Korea Brick Party 2023: Celebrating LEGO in Korea
The Korea Brickparty (KBP) took place on August 5-6, 2023, at Seoul's KIM KOO Museum & Library Convention Hall. Originating in 2019, this fan event, open to LEGO enthusiasts of all kinds, from builders and collectors to AFOLs, TFOLs, and LUGs, was jointly organized by the KBP Office, Seniors Brick LUG, and BrickDictionary LUG. The driving forces behind this event were Hoshin Cho, Kisuk Nam, Woonhyun Jeong, and Jeongsik Won.
Though intended as an annual event, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted KBP in both 2020 and 2021. However, it made a triumphant return in 2022, and this year's iteration was even bigger and better. The event showcased captivating exhibits by local and international builders and featured engaging activities, including a remote control car race, where participants navigated their LEGO cars on an RC track. Participants of all ages, from children to adults, partook in the event, and the winner was determined using the race's specific criteria. The motion of the cars added an extra layer of excitement.
On the first evening, a workshop was held, with Edwin Knight from Kansai LUG introducing the Japan Brickfest (JBF) to Korean builders, urging their participation in the upcoming JBF 2024. Yeounghun Jo also presented some of his remarkable creations, set to be exhibited at the LEGO House Masterpiece Gallery in September. His centerpiece, the 'Angel of Regression,' adorned the KBP2023 poster.
MOCs by Yeounghun Jo.
One of the organizers of KBP, Hoshin Cho, said that his favorite thing about this year's event was the participation of more young builders. He said that LEGO events in Korea have traditionally been dominated by AFOLs and that TFOLs have often been excluded. However, this year, KBP made a concerted effort to reach out to TFOLs, and Cho was happy to see that they responded positively. He said that many TFOLs told him they had a lot of fun at the event and were glad they had participated.
KBF 2023 Group Photo. Provided by Hoshin Cho.
KBP is set to return next year, fostering hopes of increased opportunities for Asian LEGO enthusiasts to congregate and connect.
All photos in this article were provided by Hoshin Cho. You can view more pictures from Korea Brickparty on their website and also on Keibricks Art Museum.
What do you think of the exhibits from KBP? Do you have plans to visit any of the fan events in Asia like KBP and JBF? Let us know in the comments below!
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