Participants enjoy Korean cultural activities during the Korean Story Festival organized by the Embassy of Korea in Croatia. Courtesy of Ministry of Foreign AffairsKorean diplomatic missions around the world are transforming into immersive cultural venues as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expands a yearlong festival that pairs Korean films with hands-on experiences, aiming to introduce global audiences to everyday life in Korea beyond the country's blockbuster pop culture exports.The ministry said Monday that more than 60 overseas embassies, consulates and diplomatic missions are hosting the Korean Story Festival this year.The program features monthly screenings of Korean films alongside interactive events that allow local audiences to experience Korean food, beauty, language and daily culture depicted on screen.The ministry said the initiative marks a shift from simply showcasing Korean culture to giving overseas audiences opportunities to experience it firsthand.Each diplomatic mission tailors its film selection and accompanying events to local interests.The lineup spans a wide range of genres and themes, including food, family, sports, history, action, comedy, fantasy and thrillers, while also highlighting Korea's landscapes and social development.Featured films include "Little Forest," "Our Season," "The King and the Clown," "The Face Reader," "Road to Boston," "Escape," "Along with the Gods" and "No Other Choice," along with independent productions.Many events also include food tastings, K-beauty consultations, Korean name-writing activities, themed photo zones and social media campaigns.Some diplomatic missions are partnering with established international film festivals to broaden the reach of Korean cinema.The Embassy of Korea in Switzerland is participating in the Fribourg International Film Festival, while the Consulate General of Korea in Toronto is collaborating with the Toronto International Film Festival and the Jeonju International Film Festival.The Embassy of Korea in Jordan is continuing its long-running Korean film festival in partnership with the Royal Film Commission of Jordan.By the end of June, the festival had been held at 21 diplomatic missions across the Americas, Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa.More than 40 additional diplomatic missions will host the festival during the second half of the year, the ministry said.This article was published with the assistance of generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.