Nami Island showcases Peruvian culture

From Sept. 20 to 28, Nami Island in Gangwon Province, about 65 kilometers west of Seoul, hosted ‘Peru Week,’ a vibrant cultural festival celebrating the rich heritage and traditions of Peru.

Organized in coordination with the Embassy of Peru in the Republic of Korea, the event offered a wide array of activities designed for both Korean and international visitors of all ages, said Peruvian Amb. Paul Fernando Duclos Parodi at the opening ceremony.

The weeklong celebration provided visitors with an immersive experience of Peru’s cultural and natural diversity, featuring art exhibitions, traditional music and dance performances, and interactive workshops.

It drew thousands of Korean and foreign tourists who visit Nami Island each autumn, a peak season that attracts an average of 12,000 visitors daily and nearly 20,000 on weekends.

During the opening ceremony, held with the CEO of Nami Island Arts & Education, Amb. Duclos Parodi remarked, “We are delighted to see the beauty and diversity of Peru shared with Korean and international audiences in such a meaningful setting.”

Following the ceremony, the Embassy presented lively performances by the Peruvian Cultural Association C.I.D.A.N. 'Mi Perú' and the musical ensemble ‘Peru Latin,’ filling the island with rhythm and color.

Throughout ‘Peru Week,’ Peruvian flags and banners adorned Nami Island’s entrances, walkways, and ferry docks, symbolizing the warmth and friendship between Peru and Korea.

The decorations marked another milestone in the deepening cultural ties between the two nations, explained Mercedes Frances Valdivia Japa, the Embassy’s cultural attaché, in a brief interview with The Korea News Plus.

Visitors also took part in a variety of engaging activities — painting Peruvian-themed tote bags, coloring traditional motifs, and playing child-friendly versions of classic Peruvian games. Local Korean performers joined in with live Latin music, adding to the festive atmosphere.

A highlight of the week was the special exhibition 'Treasures of Peru: The Amazon Rainforest' at Paz Gallery, which showcased stunning photographs of Peru’s Amazonian landscapes, flora, fauna, and ecosystems.

The exhibition also featured the acclaimed series 'Portraits of My Blood' by Peruvian photographer David Díaz, offering an intimate portrayal of the Shipibo-Konibo people of the Amazon.

On Sept. 27, the HEI School Nami Island — part of the Helsinki International Schools network — hosted a special educational program about Peru.

Students explored the country’s geography, national symbols, and biodiversity through interactive learning and creative workshops.

They also prepared alfajores (traditional sweets) and decorated Ayacucho retablos, dolls, and bags with iconic Peruvian motifs such as Machu Picchu, Pucará bulls, and alpacas.

The celebration concluded with two days of live performances by Peruvian musician Ángel Puma, who captivated audiences with traditional Peruvian melodies, bringing 'Peru Week' to a joyful and memorable finale.