“India Day” at the Han River
Embassy of India in the Republic of Korea (ROK) to Host First ‘India Day’ on May 16, 2026
Press Release
The Embassy of India, Seoul will be organising the inaugural ‘India Day’ on May 16, 2026 (Saturday) at the Neoreundeul Lawn Plaza in Yeouido Hangang Park. The event marks the first large-scale outdoor festival organised by the Embassy and will feature a rich array of cultural performances, interactive activities, and special booths that reflect India’s ancient traditions as well as its contemporary development.
2. The festival carries particular significance as it coincides with the ongoing efforts to enhance the Special Strategic Partnership between India and ROK. During the recent State Visit of the ROK President to India, the leaders of the two countries agreed to strengthen exchanges in all fronts of the bilateral relationship, including by supporting the celebration of ‘India Day’ in Korea.
3. One of the most exciting highlights of India Day will be non-stop cultural performances, featuring both Indian and Korean artists, highlighting the diversity of India’s rich cultural tapestry. Indian classical dance forms, such as Kathak, Bharatnatyam and Odissi, will be showcased alongside folk dances and contemporary Indian music, offering a fascinating blend of classical and modern expressions.
4. Several dedicated booths will showcase a diverse range of Indian products, offering Korean audiences an immersive experience of India’s rich cultural heritage as well as market opportunities. Some of these will include the Handlooms Export Promotion Council (HEPC), which will feature handicrafts, marble products, wooden items, and handloom textiles from Rajasthan, alongside Pashmsutra, a luxury brand specializing in Geographical Indication (GI)-certified Pashmina shawls, stoles, scarves, silver jewelry, and traditional crafts from Kashmir. Additionally, the One District One Product (ODOP) team will highlight region-specific artisanal offerings, complemented by a live handloom demonstration by a nationally acclaimed weaver from the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
5. The Coffee Board of India will introduce visitors to India’s five premier Arabica coffee varieties, all with prestigious GI certification, including Monsoon Malabar, Chikmagalur, Coorg, Bababudangiris, and Araku Valley coffees. The Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) will exhibit a wide range of Indian seafood products, featuring traditional Kerala and Sardine curries, retort pouch delicacies such as Fish Biryani and Prawn Mango Curry, freeze-dried shrimp, and animal feed items like fish meal and fish oil. These exhibits collectively highlight India’s craftsmanship, culinary heritage, and agricultural excellence, strengthening commercial and cultural ties with the ROK.
6. It will also feature interactive booths that offer a hands-on experience of India’s rich cultural traditions. Among these, the Cultural booth will offer interactive activities such as Mehendi art, Mandala art, Hindi name writing etc. Visitors can also explore a Tourism booth that showcases India’s stunning landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historical monuments, and vibrant cities, offering travel enthusiasts a glimpse into the country’s diverse tourism offerings.
7. A dedicated space will also introduce India’s film and content industry, showcasing audiovisual materials that highlight the global influence, storytelling, and creativity of Indian cinema.
8. Additionally, food trucks offering a variety of Indian dishes will operate throughout the venue, providing visitors with rich culinary experiences, from spiced curries to regional specialties and street food, further enhancing the festive atmosphere.
9. The Indian community in ROK will come together to present the diverse cultural and regional heritage of the 28 States and 8 Union Territories in India. This initiative will embody the theme of “Unity in Diversity”, showcasing the rich traditions, customs, and distinctive characteristics of each state, thereby celebrating India’s vibrant and multifaceted cultural tapestry.
10. On May 16, the Yeouido Hangang Park will be transformed into a “Mini India”, offering a unique opportunity for attendees to immerse themselves in the richness of Indian culture. Korean and international visitors can experience the country’s diverse traditions, contemporary innovations, creative industries, and regional specialties firsthand, leaving with a deeper appreciation of the diversity of India.
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May 07, 2026
Seoul
