Poogryu, a Korean festival celebrating music, art, nature and shared experiences, came alive at Terra Kulture recently.

The event featured a dynamic showcase of traditional Korean culture alongside contemporary K-pop while commemorating Gwangbokjeol — Korea’s National Liberation Day, which celebrates freedom, hope, and the restoration of light.

Organised by the Korean Cultural Centre Nigeria (KCCN), the afternoon highlighted the growing cultural bond and friendship between Korea and Nigeria. The show opened with electrifying performances by top talent from the recent K-pop dance and singing competition,

A major highlight of the event was the appearance of Choori Band, a visiting six-member traditional Korean music and dance troupe. The group captivated the audience with a rich mix of rhythms and centuries-old traditions, performing pieces such as Pump It Up, Matroos, Rainbow Taryeong, Dooguba, Bukcheong Blues, Bless, Breaking, and Space.

The festival served as his first official assignment for the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nigeria, Jeong Yo-An, who assumed office in June.

In his welcome address, Ambassador Yo-An highlighted the deeper meaning of the celebration. “Poongryu is a uniquely Korean way of finding joy and harmony through music, nature, beauty, and the company of others,” Ambassador Yo-An said. “But the festival is more than music and enjoyment; it is deeply connected with the moral and spiritual traditions passed down through Korea’s long history.”

He noted that core values such as honoring parents, serving one’s country faithfully, and choosing good over wrong have long shaped the Korean spirit of respect, discipline, and service to others. “When cultures meet in freedom and mutual respect, friendship between nations grows stronger,” he added. “Culture becomes richer when it is shared, and even richer when others make it their own. This is what Poongryu truly means, not a performance to be watched from a distance, but a celebration to be experienced together.”