Experience Korea like never before: Inside the 2026 Korean Touch Festival

Korean Touch Festival will be back on the 4th and 5th of July, 2026, for the fifth edition at Villeurbanne, Lyon, introducing an in-depth journey to Korean culture and traditions that you will not see anywhere else in the region. Organized by Double Mixte, this festival occupies more than 2,000 sq. m. of indoor and outdoor space providing an environment where music, dance, cuisine, fashion, gaming as well as visual art merge into one holistic spectacle. For the audience (French & European) that attend; the Korean Touch is nowadays not really just an event but a weekend of experiencing cultures, creativity and community spirit.

The focal point of Korean Touch is the fact that they showcase all aspects of the South Korean culture. Visitors can be spectators to both the modern and the traditional, from K-pops and K-dances down to street food and cooking lesson and from fashion and beauty show to interactive gaming zones. By adopting this multi-dimensional approach, visitors will be able to experience the culture in a more holistic way which will contribute to both enjoyment as well as enlightenment. From its debut edition, the festival has consistently attracted large audiences such that it has become one of France’s most significant annual get-together events independent of academic institutions.

The festival captures the spirit of young and old alike with its upbeat and warm spirit. On the festival’ stages there are live performances and showcases by Korean artists; many of them have direct connections to K-pop industry. The former editions featured Taeho and Heyne among the performers, pointing out that the Korean Music Festival has the ability to draw artists to Lyon who plays nowhere else in this region. Touching Korea not only means observing, but also participating. The audience can participate in workshops, learn choreography, interact with professionals from different areas at close quarters- this is unique for such festivals.

On top of all this, the contest will again feature the K-pop Championship which is a dance competition organized in partnership with NeoHan. It is open to amateur dancers who may perform as individuals or in groups comprising two to eight members aged twelve and above. The pre-selection round of the event is scheduled to take place between March 1 and April 20 during which participants are expected to submit a video of about one minute to two and half minutes showcasing their K-pop dance moves. Winners shall stand out among others based on criteria such as stage presence, synchronization, energy, musicality, commitment, individuality, appearance and technical expertise. From the twelve solos and six groupings that will be selected for the semi-finals each contestant must dance a different routine in each subsequent round. In this highly competitive durability brings into play an exciting finish to the festivities together with marking its role as a thriving ground for young performers.

Hwi

Achieving this goal, the festival provides a platform for experienced K-pop dance professionals from around the world. Hwi, who has done choreography work with NCT Dream, NCT 127, Taeyong, and Super Junior is a performer as well as an instructor who will share his rich experience acquired from international tours and university level teaching. Jangok Park (amongst whose many collaborations are Twice, Itzy, Red Velvet, Hwasa and Everglow) will also participate bringing experience from such television programs as Street Women Fighter and Queendom 2. By their participation it is guaranteed that those who attend not just see quality performances but they also can be mentored or professionally guided.

In this year’s Korean Touch, Saiko will be featured. He is a multi-talented performer who is known as an actor and model. His fans will get the opportunity to see his live singing performances and get to virtually experience all sides of his artistry through interactive moments. Besides the show on the stage, SAIKO will also join in a meet-and-greet session with fans where he will have autograph opportunities and personal exchanges. His presence showcases the festival’s endeavor to promote various forms of Korean performing arts including music, performance, and interaction with viewer.

One more thing that should be noted about Korean Touch is Van, the famous social media content producer who has accounts on TikTok and Instagram. Having made his name with a peculiar style of clothing and collaboration with other top brands in fashion industry, VAN managed to carve out a place for himself in the lifestyle and fashion sector. During the festival, participants may have the chance to observe his lecture, engage in a Q&A section, secure his autograph as well as interact directly with him. His intervention offers fresh vision regarding what is current in regards to trends and digital culture alongside making sure the festival plays its role as a platform through which audiences get connected with leading voices in entertainment as well as fashion industry.

If you are interested in studying the art of dance more deeply, take an example from Noh Kyungnam who is a South Korean choreographer and showman well-known for his performances with the representatives of K-pop music (e.g. Ten, Taemin, and BTS). With respect to his membership in WE DEM BOYZ and being a participant on a TV show Street Man Fighter, Kyungnam possesses very unique skills which he always transmits during each workshop regardless of its nature. Participants at this workshop will be accorded a rare privilege that allows them receive direct teaching on how to make their moves perfect as well as technical advise. Do not wait for another opportunity for you to learn from him in just two workshops happening on Saturday July 5th and Sunday July 6th, 2025 at Double Mixte de la Doua, Villeurbanne. The detailed schedules will be released soon along with the tickets available for €30 per session. Be prepared to get an advanced training course coming up close one of the most spectacular dancers’ performance.

The participants will get to have a feel of what it is like to learn dance from Raeku who is a choreographer, dancer and performance director having worked with Mamamoo , performed at the KBS Music Awards with BTS as well as creating special stages for Weki Meki. Raeku who is currently employed by Daydream in that position is going to hold two workshops on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th July 2025 where he will give technical advise on how to improve your movements. More precise schedule will be provided soon when pre-registration can be done via korean-touch.com, fnac.com, or Pass Culture app (€30 per session).

In the same vein, Korean Touch highlights also the aspect of social interaction and community engagement. Through interacting with artists, creators and other enthusiasts in a Korea Touch event, you can create an atmosphere of shared discovery and exchange. Specific areas dedicated to food, fashion, and gaming give visitors the opportunity to learn more about the specific Korean elements in a relaxed inter-active way. The layout of the festival incorporates both indoor and outdoor spaces which help to create a sense of motion and exploration that directs visitors throughout all parts of the event.

The curation approach of the festival clearly defines a midpoint between the professional programming and audience engagement. The culinary proposals portray the wide range of Korean cuisine ranging from casual street food to the more refined selections. Fashion and beauty zones focuses on trends and brands which are a reflection of Korea's influence on global aesthetic. Gaming areas offer interactive experiences that target younger audiences and digital culture fans. Each area is purposely designed to cooperate with the others thereby creating a seamless cultural story, instead of isolated attractions.

Jangok Park

Through its five editions, Korean Touch has become an event that combines both festiveness and education, providing a detailed insight into the South Korean culture. Its programming is what clearly understands the audience expectation yet maintains the authenticity and depth. Attendees do not only leave entertained but also enriched having participated in workshops, games or just mingling with other people which is a way of deepening their understanding on the country’s cultural output.

A design of the festival accents inclusiveness meaning that K-pop fans and people just learning about Korean culture will find something for themselves. Concerts, workshops, contests, and thematic zones create a complete cultural event under the brand of Korean Touch that overlaps contemporary trends and traditional heritage. The expertise in curation as well as the participatory nature put it amongst the model festivals which are keen on both authenticity and audience participation.

The Korean Touch Festival is almost here and already people are looking forward to a weekend that will give them an amazing opportunity to learn, experience, and enjoy South Korean culture in a creative and engaging way. Everything from dance and music to gastronomy, fashion design, and gaming has been taken into account for an overall experience. In Lyonnais and beyond European audience’s perspectives, the festival gives a chance to mark life with celebration, education and connection within similar cultural context. Combining of professional performances as well as interactive workshops together with community specific programming guarantee that the International event of 2026 will be unforgettable culturally immersive experience.