Meeting Korea at Bundung, Indonesia

Holding the “Hangeul at the Tip of Your Finger” Competition

Along with Do More, the Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange (hereafter called the Foundation) held a Korean writing competition with the topic of “Hangeul at the Tip of Your Finger” at Sabuga, Bandung, Indonesia on December 19th. Last October, Do More, the business that the Foundation supports because of its contribution to the Korean Wave, launched “Danbi,” an education service that integrates Hallyu stars and Hangeul. The Foundation and Do More chose Indonesia as the first site of overseas promotion so as to attract interest and access by foreign fans of the Korean wave in regard to Hangeul, as well as to raise awareness about the practicality and beauty of Hangeul.

(top) A scene from a “Danbi” promotion booth

(bottom) Participants of the “Hangeul at the Tip of Your Finger” competition

(top) Winners in the design sector – font by Irene from F(x) (left) and Han Ji-min’s font (right)

(bottom) All participants of the “Hangeul at the Tip of Your Finger” competition

The competition was divided into Hangeul design and Korean writing, and it applied stamps that were made with the handwriting of Luna from F(x), Irene from Red Velvet, Cha Eun-woo from Astro, actress Han Ji-min, and actor Jin Goo. Some 60 participants, who were selected by being the first to register, made splendid design works with font stamps that revealed traces of the Korean wave stars. Some copied Hunminjeongeum, some wrote letters to friends or families in Korean, and others freely wrote poems or essays in Korean. All of them revealed their special love for Hangeul. Sets of Hallyu related products were given out to 6 winners, including a necklace with the font by Cha Eun-woo of Astro on it, stir-fried spicy chicken ramen, and a character product. 

A promotional booth was set up near the competition, and tourists could visit to download the “Danbi” app, which they can then use to make eco-bags with Hallyu stars’ fonts. The event received a favorable reaction. “Danbi,” a private partnership project that is 100% run by talent donation from the stars, is expected to rise in its popularity in Indonesia and further promote “Good Hallyu” onward.