Korean cultural festival to showcase Ghanaian adaptation of Sim Cheong’s story
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea has officially launched the 2025 edition of the Korean Cultural Festival featuring a unique theatrical collaboration called Sim Majorley.
Unveiled at a colourful ceremony in Accra, the festival will be headlined by the Ghanaian stage adaptation of the celebrated Korean classical novel Simcheongjeon, known in English as The Story of Sim Cheong.
The adaptation, titled Sim Majorley, will be performed on August 2 in Tema and on August 9 at the Accra International Conference Centre.
Speaking at the launch, Korean Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Park Kyongsig, described the festival as a celebration of cross cultural understanding and artistic partnership.
“The highlight of this year’s festival is a theatrical performance based on Simcheongjeon, reinterpreted through a Ghanaian lens and performed by Ghanaian actors,” the Ambassador announced.
Ambassador Kyongsig praised the collaboration as a “meaningful cultural exchange” that marks a new chapter in Ghana Korea cultural diplomacy.
“We are proudly working with Globe Productions, one of Ghana’s most respected theatre companies, to bring this vision to life,” he emphasized.
The play is directed by renowned Ghanaian playwright and CEO of Globe Productions, Latif Abubakar, whose creative direction infuses the classic Korean tale with Ga traditions and Ghanaian cultural symbolism. Sim Majorley tells the story of a devoted daughter who offers herself to the sea gods to restore her blind father’s sight, a tale that resonates deeply across cultures.
“By placing this story within the cultural rhythms, language, and symbolism of the Ga people, we have not only preserved the essence of the Korean original but also created a platform for cross cultural understanding, creative fusion, and mutual appreciation,” Mr Abubakar explained.
Two showings of Sim Majorley are scheduled for August 9 at the Accra International Conference Centre, one at 4:00 p.m. and another at 8:00 p.m. Mr Abubakar urged theatre lovers and cultural enthusiasts to witness what he called “a fusion of heritage, heart, and hope.”
The festival will also feature K-pop dance performances by Ghanaian youth and cultural booths showcasing Korean cuisine, technology, and traditions. The inclusion of Tema as a host venue reflects the Embassy’s commitment to making Korean culture more accessible beyond the capital.
Ambassador Kyongsig emphasised that the festival goes beyond entertainment.
“It is a cultural bridge. It is our sincere wish that this event will help deepen mutual understanding and further strengthen the cultural ties between our two countries,” he added.
