The 2023 Gwangju Together Day Together We Celebrate Multiculturalism and Inclusion!

By Karina Prananto

May is an important month in Korea, with holidays like Children’s Day, Parents’ Day, Teachers’ Day, and Buddha’s Birthday. But there is another celebration that we should not miss. Together Day (or in Korean, 세계인의 날, literally “International People’s Day”) is an event celebrated nationwide on May 20. It was designated in 2007 throu gh the Framework Act on Treatment of Foreigners Residing in the Republic of Korea by the Ministry of Justice. As the name suggests, it is an event for Korean and international communities alike to learn about diversity and multiculturalism in Korea. The week celebrating this event is called “Together Week” (May 21–27).

Gwangju is also home to about 41,000 migrants coming from various countries around the world. The city has been celebrating this event since the year of its designation, and this year it will take place on May 21. The Gwangju International Center (GIC) is proud to organize this event along with the Gwangju Immigration Service as its host. This year, it will be held in Jungoe Park, a family-friendly park in the Buk-gu area near Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall, Gwangju Culture and Art Center, Gwangju Art Museum, and Gwangju Folk Museum. It has easy access and spacious areas for all your family and friends to enjoy. Like in previous years, it is expected that we will see a lot of turnout, especially now that the mask rules have been lifted, making it easier to spend time and celebrate events outdoors.

There are many programs catering to every interest: The Global Food Booth, its representative program, offers food from various countries around the world, some of which are Canada, India, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Ethiopia. The Global Culture Booth, our next most important program, is a favorite for families with children who want to learn about different cultures from natives themselves. It is not every day that we can see so much of the international community gathered like this in one place! And although we have smaller foreign communities compared to Seoul, ours are very strong, close-knit communities, and they sure do know how to cook and have a good time!

How many events are there that support both local Koreans and foreigners? Not many! So, how do you get involved? Find out which communities will come and participate in our event by joining yourself. Bridging the gap with their communities will help you find new friends and make your time in Gwangju as memorable as possible.

GO GREEN! (AGAIN)

Although we had doubts at first whether running an eco-friendly event would be successful – after all, there are not many events here where you can find absolutely no use of disposable cutlery or food containers – we were pretty successful at holding one last year, so we are going green again this year. If you are planning to come and buy food, please bring your own food containers from home. Otherwise, you can borrow plates and cups at our eco booth.

We hope by now you have marked your calendar on May 21 to make sure that you do not miss any of this once-in-a-year event. And although it is a great moment to get together, it is also a great opportunity to learn how lucky we are to live in such an inclusive city where everyone lives together in harmony. We hope to see you there!

EVENTS, EVENTS, AND MORE EVENTS!

This year’s celebration is extra special, as we will hold International Students’ Day at the same time and place. Together with Gwangju Biennale, expats from countries which also hold the Biennale Pavilion will join forces to introduce their artworks to Gwangju residents. What is more, there will also be the Fringe Festival, Vietnam Day, Citizens’ Day, and the Art Picnic. It will be festivals galore. We are sure you will not want to miss this!

Date & Time: May 21 (Sunday), 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Venue: Jungoe Park 중외공원

광주광역시 북구 하서로 52(운암동)

52 Haseo-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju

Programs: Global Food Booth, Global Culture Booth, Global Flea Market, Global Community Booth.

Kakao: @GIC광주국제교류센터

Website: https://gic.or.kr/eng

Inquiries: 062-226-2733

Karina Prananto is from Jakarta, Indonesia, and has been involved with the Gwangju News since 2007. She is a special-needs mother and loves Harry Potter, dinosaurs, watching true crime documentaries, and traveling with her family.