Hungarian Cultural Buzz in Seoul

The Liszt Institute Seoul welcomed spring with a rich and colorful array of programs. Following the great success of its earlier showcases in South Korea, the institute now presents the works of Orlando Marosini. In addition, a joint collaboration between the Spanish and Hungarian cultural institutes presents the works of Hungarian-born photographer Juan Gyenes, offering an intimate glimpse into his friendship with Pablo Picasso. For the upcoming Seoul Friendship Festival, a short film was created showcasing the preparation of two traditional Hungarian dishes, the Jókai goulash and chestnut purée, which is expected to attract tens of thousands of viewers this May. In April, the institute hosted a classical music concert showcasing chamber performances of pieces by prominent composers of Hungarian Romanticism.

In February, Orlando Marosini, a contemporary Hungarian painter, exhibited his solo show „Dreams of Reality” at the Seoul Art Now Gallery for a full month. Due to high public interest, the artist’s Asian debut has been extended: from March 10, the exhibition will be open for an additional two months at the Liszt Institute Seoul. Through 17 pieces, created using spray paint, oil, and pastel techniques, visitors are invited into Marosini’s dreamlike, imaginative, and surreal explorations of self-identity. Based in Zürich, Marosini is a young contemporary Hungarian painter whose works have been shown across Europe. His distinctive style blends elements of pop art, expressionism, and graffiti, with visible influences from Jean-Michel Basquiat, George Condo, and Willem de Kooning. His art delves into the complex emotional landscape of modern society, inviting viewers to find humor and hope amidst chaos.

Following the success of their first collaborative project in 2024, the Liszt Institute Seoul and the Cervantes Institute reopened their joint exhibition on March 12 at the Seongdong Cultural Foundation Gallery. Titled Picasso de Málaga – Juan Gyenes, the exhibition presents 21 photographs by Hungarian-born Juan Gyenes, offering an intimate look into the deep friendship between Picasso and the photographer. The exhibition was officially opened by Yoon Kwang Shik, President of the Seongdong Foundation for Arts & Culture; Rafael Bueno Martínez, Director of the Cervantes Institute; Juan Morera, Consul of Spain in Seoul; and István Medvigy, Director of the Liszt Institute Seoul. The exhibition remained open to visitors at Sewol Art Hall until March 28.

The Seoul Friendship Festival, held annually in May and organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, will also feature Hungarian contributions this year. Cultural assistant Katalin Ruzsa and intern Orsolya Dohanics participated in the filming of a cooking workshop that highlights specialties of Hungarian cuisine. In honor of the Jókai 200 memorial year, the filming on March 25 focused on the preparation of Jókai goulash and chestnut purée. The several-hour-long culinary program was recorded in a dedicated kitchen studio, and will be screened on large festival displays as well as the official channels of the event in May. The event will also feature embassy pavilions, international food and dessert tastings, and, with the support of the Liszt Institute, Hungarian cooking classes.

On April 10, the Liszt Institute Seoul held a classical music evening showcasing chamber music performances of renowned works by leading composers of Hungarian Romanticism. The concert featured Kang Kyung-min (flute), Ko Young-joo (cello), and Choi Dahee (piano), who performed compositions by György Ligeti, Franz Liszt, Béla Bartók, and Ernő Dohnányi, along with contemporary pieces. Among them was a work by composer Jeong In-young, titled „Freedom and Love” („Szabadság, Szerelem”),a tribute to the iconic poem by Sándor Petőfi.