Celebrating Five Years of Hallyu Con: A Hub for Korean Culture in the UK

The Growth of Hallyu Con

Hallyu Con, which started as a small volunteer-driven initiative in London, is celebrating its fifth anniversary with remarkable enthusiasm for Korean culture. This event has transformed into an essential gathering for the Korean culture community in the UK, attracting fans and creators alike. Now encompassing a diverse array of elements beyond just K-pop, it features film, food, fashion, and open discussions about representation within the cultural landscape.

A Day of Connection and Exploration

The latest edition of Hallyu Con was held at Samsung KX in London, supported by the Korean Cultural Centre UK and the Korea Tourism Organisation. Themed ‘Past, Present, Future’, the event showcased how U.K. fandom for Hallyu has evolved, while indicating exciting aspirations for the future. Despite a compact setup, the event radiated warmth and authenticity, reflecting the commitment of its growing community.

Community at the Heart of Hallyu Con

Lashai Ben Salmi, one of Hallyu Con’s founders, emphasized the importance of this milestone for the community. She described Hallyu Con as a blend of diverse cultures united by a love for Korean food, music, and media. This event was designed to be a welcoming space for learning and celebrating the richness of Korean culture, an ideal that continues to shape its identity. Long-time organizer Mellica Alexander highlighted that the event is sustained by pure passion for K-culture, showcasing the dedication of volunteers.

Returning Fans and Newcomers

Many attendees expressed a sense of belonging, with numerous returning visitors sharing their journeys of engagement with Korean culture. One attendee, introduced to K-dramas through her daughter, mentioned how she has become deeply invested in Korean culture herself. First-time visitors also shared their hopes for more focus on the artistic craft of acting and traditional arts in future events, indicating a growing appetite for depth in programming.

Engaging Activities and Experiences

This year’s layout was more intimate, featuring sponsor booths around the central stage. Attendees experienced a variety of engaging activities, such as skincare demonstrations from PURESEOUL and K-Pop merchandise displays. With Korean brands introducing traditional flavors and hands-on cultural experiences, the event was rich with insights and interactions for all ages.

Panels That Inspire

Panels throughout the day provided meaningful discourse, beginning with skincare and transitioning into discussions on content creation and cultural exchanges in the U.K.’s Hallyu scene. A reflective session on global interest in Korean culture examined both opportunities and the challenges faced in creative industries. The event concluded with RITO, a contemporary music group, showcasing the fusion of traditional and modern Korean music styles.

Looking to the Future

This year’s Hallyu Con underlined the deep connection and loyalty of its community, with an evident desire for expansion—more space, diverse representation, and a broader variety of cultural insights. As Lashai expressed, the goal is to “inspire curiosity and build bridges” within and beyond the realm of Korean culture.