To mark the first anniversary of diplomatic ties between South Korea and Cuba, a Korean Wave (Hallyu) cultural festival will be held in Havana this April. It will be the first official cultural event hosted by the S. Korean side since the two countries established relations.
The “2025 Havana K-Culture Festival (Proyecto Festival Havana 2025 K-Culture)” will run for four days from April 9 to 12. Organized by the Baikbong Research Institute for Politics, Culture, and Education, led by Chairman Ra Jong-yil, the event is a civilian-led cultural exchange free of political intent.
The festival is co-organized by the Cuban Ministry of Culture, the University of Havana, and the Cuban Institute for Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), with participation from the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC). From Korea, the Institute of Latin American Studies (ILAS) at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies is a key partner. Supporting organizations include the Korea-Cuba Cultural Friendship Association (ACCCA), ArtCor (Proyecto Cultural de Arte Coreano de Cuba), the Embassy of South Korea in Cuba, and the Cuban Embassy in Seoul.
The opening and closing ceremonies will feature a keynote speech by Ra Jong-yil, in which he will share his views on Korea’s future role and outlook in the world, along with remarks from South Korean Ambassador to Cuba Lee Ho-yul and officials from various Cuban government agencies.
The program includes academic forums, cultural performances, film screenings, and K-food events. Director Kang Je-gyu will present his film 1947 Boston to Cuban audiences and lead a masterclass exploring opportunities for collaboration between the film industries of both countries. Production teams from Korean dramas such as Tempest, Doona!, Sweet Home, and Casino will also attend to exchange ideas with local producers and explore possibilities for co-productions.
At the academic forum, Korean author Han Kang’s novel The Vegetarian will serve as a focal point for discussions on literary and cultural intersections between Korea and Cuba. Scholars will compare the novel with René‘s Flesh by Cuban writer Virgilio Piñera, exploring themes of repression, desire, and identity, while also examining the potential of cultural diplomacy.
On the final day, April 12 (Saturday), the festival will conclude with a K-food sharing event titled “Taste of K-Food.” Local dignitaries and members of the Korean community in Havana will come together to share bibimbap in a gesture of harmony. The event is supported by the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT) and organized by ArtCor, a cultural group run by local Korean Wave fans and descendants of Korean immigrants in Cuba.
