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Wroclaw Strengthens Ties with Korea: Annual Korean Days Festival to Be Launched
Not everyone realize that Wrocław and the surrounding Lower Silesia region have become one of the most important centers of Korean presence in Central Europe. Thousands of Koreans living in the region, Europe’s largest electric vehicle battery factory, dozens of Korean companies cooperating with local industry, growing academic partnerships, and exceptionally strong social ties have elevated the relationship between Wrocław and the Republic of Korea far beyond purely economic cooperation.
On Tuesday, June 9, representatives of the City of Wrocław, the Association of Koreans in Poland, and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea met in Wrocław to sign a letter of intent regarding the organization of Korean Days. The agreement outlines cooperation in creating a recurring event that is intended to take place annually on the second Saturday of October. The Embassy of the Republic of Korea also submitted an official letter expressing its support for the initiative.
"For many years, Wrocław has not viewed Korea as a distant country on the other side of the world. Korea is one of our most important economic partners, but also a key partner in social, educational, and cultural development. Thousands of Koreans now live in the Wrocław metropolitan area, working here, raising families, running businesses, and helping shape our local community. Korean Days will be a natural culmination of relationships built over many years" said Radosław Michalski, Director of the City Branding Department at the Wrocław City Hall.
The Korean Story of Lower Silesia
Relations between Wrocław and South Korea began to develop dynamically more than a decade ago, turning the region into one of the most significant destinations for Korean investment in Europe.
The flagship symbol of this partnership is LG Energy Solution’s facility in Biskupice Podgórne near Wrocław—the largest electric vehicle battery plant in Europe and one of the largest Korean investments on the continent.
These investments brought not only capital but also managers, engineers, specialists, and their families. As a result, the Wrocław region has become home to one of the largest Korean communities in Poland. The community is particularly visible in the southern part of the metropolitan area, including Bielany Wrocławskie, Kobierzyce, and neighboring towns located near major industrial facilities.
Over time, these areas have evolved into an informal center of Korean social and cultural life. Korean restaurants, grocery stores, service businesses, and community gathering places serve both Korean residents and local inhabitants. Many enthusiasts of Asian cuisine consider Bielany Wrocławskie to offer some of the most authentic Korean food available in Poland.
Koreans as an Integral Part of Modern Wrocław
The presence of the Korean community is also evident in the educational sector. Children of Korean professionals attend international schools in Wrocław, while local universities have been developing partnerships with Korean academic institutions for many years.
The University of Wrocław offers Korean Studies, one of the most recognized Asia-related academic programs in Poland, attracting strong interest from prospective students every year. The growing popularity of Korea-focused studies reflects the fact that relations between Lower Silesia and the Republic of Korea now extend well beyond economics into social and cultural spheres.
"Many Koreans consider Wrocław their second home. Our children attend school here, we use the city’s infrastructure, and we actively participate in local communities. We are therefore delighted to work together with the city on events that showcase the richness of Korean culture while fostering mutual understanding. Wrocław is exceptionally open to international cooperation, which is why we feel so welcome here," said Tai Hong Sang, President of the Association of Koreans in Poland.
More Than Business
For years, Wrocław has also been developing municipal partnerships with counterparts in the Republic of Korea. The city maintains active relations with Cheongju and Seongnam, implementing joint projects in education, culture, knowledge exchange, and international cooperation.
In recent years, numerous events have introduced Korean culture to local residents. In 2022, a Korean Day was organized during a Śląsk Wrocław football match. In November 2025, the Wrocław Airport hosted a Kimchi Festival, attracting enthusiasts of Korean cuisine and traditions.
The newly signed letter of intent aims to ensure that similar initiatives become a regular feature of the city’s cultural calendar. The city’s partner in the project is the Association of Koreans in Poland, headquartered in Bielany Wrocławskie, whose mission is to strengthen friendship between Poland and the Republic of Korea while supporting the integration of the Korean community living in Poland.
The planned Korean Days festival will showcase not only Korean cuisine, music, and popular culture, but also contemporary Korea as one of the world’s most innovative nations—a leader in technology, electric mobility, education, and advanced industry.
"We want Korean Days to become a permanent fixture in Wrocław’s international events calendar. The Korean community is now an important part of our city and region. These are our neighbors, colleagues, entrepreneurs, students, and partners. Together, we want to show residents how much we share and how much we can learn from one another" Radosław Michalski.
The first edition of Korean Days is intended to mark the beginning of a new tradition that will further strengthen the relationship between Wrocław and the Republic of Korea while promoting one of the most active international communities living in Lower Silesia.