Leeds Korean Day Festival set to take over university campus with K-pop, craft markets and AI showcases
The University of Leeds will host a two-day celebration of Korean culture this November, blending traditional crafts, K-pop, street food, and AI innovation
The University of Leeds is set to celebrate Korean culture and technological innovation with the return of the Leeds Korean Day Festival.
Taking place on November 13 and 14, the two-day festival carries the theme 'Tradition × Innovation in Korea', bringing together live music, hands-on craft workshops, academic lectures, K-pop industry showcases, and a pop-up market.
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Organised by the university's School of Music, School of Mechanical Engineering, and School of Design in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Centre, Leeds City of Languages, and stage@leeds, the festival bridges historical heritage with modern pop culture.
The festival opens on Friday at the School of Music, focusing on guest lectures from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) alongside hands-on workshops covering AI design, traditional weaving, natural dyeing, and Jagae keyring making.
Music and media take centre stage in the afternoon with a K-pop × AI student pitch showcase, a K-pop market industry talk, and a K-Hip Hop workshop with artist James An.
The first day concludes with a headline evening concert from progressive music trio Dongyang Gozupa.
On the Saturday, the festival shifts to stage@leeds for a day-long Korean pop-up market.
Visitors can browse design and craft stalls from creators including HANJIHEE CLASSIC, Leasanbang, RACTO.D, re’mirae, MORIMANA, and SL22 Studio, while sampling authentic Korean dishes from the HAMA street food stall.
Saturday also features two dedicated art displays - a weaving exhibition and Flowing Landscapes - before closing with a live Gayageum concert.
How to get tickets and book sessions
Every talk, workshop, exhibition, and concert across the two days is booked separately to allow visitors to tailor their own schedule.
While market entry and exhibition registrations are free, individual workshops and evening concerts require prior booking due to venue capacities.
Full programme details and booking links are available directly via the University of Leeds event pages.