We’re calling it: autumn is Canberra’s season of Hallyu
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It’s no secret to anyone in my vicinity that I’m obsessed with K-Pop. Actually, anything Korean. So autumn is my time to shine.
Between the perfectly synchronised choreography, the cinematic storytelling and the sheer energy of Korean pop culture, it’s very easy to fall down the Hallyu rabbit hole – and if you’ve read my previous musings on K-pop in Canberra, you’ll know I’ve happily done exactly that.
So when the National Museum of Australia’s blockbuster exhibition Hallyu! The Korean Wave opened in December it felt like the Korean Wave had officially arrived on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.
If you’ve already checked it out, you’ll know the exhibition dives deep into the global phenomenon – exploring everything from K-pop and K-dramas to fashion, film and fandom culture. If it’s still on your must-see list, consider this your reminder.
Because alongside the exhibition itself, the museum is hosting a whole calendar of events celebrating Korean culture throughout autumn – from K-pop dance performances and cultural festivals to food experiences and family activities.
In other words: if you’ve ever been curious about the Korean Wave, this is your moment.
Here’s your guide to the Hallyu events bringing a little Seoul energy to Canberra this season.
Hallyu! The Korean Wave exhibition
Step inside the phenomenon that’s transformed global pop culture. Developed by London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, the exhibition explores everything from K-pop and K-dramas to Korean fashion, beauty and fandom culture through immersive displays and more than 200 iconic artefacts.
Think stage costumes, film memorabilia and behind-the-scenes insights into the cultural force behind the Korean Wave.
Until 10 May | Book here
Hallyu and Beyond
This companion display brings together artists and makers exploring how Hallyu intersects with identity, heritage and contemporary culture.
Expect creative reinterpretations of Korean aesthetics and stories from artists whose work responds to the Korean Wave’s global influence.
Until 10 May | Find out more here.
CSO Australia: Percussion Meets K-pop
Classical meets contemporary in this unique concert blending orchestral percussion with the infectious rhythms of K-pop.
It’s a fresh take on the genre that highlights just how far the Korean Wave has travelled across global music scenes.
Thursday 26 March | Find out more here.
Mini minhwa fans
Kids can create a traditional paper fan inspired by minhwa folk painting and the Korean alphabet in this fun and engaging activity! Using vibrant colours and markers, little artists will explore folk-art mythology, symbols and Korean words and characters as they design their own take-home artwork.
Tuesday 7 to Thursday 9 April, 10 am–12 pm | Book here.
Tiny toons workshop
Discover how Korean webtoon characters show emotion in this creative, hands-on workshop.
Led by Korean–Australian illustrator and designer Lucius Ha, kids will learn simple drawing techniques to capture a range of facial expressions in webtoons, from happy and shy to angry and surprised.
They’ll then design and decorate their own take-home 3D emoti-toy using markers and paints, giving their character its own unique personality.
Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 April, 10–11 am and 11.30–12.30 pm | Book here
Teen toon studio
Older creatives can take things further in this extended illustration workshop exploring the storytelling techniques behind Korean webtoons.
Led by illustrator and designer Lucius Ha, participants will build their skills in character design, background illustration and simple narrative structures, while learning how expressions, motion lines and dramatic close-ups are used in webtoons to show emotion and action.
With these foundations, teens can create their own webtoon-style comic strip, experimenting with layout, transitions and story flow.
Thursday 16 April, 1–4 pm | Book here
K-pop dance workshops
As someone who has spent an embarrassing amount of time trying to learn K-pop choreography from YouTube tutorials, I can confirm this is significantly more fun when taught by professionals.
These high-energy dance workshops led by Canberra’s Dance til Dawn studio teach the choreography, rhythm and stage presence that have made K-pop a global sensation.
No experience required – just bring your enthusiasm and prepare to learn some iconic moves alongside fellow fans.
10 and 17 April | Book here.
K-fest: Korean Cultural Festival
A celebration of Korean culture featuring performances, food, workshops and community activities.
Whether you’re there for the music, the flavours or the cultural discoveries, it’s a vibrant way to experience Hallyu beyond the screen.
Saturday 11 April, 4–8.30 pm | More information here.
K-pop with KINKY
World-renowned K-pop choreographer KINKY will be in Canberra on Saturday 18 April for two events: a dance masterclass and an in-conversation event with yours truly.
Dance masterclass
The one-off masterclass is a rare chance to level up your K-pop dance skills guided by one of the best in the business. You’ll learn the official choreography for a popular K-pop song, to be announced ahead of the event – KINKY will guide you through key steps and performance techniques, offering insights into the style, precision and expression that have contributed to the global rise of K-pop. Come solo or bring your crew!
Saturday, 18 April, 10–11.30 am | Book now
KINKY in conversation
As a self-confessed K-pop superfan, I’ll be chatting to KINKY about his life as a K-pop artist, the path to becoming a dancer, and what it means to work within the global Korean Wave. KINKY will answer audience questions, then you’ll get a chance to snap a photo with the K-pop dance legend!
Saturday, 18 April, 1.30–3 pm | Book now
K-play (for the littlest fans)
Even tiny K-culture enthusiasts can get involved. These interactive sessions introduce young children (ages 0–6) to Korean culture through sensory play, music and creative activities designed especially for early learners.
Try on traditional hanbok, have fun with play-food, experiment with musical instruments and more!
Wednesdays during ACT school term | More information here.
Want even more? Keep an eye on nma.gov.au/hallyu to see what else is happening!
