Discovering Salam Festival
I'll be honest—I had never heard of the Salam Festival before this year. But when I found out it was happening at Gwanghwamun Square on September 9th at 11AM, I knew I had to check it out. The word "salam" means peace in Arabic, and the festival promised a mix of Asian and Middle Eastern cultures. Curiosity got the better of me, so I went with an open mind and an empty stomach, ready to see what this new cultural celebration had to offer.
A Festival of Peace and Culture
The Salam Festival is Seoul's way of connecting with cultures from across Asia and the Middle East, and this year's theme was "A Moment to Shine." The program was packed: cultural exchange concerts, dazzling fashion shows, international food, and even interactive zones where you could explore traditions from ten different countries in one place. Just walking through the square, you could sense that this wasn't just another Seoul event—it was a deliberate effort to bridge communities and celebrate diversity.
Food and Market Stalls
One of my first stops was the shop and food area, where I found a lively maze of stalls selling everything from Korean snacks to Middle Eastern sweets and savory bites. You could grab crispy Korean rice crackers on one side and fragrant falafel or shawarma on the other. The air was filled with the smell of spices, fresh herbs, and sizzling meats—like a culinary passport that didn't require leaving Seoul. Even the souvenir booths had their charm, with handmade crafts, tea blends, and textiles from both regions on display.
The Performances
Of course, the highlight for me was the shows. The Harmony Stage brought together an exciting blend of performances—Taekwondo demonstrations that showed off Korea's martial arts spirit, traditional Korean dance with its graceful hanbok costumes, and even b-boy crews bringing that raw urban energy to the mix. It felt like old Korea and modern Korea were dancing side by side, filling the stage with rhythms and colors that transported the crowd far beyond Seoul.
The Setting at Gwanghwamun
What made the whole experience even more surreal was the setting. Right in the heart of central Seoul, surrounded by history, with King Sejong's statue standing tall, I could see the entire square alive with movement and energy. No matter where I turned, Sejong seemed to be watching over the event—a reminder that Korea has always been a nation that embraces culture, learning, and exchange. It was almost poetic, seeing such a diverse international festival unfold under his gaze.
A Festival That Matters
I walked away genuinely impressed. The Salam Festival wasn't just fun—it was meaningful. To see Seoul's government, tourism groups, and cultural societies working together to highlight Asian and Middle Eastern culture showed me how Korea is positioning itself as a hub of global exchange. And for visitors like me, it was a reminder that travel isn't only about places and food—it's about understanding the stories and traditions of others.
Bonus Tip from Daniel
If you ever find yourself in Seoul when Salam Festival rolls around, go hungry, go early, and give yourself plenty of time to explore the zones and shows. It's not just about what you'll see on stage—it's about the small moments, like sipping a cup of Middle Eastern tea under a hanbok parade or watching a b-boy dance session with kids and family. Trust me—it's the kind of cultural experience that stays with you long after the festival ends.
Posts
0 Comments
Thank you for commenting!