Cambodia Showcased Lakhon Khol Theatre in South Korea
The Cambodian troupe performed traditional masked scenes at the UNESCO-Gyeonggi Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival.
Updated on Oct. 4, 2026 in Cultural
Cambodian performers presented scenes of Lakhon Khol masked theatre at the 2026 UNESCO-Gyeonggi Intangible Cultural Heritage Festival in South Korea. The performance took place at the Gyeonggi Arts Centre, featuring a troupe led by Chey Chankethya.
Why it matters
The festival highlights the global significance of art forms inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. By gathering diverse traditions in one venue, the event promotes international cultural exchange.
Four nations participated in the festival organized by the Korea Forum of Culture and Arts. The showcase highlighted art forms already recognized on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The players
Chey Chankethya
She served as the leader of the Cambodian artistic troupe during the festival.
Khuon Phon Rattanak
He is the Cambodian Ambassador who attended the cultural performance in South Korea.
Korea Forum of Culture and Arts
This organization acted as the primary coordinator for the international festival.
The details
Led by Chey Chankethya, the Cambodian troupe performed segments of Lakhon Khol including the battle between Hanuman and King Mara and the rescue of Preah Ream. The performance was attended by Cambodian Ambassador Khuon Phon Rattanak alongside other embassy officials.
Timeline
The festival performances took place at the Gyeonggi Arts Centre in late September 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The festival highlights the global significance of art forms inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This event follows the ongoing trend of using international cultural showcases to bolster the preservation of traditional arts.
The festival allows audiences to view rare, UNESCO-recognized traditional performances from Cambodia, South Korea, China, and Vietnam in a centralized venue. Viewers interested in these heritage arts can look for future international exchange programs organized by the Korea Forum of Culture and Arts.
The takeaway
Traditional performances like Lakhon Khol serve as vital links to cultural identity and history. Readers can support the preservation of such art forms by attending local heritage festivals or following UNESCO-affiliated cultural programs.
Further reading
Discover more about global traditions in our Cultural section.
