The Charlotte Korean American Association and the Korean traditional cultural performance group "Charlotte Arirang" participated in the 49th UNC Charlotte International Festival, introducing Korean traditional and food culture to the local community.

Amidst the diverse cultures and traditions from around the world showcased at the international festival held in Charlotte on September 19, the Charlotte Korean American Association (President Sarah Nam) and Charlotte Arirang participated as representatives of the Republic of Korea.

In particular, members of the Korean American Association delegation wore elegant hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) and participated in the hanbok parade, showcasing the beauty and elegance of traditional Korean attire. Participants wearing colorful hanbok marched throughout the venue, promoting Korea's unique traditional aesthetic and drawing keen interest and enthusiastic responses from local spectators.

Following this, at the cultural performance starting at 3:45 PM, the Charlotte Arirang Nanta team took the stage to deliver a dynamic live performance.

This Nanta performance was conducted in a way that directly played percussion instruments on-site without relying on separate recorded sound sources, receiving an enthusiastic response from the audience. As the powerful rhythms of Korean traditional percussion blended with modern performances, the venue filled with applause and cheers.

What particularly drew attention at this event was the active participation of the UNC Charlotte Korean American Student Association (KASA) students.

KASA students set up a Korean culture experience booth at the venue, directly introducing Korean food and traditional culture to local students and visitors.

Featuring Korean beverages and simple Korean foods, as well as traditional Korean folk games such as ddakji-chigi (flipping tiles) and ddakji making experiences, the booth allowed participants to experience Korean culture firsthand.

This added significant meaning in that not only the first generation of Korean Americans, but also the next-generation Korean American students participated as the main agents in promoting Korean culture.

The Charlotte Korean American Association plans to continuously expand activities to promote Korea's traditions and culture to the local community through various cultural events in which next-generation Korean American students and the local community can participate together.

Sarah Nam, President of the Charlotte Korean American Association, attached special significance to the cooperation between the Korean American community and the next generation regarding participation in this international festival.

President Nam stated, "This festival was a meaningful occasion where local Korean compatriots and next-generation Korean American students gathered their hearts and minds to promote the excellence and beauty of Korean culture to the local community. Especially while watching young Korean American students directly operate the culture experience booth and introduce Korean food and traditional games, I felt a deep sense of reward knowing that the next generation is carrying on our culture."

She continued, "Korean culture is now becoming an important cultural asset that can be shared and communicated with the local community, going beyond just the Korean American community. We will continue to actively support intergenerational cooperation at the Korean American Association level and create various opportunities to promote Korean culture more deeply with the local community."

President Nam also emphasized, "For the Korean American community to establish itself more proudly as a member of the local community, it is important for the first generation and the next generation to participate together and share each other's experiences and capabilities. Taking this event as an opportunity, we will further encourage and support the active activities of the next-generation Korean American students."

Through this event, the Charlotte Korean American Association, Charlotte Arirang, and UNC Charlotte KASA students presented Korea's traditional culture, food, and the dynamic energy of the younger generation all in one place, receiving evaluations that they have further expanded cultural exchanges with the local community.

Meanwhile, the Charlotte Korean American Association is also hosting a "Medicare Educational Seminar" to help local Korean Americans understand health insurance and Medicare.

This seminar is scheduled to be held on October 14 at 10:30 AM at the Southern Korean Presbyterian Church.

Conducted under the theme "What Has Changed in Medicare?", the education will easily explain topics such as Medicare enrollment conditions and periods, Medicare Parts A, B, C, D, and Medigap, as well as vision, fitness, OTC and health foods, and Medicaid Dual Plans.

In particular, since contents regarding the comparison of 2027 Medicare plans are also scheduled to be covered, it is expected to provide practical help to Medicare enrollees and Korean Americans preparing to enroll.

The Charlotte Korean American Association stated that this educational seminar was prepared so that Korean Americans can easily understand the complex Medicare system and plans and check the information they need for themselves.

To encourage active participation by local Korean Americans, this seminar also plans to provide lunch and souvenirs to attendees.

Regarding the Medicare seminar, President Nam said, "Medicare is a very important issue for many Korean Americans, but because the system is complex and changes every year, it is important to obtain accurate information. I hope our compatriots will check the parts they were curious about regarding Medicare and take away necessary information through this seminar."

She added, "The Association will continue to prepare events that provide practical help on lifestyle, health, and welfare-related information to local compatriots. Since we have prepared lunch and souvenirs for everyone attending this seminar, we ask many people to attend with a comfortable mind."

The Charlotte Korean American Association expects that through this seminar, older Korean Americans will be able to more accurately understand the Medicare system and prepare for the changing insurance environment.

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