The Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria has reached a major milestone, engaging more than 300,000 people through its programmes since it was established 15 years ago in Abuja.
The Centre revealed this during the 2025 UNESCO World Cultural Diversity Day celebration held at its headquarters in the capital city.
Created to foster cultural exchange and deepen ties between Nigeria and South Korea, the Centre has become a hub of activity, hosting educational, cultural, and community-building programmes that attract an average of 16,000 participants annually.
Speaking at the event, the Centre’s Cultural Events and Communications Officer, Jenifer Ezeonyeasi, highlighted some of the key initiatives that have contributed to this impact. These include K-pop and Korean food festivals in Lagos, Korean language classes, taekwondo training, and excursions across cities such as Ibadan, Abeokuta, and Port Harcourt. She also spoke about the Centre’s dance and vocal academies that have become popular among young Nigerians.
Another major achievement is the Korean Government Scholarship programme, which has offered full scholarships—including flight coverage—to over 100 Nigerian students to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies in Korea. Ezeonyeasi also noted the establishment of a Korea Corner at the University of Abuja as part of the Centre’s efforts to promote Korean culture in academic spaces.
Joining the celebration, Ambassador Emmanuel Ejiogu, President of Youth Orientation for Development, a UNESCO-accredited NGO, called for greater efforts to promote cultural understanding and inclusivity. He described cultural diversity as more than a fact of life, saying it is a strength that can enrich lives, spark creativity, and drive innovation.
“Cultural diversity is not just a reality; it’s a strength,” he said. “By embracing our differences, we can create a more inclusive and harmonious community where everyone feels valued and respected.”
Ejiogu acknowledged that cultural differences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings, but said these challenges can be overcome through empathy, dialogue, and mutual respect. He encouraged Nigerians and the international community to keep promoting cultural heritage and shared traditions as a way to build lasting peace and unity.
