10 October 2026, Aachen, Germany – For the first time, Aachen hosted the Korea Day, which drew over 300 guests from the region and marked a successful debut. The Korean Embassy’s Bonn office and RWTH Aachen presented a multifaceted program on October 10, 2026, focusing on Korean culture and German-Korean economic cooperation. The high attendance and overwhelmingly positive feedback underscore the strong interest in this new event series.
Bridging Culture and Science: Shared Goals of the Korea Day
The Korea Day was established to make Korean culture and the economic relations between Germany and South Korea more visible in the Aachen region. At the same time, the event aimed to build concrete bridges between universities, businesses, and Korean institutions. The cities of Aachen and Ansan in South Korea have long maintained close partnerships in business, science, and technology—such as through the official cooperation between the Städteregion Aachen and the South Korean city of Ansan.
“Korea Day provides a valuable opportunity to experience the growing cooperation between Korea and Germany here in Aachen.” emphasizes Byun Chul-Hwan, Head of the Bonn Office, Embassy of the Republic of Korea. Prof. Dr. Thomas Gries, RWTH Aachen’s delegate for cooperation with Korea, adds: “As one of Europe’s leading research universities, we see great potential in deepening cooperation with Korean partners—both in teaching and in innovative research projects.”
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A Program for All the Senses: From Innovation to K-Pop
The first Korea Day featured a diverse program that included expert lectures, cultural highlights, and networking opportunities:
• Welcome and opening remarks: Guests were welcomed by Byun Chul-Hwan (Korean Embassy, Bonn office) and Prof. Dr. Thomas Gries (RWTH Aachen).
• Expert lectures under the motto “Next Stop Korea”: RWTH alumni shared their experiences in Korea, the university’s International Office presented its programs, and the company AGIT showcased successful corporate collaborations.
• Panel discussion: “Germany and Korea – Partnerships for Innovation”: Experts discussed current projects and future opportunities for German-Korean cooperation.
• Cultural contributions: Mezzo-soprano Ji Young Mennekes captivated audiences with traditional congratulatory songs, while the “Town-K Dance Studio” delivered a thrilling K-pop dance performance. Other highlights included a Hanbok photo station, Korean calligraphy, a gaming corner, and a culinary journey through Korean cuisine.
• Networking and exchange: Exhibitors such as the Korea Germany Technology Cooperation Center (KGTCC) and RWTH Aachen’s Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) provided opportunities for personal exchange and networking.
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Successful Debut: RWTH Plans to Continue
The overwhelmingly positive response to the first edition of the Korea Day demonstrates the event’s strong appeal. RWTH Aachen therefore plans to repeat the event in a similar format—to further strengthen the cultural and economic ties between Aachen and South Korea.
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Background: Aachen and South Korea – A Strong Partnership
Städteregion Aachen and the South Korean City of Ansan have maintained close ties for years in science, business, and technology. RWTH Aachen is particularly active in research cooperation and student exchange. The Korea Day builds on these existing initiatives and creates a platform for multilateral dialogue.
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Contact for press inquiries
Institut für Textiltechnik of RWTH Aachen University
Viola Siegl,
Phone: +49 241 80-234 21
E-mail: Viola.Siegl@ita.rwth-aachen.de
Embassy of the Republic of Korea – Bonn Office
Phone: +49 228 95 66 50
Email: admin-bn@mofa.go.kr
https://www.ita.rwth-aachen.de/cms/ita/das-institut/aktuelle-meldungen/~bvzolz/e...
Welcome address by Professor Dr Gries
Copyright: Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University
Mezzo-soprano Ji Young Mennekes
Copyright: Institut für Textiltechnik (ITA) of RWTH Aachen University
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