music production, film and television production, fashion design, beauty, arts management, and digital content creation.
What aspects of K-Culture are you most interested in exploring? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
