Guest of honour: the Republic of Korea

For its 12^th edition, the Comic Strip Festival is pleased to welcome a special guest, the Republic of Korea, also known as South Korea. The country was already featured in previous editions celebrating the 9^th art, but this year, we’re putting the Republic of Korea in the spotlight to celebrate the anniversary of the partnership between our two countries. Indeed, 120 years have passed since the signing of the treaty of friendship, commerce and navigation between Belgium and the Republic of Korea. What better way to celebrate this anniversary than through a series of wonderful exhibitions and activities?

Discover the programme of the festival dedicated to Korean comics below.

Exhibitions & Activities

Manhwa & webtoon. The rise of Korean comics

09/07 - 09/01

Belgian Comic Strip Center – 20 rue des Sables – 1000 Brussels

From manhwa to webtoon, discover the history of Korean comics in all their diversity through portraits of authors and major works.

The Belgian Comic Strip Center takes you on a journey of discovery through Korean comics with an exhibition tracing more than 100 years of history of this literary genre in South Korea. Explore the diversity, richness, creativity and constant evolution of this genre, always seeking to be in keeping with the times and adapt to the current evolutions. In print or digital format, it aims to always meet the demands of its readers. Through this exhibition, you will get to know manhwa, learn what webtoon is and experience reading in a “manhwabang”.

Speak through comics

09/09 - 24/10

BELvue Museum – Place des Palais, 7 – 1000 Brussels

The exhibition organised by the Korean Cultural Centre in Brussels, on the occasion of the 120th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Belgium and the Republic of Korea, presents Belgian-Korean comics that reflect the changes in society.

The Belgian-Korean comic strip exhibition is an annual event created by the Korean Cultural Centre in Brussels. This year it will take place in collaboration with KOMACON (Korean Manhwa Content Agency), the Comic Strip Festival and the BELvue Museum. Discover the Belgian-Korean comics that reflect European social themes and values of the BELvue Museum, such as democracy, prosperity, solidarity, pluralism, migration and language.