K-Map Distribution Event Promotes Korean Culture in Vienna
Interactive Guide Connects Viennese Residents with Local Korean Businesses and Traditions
April 20th, 2026
On January 30, 2026, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Austria hosted a vibrant public diplomacy event at the Gerngross shopping mall in Vienna to launch the “K-Map: Experience Korea in Vienna.” This initiative, developed in collaboration with the local Korean community, aims to provide a comprehensive guide to Korean restaurants, shops, and cultural institutions throughout the city.
The event was strategically held on Mariahilfer Strasse, a primary shopping hub, to engage a wide audience during peak hours. To celebrate the release of the K-Map, the Embassy organized a pop-up experience featuring K-Pop busking performances and traditional Korean snacks. A musical ensemble, including a violinist from the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, performed popular hits such as “Golden” and “Dynamite,” successfully drawing large crowds of shoppers and passersby into the cultural exchange.
Ambassador Ham Sang Wook participated directly in the distribution of the K-Map brochures while wearing a modernized hanbok, a traditional garment that has seen a global resurgence in popularity. In his remarks, the Ambassador emphasized that the K-Map serves as a bridge for citizens to discover and experience Korean culture firsthand in their daily lives. By integrating music, food, and fashion, the Embassy sought to make Korean traditions approachable and engaging for the Austrian public.
The President of the Federation of Korean Associations in Austria, Lee Duk Ho, noted that the project is expected to revitalize Korean-owned enterprises and strengthen solidarity within the diaspora. The K-Map includes QR codes providing digital access to detailed information on over 40 locations, including K-Beauty outlets and Taekwondo schools. This event represents a successful model of public-private cooperation in cultural diplomacy, enhancing the visibility of the Korean community in Vienna.
