People

Workers
The workers from Korea Tourism Organization were mostly Koreans and they helped to sell the products and also facilitated the photography voting competition.

I had a good experience with the staff who were maintaining the booths at the Korea Street Fair "Singapore Style". An example would be the lady promoting the rice wine. She was very insightful and knowledgeable about the products and I was intrigued by her explanation of the rice wine. Another example would be the friendly staff who facilitated the dart-throwing game to win Korea’s famous Yeongju apples. Although there were many people queuing up to play the game, I felt that they handled the busy situation very well and in a professional manner by letting those in the queue sample the apples and never rushing those who are playing the game.

Hosts & Guests

The hosts were same for both years – Korea Embassy of Singapore.

Most guests for the Korea Street Fair “Singapore Style” are residents staying around the Katong vicinity. There were both elderly and teenagers due to the programs lined up. By catering to both elderly and teenagers, the event is able to get higher footfall.

I feel that Korea Festival 2011 attracted more contemporary Korean cultural lovers, due to the type of events hosted. Apart from the Korean Pop Night which features K-pop artists, the other events are more on the cultural side, such as the contemporary art exhibitions. The Korea Festival 2012 attracted more teenagers and those interested in K-pop and Korean celebrities. The launch of Korea Festival 2012, the movie screening at I12 Katong and the Film Festival all feature famous Korean celebrities.

However, one contest in last year’s Festival have attracted many young booming talents, which is not held this year. The TvN Asia’s Kpop Star Hunt will feature 2 of the Singaporean songsters that will join winners from other Asian countries in Seoul to compete for a place in a new K-pop line up. Many teenagers joined this competition.

Performers

As mentioned in 5.2, most of the performers in 2011’s Korea Festivals are more traditional and cultural, such as the screening of Barefoot Gibong. The performers this year are more hip and more modern, such as the Hiphop duo that performed at the Korea Street Fair “Singapore Style”.