Revelers celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. / Courtesy of IAK

By John Redmond

The Irish Association of Korea (IAK) is busy finalizing preparations for this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival as it has done for over 10 years and is in fact one of the largest annual expat events in Seoul.

The IAK invites people from all nationalities to join them this year.

Last year’s music and dance festival in Insadong saw over 10,000 people participating. As before visitors can enjoy traditional Irish music performed by well-known musicians in Seoul, more upbeat Irish rock music, and the ceili, a traditional Irish group dance. After the dancing troop performs a few sets, the public will be invited to join. Later, there are plans to host a musical hooley (a traditional Irish evening of music, song and dance).

Guests can select from a range of Irish foods to sample, fun for kids (including face painting and balloon art) and sporting demonstrations by the Seoul Gaels.

The much-anticipated event will take place in the D-Cube Plaza near Sindorim station on Saturday March 17 between 12:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Celebrations will continue with a St Patrick’s party at Rocky Mountain Tavern in Itaewon running from 7 p.m. till late.

St. Patrick’s Day is a cultural holiday celebrated internationally on March 17. It commemorates St. Patrick, commonly regarded as the patron saint of Ireland. On this day, people across the world come out to celebrate Irish traditions and customs. In Korea, the event is a time for expats as well as Koreans to join in this Irish celebration.

So put on your green clothes and come along on March 17; everyone can be Irish for one day.

More details about the location will be announced on the IAK website at www.iak.co.kr. You can also find them on Facebook by searching for “Irish Association of Korea” or email irishassociationofkorea@gmail.com.

The event at D Cube is free.