Every July, the International Youth Fellowship takes over the Jeonbuk National University Arts Center in Jeonju, South Korea, where they host the internationally acclaimed World Cultural Dance Festival. This July’s festival was the 14th annual festival. 2026 saw participation by companies from 17 countries and featured more than 20 contemporary dance performances. Countries participating included South Korea, Colombia, Hong Kong SAR, India, Germany, Mongolia, South Africa, Philippines, Japan, Australia, and Myanmar, who walked away with the big prize this year.

“The World Cultural Dance Festival pursues the development of cultural values and talent through providing a place for international competition. Moreover, it aims to promote friendship and harmony through cultural exchange. The World Cultural Dance Festival has become an international cultural festival. After the festival, we introduce the cultural heritage and beauty of Korea to the participants from all over the world. The World Cultural Dance Festival becomes a place of harmony where the world’s best dance teams gather to exchange their cultures and develop a healthy mindset.”

I found each country’s performance to be really moving and interesting. Each team’s choreography focuses mainly on their country’s traditional dance, but each also injects some modern sensibilities, making the performances truly unique and uplifting.

You can follow the World Cultural Dance Festival on their website and on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

Below are the top 5 performances, but there are many more on their YouTube channel.

Grand prize: Myanmar

Gold Prize: Japan

Silver Prize: Colombia

Bronze Prize: Mongolia

Special Prize: India