Seoul will showcase a vibrant celebration of African culture and cutting-edge gaming experiences this weekend, offering residents and visitors diverse entertainment options across the city. The Seoul Africa Festival returns to Dongdaemun Design Plaza while the Game Culture Festival takes over HiKR Ground, providing free cultural and interactive experiences for all ages.

The 8th Seoul Africa Festival, organized by nonprofit organization Africa Insight, will bring the rich cultures, rhythms, and flavors of Africa to the heart of Seoul on Friday and Saturday at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in central Seoul. Launched in 2016, this event has grown to become the largest Africa-themed festival in Korea, developed in partnership with the African Group of Ambassadors in Korea and the Seoul Design Foundation.

This year's festival promises an immersive experience where visitors can explore authentic African culture and contemporary creativity through fashion shows, live performances, exhibitions, and hands-on programs. All activities are free of charge and open to everyone, making African culture accessible to Seoul's diverse population.

While Friday evening features an official opening ceremony and banquet, Saturday offers a full day of dynamic entertainment. More than 80 participants will take to the streets and plazas to engage with the public, including Twimbo from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies African studies folk dance club, Kimchi Djembe Club, Djembecola, and TAGG Class Community.

The performance lineup showcases both African and Korean talent, featuring Nigerian vocalist Godspower, Rwanda community group Itorero Umucyo, and Korean singer-songwriter Harim with his project band Africa Overland. A special talk show with African artist Kani will add to the festival's interactive atmosphere, while Africa Insight partners with African dance company TAGG to host the Asia-Africa Talent Award, highlighting the energy and creativity of young dancers from both continents.

The festival will reach its peak with an African fashion show at DDP's Yugu Exhibition Hall, spotlighting works by renowned designers including South African icon Laduma Ngxokolo, founder of the celebrated brand MaXhosa. The show will also feature designers from South Africa, Nigeria, and Korea, demonstrating the global influence and contemporary relevance of African fashion.

Meanwhile, gaming enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the Game Culture Festival at HiKR Ground in central Seoul. This comprehensive gaming experience spans five floors, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace and discover the latest developments in Korea's thriving game industry.

The gaming festival begins on the first floor with a massive media wall showcasing flagship games from Korea's leading developers. The second and third floors invite visitors to participate in hands-on experiences, including live game demos and interactive workshops where guests can create their own characters, design custom keyrings, and make personalized postcards.

Featured games include some of Korea's hottest titles currently making waves in the industry: Nexon's Mabinogi Mobile, Smilegate's Lost Ark, Devsisters' Cookie Run: Kingdom, and Krafton's Inzoi. The fourth floor offers a unique cultural experience with a curated gallery of original game artwork displayed in museum-like settings, celebrating the artistic craftsmanship behind modern games.

Action-oriented visitors should head to the fifth floor, where they can test popular titles including Overwatch 2, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Inzoi on high-end PCs. The festival intensifies on Saturday and Sunday with the finals of the GCF Esports League, featuring team competitions for League of Legends and Eternal Return. The Game Culture Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Sunday at HiKR Ground, located at 40 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul.

For those seeking a quieter cultural experience, Coffee Hanyakbang Hyehwa offers a perfect retreat in Seoul's theater district of Daehangno. While the cafe is best known for its Euljiro branch, which stands on the historic site of Heo Jun's Hyeminseo (the public health office of the Joseon era), the Hyehwa location provides its own distinct charm with less crowded, intimate atmosphere.

The Hyehwa branch features period decor with mother-of-pearl inlay accents and vibrant stained-glass windows, creating an ideal space to discuss theater performances, catch up with friends before shows, or simply absorb the artistic atmosphere of the neighborhood. The cafe's name, hanyakbang meaning herbal medicine shop, pays homage to traditional Korean culture while serving modern cafe offerings.

Coffee Hanyakbang's menu skillfully blends classic coffee drinks with creative specialties, including raspberry milk, omija mousse, and their signature stained glass beverage, alongside various teas and seasonal treats. Prices range from 5,500 to 9,000 won, and customers can choose their preferred coffee beans for a personalized experience. The cafe is located at 9 Dongsung 2-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, providing easy access for theater-goers and culture enthusiasts exploring the vibrant Daehangno area.