Traditional Korean Scholar’s Attire Gat Highlights the Deep Cultural Connection of Canadian Participants

The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Montreal successfully hosted the 2026 Quiz on Korea in Montreal last May 2, 2026, at Université de Montréal.

Approximately 70 people attended the event, including 42 official quiz participants along with their family members and friends. The gathering unfolded in a lively and enthusiastic atmosphere, reflecting the steadily growing interest in Korean culture among local communities in Montreal.

Acting Consul General Min goo Kang

This year’s edition was especially praised for its immersive concept inspired by the traditional Korean civil service examinations of the Joseon Dynasty. All 42 participants wore the traditional Korean scholar hat known as the Gat while taking part in the quiz, creating a striking and memorable scene reminiscent of historical Korea. The venue was adorned with Cheongsachorong lanterns, while traditional Korean background music enriched the atmosphere and deepened the sense of cultural immersion.

Staff members welcomed guests dressed in elegant Hanbok, Korea’s traditional attire, transforming the event from a simple quiz competition into an inviting cultural journey through history.

K pop dance performance by the student dance team ECHO

The program opened with welcoming remarks by Acting Consul General Min goo Kang and congratulatory remarks by Gabriel Fauveaud, Director of the Centre for East Asian Studies at Université de Montréal. A special K pop dance performance by the student dance team ECHO brought additional energy and excitement to the audience.

Beyond the intellectual challenge of the quiz, participants were invited to enjoy hands on cultural experiences including Tuho, a traditional arrow throwing game, Ddakji, a paper tile flipping game, and Gonggi, a traditional pebble tossing game that continues to be enjoyed across generations in Korea.

A themed photo wall inspired by Irworobongdo, the royal folding screen depicting the sun, moon, and five peaks, along with traditional Korean village scenery, allowed participants to capture lasting memories while wearing their Gat hats. For one day, the campus setting of Université de Montréal was transformed into a living reflection of Korea’s Joseon era.

Subtle cultural touches extended throughout the event. Traditional Korean snacks such as Yakgwa and Jeonbyeong were served after the program, while participants received Gat inspired pens as souvenirs, allowing the historical theme to continue beyond the competition itself.

The contest became particularly intense due to the remarkable knowledge demonstrated by participants. Even after all prepared final round questions were used, several tie breaker rounds were required to determine a winner, creating a suspenseful and engaging experience for both participants and spectators.

1st place winner Serena Zhang

This year’s winner was Serena Zhang, who will represent Montreal at the upcoming Quiz on Korea world finals in Korea. The winner shared that the event went beyond her expectations, noting that meeting others with a shared interest in Korean culture made the experience especially meaningful.

India Deblois described the atmosphere as warm and welcoming and expressed interest in attending future events organized by the Consulate.

The event also offered a meaningful opportunity for attendees with limited prior exposure to Korea to develop a deeper appreciation for its history and culture. Family members and friends who attended in support of participants naturally became engaged as well, with many expressing curiosity about future editions of the event and interest in participating themselves.

Acting Consul General Min goo Kang stated that the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Montreal will continue to develop immersive cultural exchange programs that strengthen ties with the local community and foster deeper understanding of Korean culture.

13th Montreal Asian International Film Festival

For those interested in catching Korean films in the up-coming weeks , The Montreal Asian International Film Festival (MAiFF) 2026 is currently taking place in Montréal, running from May 8 to June 13, 2026, with screenings hosted across major venues including Cinéma du Musée, Cinéma du Parc, Goethe-Institut Montréal, and other partner cultural spaces .

Within this year’s programming, Korean cinema holds a prominent and celebrated place, continuing its role as a cornerstone of the festival’s curatorial vision.

Under the overarching theme “Tangibility: Soil, Body, Stories,” the Korean film selection highlights both emerging voices and established filmmakers, offering audiences a layered portrait of contemporary Korean storytelling through features, shorts, and retrospective works .

Screenings include curated sections such as the KFFC program, which pays tribute to the legacy of Korean Film Festival Canada while showcasing new Korean productions alongside diaspora works, reflecting the evolving dialogue between Korea and global Asian communities in film.

At the official opening yesterday , audience members discovered three awe-inspiring films from Canada and Korea, including their Opening Film, There Are No Words (2025) by Minsook Lee

The festival’s official program and full schedule of Korean titles are available through the MAiFF website, where audiences can access screening times, venues, and ticket information HERE making it a key destination for discovering Korean cinema in Montréal this spring and early summer .