Central Asia not only possesses rich resources and bright prospects for development, but is historically relevant to South Korea as the home to some 3.2 million ethnic Koreans ever since may were forced to move there from Siberia in 1937, said the Culture Ministry in a statement.

Korean cars, cell phones and electronic appliances can easily be found in central Asian homes, as well as fans of hallyu TV dramas like “Jewel in the Palace” and “Winter Sonata”. The Korean Culture Festival is aimed to boost cultural exchange and friendly bilateral relations with the aforementioned countries. In particular, Almaty, Kazakhstan has named the last week of April “Korea Week” in time for the festival and will hold various events for the local Korean community.

The festival will feature live shows, movies and food exhibitions across four cities of the three countries, including the capitals. In addition to local performance troupes, various Korean artists will take the stage including B-boy (break dance) group Rivers Crew and folk musicians of the National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts.

Popular Korean films will be screened, including the hit romantic comedy “200-Pound Beauty”, action thrillers “Typhoon” and “Joint Security Area”, and family dramas “The Way Home” and “Herb”.

An exhibition featuring different aspects of Korean culinary art will take place, from Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) court dishes to everyday favorite kimchi. Yoon Sook-Ja, director of Institute of Traditional Korean Food, will give a lecture on Korean cuisine.