Sejong Culture Academy 2026 Brings K-Beauty and K-Culture to UAIT Kimihurura Campus

KIGALI, RWANDA — On 14th and 15th July 2026, the United African Institute of Technology proudly hosted the Sejong Culture Academy 2026 at its Kimihurura Campus. Organised by the Sejong Cultural Foundation and sponsored by the Korean Embassy in Rwanda, the two-day event brought Korean culture directly to the UAIT community through two hands-on programme sessions: K-Beauty and K-Traditional Culture.

The event drew together UAIT students, UAIT administration and faculty, Sejong Culture Academy team members, and other participants from the wider Kigali community — all united by an afternoon of learning, creativity, and cultural exchange. Each day ran from 14:00 to 17:00, creating a lively, workshop-style atmosphere that felt welcoming from the moment participants walked in.

The Sejong Cultural Foundation runs these cultural academies as a way to share Korean heritage with communities around the world, offering free, high-quality programmes that encourage participation, creativity, and understanding between cultures. Holding this edition at UAIT was a meaningful moment — a recognition of UAIT's growing role as a hub for Korea-Africa cultural and educational ties.

K-Beauty: Korean Skincare and Cosmetics

The K-Beauty session was led by instructor Choi Jiwoo (최지우), a specialist in Korean cosmetics and skincare. Participants were introduced to the philosophy behind Korean beauty — a routine-focused approach that prioritises skin health, hydration, and a natural, radiant result. Instructor Choi walked the room through the essentials of a K-Beauty skincare routine, then invited participants to try the products firsthand, turning each table into an interactive cosmetics station.

Round tables were laid out with Korean skincare and makeup products for participants to explore — foundations, cushion compacts, toners, moisturisers, and more. Instructor Choi moved through the room, giving personal guidance on how to apply each product correctly and explaining the thinking behind each step of the Korean skincare routine.

The energy in the room was warm and playful, with participants comparing products, trying different shades, and asking questions about the differences between Korean and local cosmetics. For many, it was their first encounter with a full K-Beauty routine — and the experience clearly left an impression.

K-Traditional Culture: Korean Games and Crafts

The K-Traditional Culture session was led by instructor Yu Yeong Ran (유영란), who brought the energy and tradition of Korean folk games and hands-on culture to the UAIT hall. This session gave participants a chance to experience the playful, communal side of Korean heritage — the games, crafts, and customs that have been passed down through generations.

One of the highlights was a traditional Korean game session where participants lined up and took turns tossing and catching in a competitive but joyful round — breaking any lingering shyness and getting everyone on their feet. The laughter and friendly competition that followed showed just how effectively cultural activities bring people together across backgrounds and languages.

The craft portion of the session saw participants seated at round tables, where Instructor Yu guided them through a hands-on Korean traditional craft activity. Tables were decorated with colourful completed creations as the session progressed — each participant leaving with something tangible to take home as a reminder of the day.

A Team Brought Together by Culture

Across both sessions, what stood out most was the spirit of the event — open, inclusive, and full of genuine curiosity. UAIT students sat side by side with participants from the broader Kigali community, while Sejong Culture Academy instructors and staff brought not just their skills but their warmth. UAIT administration and faculty joined throughout, making the campus feel alive in the best possible way.

The event wrapped up with smiling faces, handshakes, and the kind of energy that only comes from shared experience. Whether they had discovered K-Beauty skincare for the first time, mastered a Korean folk game, or simply spent an afternoon in good company, every participant left with a piece of Korean culture they could carry with them.

UAIT is proud to have hosted the Sejong Culture Academy 2026 and looks forward to continued collaboration with the Sejong Cultural Foundation and the Korean Embassy. Events like this reflect UAIT's commitment to offering its students and community more than just a classroom education — an experience of cultures, ideas, and connections that go far beyond Rwanda's borders.