pwbet gaming Majnu-ka-Tilla: Delhi’s 'Mini Korea'

Delhi's Little Korea File Photo Delhi's Little Korea File Photo

Car horns and chatter mix in a background of catchy beats of K-pop coming from open doors of Korean cafes and shops, a young couple walking hand-in-hand with sipping colourful concoctions of Bubble Tea; Outside a brightly-lit Korean restaurant, a group of friends gathers, laughing and taking photos in hanboks (traditional Korean dress). Everywhere you look, there’s a mix of cultures from the Tibetan prayer flags fluttering next to neon signs with Korean writing, and the aroma of kimchi blends with the incense from a nearby Buddhist shrine in a lively neighbourhood on the banks of the Yamuna River in North Delhi Majnu-ka-Tilla (MKT), is a place with a unique blend of cultures and traditions. Once known for as Little Tibetpwbet gaming, the Tibetan refugee community, is turning into what many call "Mini Korea." 

This change didn’t happen overnight. MKT’s story is one of cultural growth, starting as a safe place for Tibetan exiles and slowly becoming a busy centre for Korean culture, attracting people from all over Delhi and beyond. In the heart of the city, Korean food, fashion, and language are now a part of daily life, creating a unique mix of experiences that draw both locals and visitors from around the world.

From Little Tibet to Mini Korea

Majnu-ka-Tilla became a central settlement for Tibetan refugees in the 1960s. Over the decades, it grew to accommodate the second generation of Tibetan refugees, many of whom were born in India. The area developed a unique identity deeply rooted in Tibetan culture and traditions. Tibetan markets, monasteries, temples, and educational institutions were established, making MKT a vibrant hub of Tibetan life in Delhi.

The community in Majnu-ka-Tilla kept its culture alive through food, festivals, and religious practices. The Tibetan Refugee Colony was also home to Tibetan shops selling traditional crafts, clothing, and food. It became a focal point for those wishing to experience authentic Tibetan culture in India, with the Tibetan diaspora in India coming here to connect with their roots.

In Photos: The K-Culture Craze Gripping India

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The influence of Tibetan culture in Majnu-ka-Tilla remained strong for several decades. However, in recent years, the area has transformed, and the once predominantly Tibetan identity has evolved to include a blend of other Asian cultures, particularly Korean culture. This cultural shift began in the late 1990s and early 2000s when Korean pop culture, fuelled by the global rise of K-pop, Korean dramas, and Korean cuisine, gained massive popularity worldwide. The neighbourhood also saw the rise of Korean restaurants, cafes, and shops, offering Korean food, beauty products, and clothing. Restaurants serving Korean dishes like kimchi, bibimbap, and Korean BBQ have become increasingly common, which adds a new layer to the area's culinary scene alongside traditional Tibetan fare.

The area started to be referred to as "Mini Korea," due to the rapid growing influence of Korean pop culture. The fusion of these two distinct cultural identities has made the area a unique cultural hotspot in Delhi.

Social media also helped in spreading Korean influence. Social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok introduced many people to Korean food, fashion, and K-pop, making the colony popular for people wanting to experience Korean culture. Influencers and vloggers showcasing Korean restaurants, cafes, and shops further boosted MKT’s visibility, attracting visitors from various states of India. 

Jyoti Bisht, a software engineer from Tamil Nadu, said, “I first discovered this place through Instagram reels, and since then, I’ve visited it several times. I’ve always wanted to explore authentic Korean food and fashion, especially after seeing them in K-dramas. Every time I visit Delhi, I make sure to come here with my friends”.

Jyoti Bisht follows traditional Korean dining etiquette Photo: Sushmita Barik Jyoti Bisht follows traditional Korean dining etiquette Photo: Sushmita Barik A Korean Culinary Paradise 

One of the biggest highlights of MKT is its emergence as a Korean food hub. Popular food spots like Gangnam Korean Restaurant, Busan Korean Restaurant, and Hanok Korean Restaurant are packed with customers eager to enjoy traditional Korean dishes. From kimchi and tteokbokki to kimbap and bibimbap, these restaurants serve up an authentic taste of Korea. What's even more special is the experience of dining cross-legged on the floor (a Korean dining etiquette). Some restaurants even offer customers the chance to wear a hanbok (a traditional Korean dress) and take pictures after their meal, which adds a fun and immersive touch to the dining experience.

Chichanoo, a cabin crew member from Nagaland said “We visited MKT for the first time to eat traditional Korean food and tried a variety of authentic dishes that we absolutely loved. “I’m really happy to see Korean culture making its way to India, especially in Majnu-ka-Tilla. It’s slowly becoming a ‘Mini Korea,’ a place where Korean fans and tourists can experience the culture. 

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Po Mai, the manager of a Korean restaurant, said how their business has grown, especially after Covid-19. “Many young people now come to enjoy Korean food especially ramen and Korean barbecue On weekends, the restaurant gets really busy with long lines of customers waiting for their turn. There's also a lot of interest in learning how to use chopsticks,  as many people are inspired by what they've seen in popular K-dramas.”

A group of friends enjoys authentic Korean cuisine at Gangnam Korean Restaurant in Majnu-ka-Tilla. Photo: Sushmita Barik A group of friends enjoys authentic Korean cuisine at Gangnam Korean Restaurant in Majnu-ka-Tilla. Photo: Sushmita Barik Majnu-Ka-Tilla is bustling with visitors exploring the latest Korean clothing and fashion accessories Photo: Sushmita Barik Majnu-Ka-Tilla is bustling with visitors exploring the latest Korean clothing and fashion accessories Photo: Sushmita Barik

Beyond the popular restaurants, many small shops sell Korean snacks like ramen, candies, and drinks, letting visitors enjoy a true taste of Korea. Every time people visit, they get to try something new. Fashion lovers enjoy the shops with the latest Korean styles, from oversized t-shirts to loose-fitted pants and cool footwear. It’s not just about clothes; it’s a chance to experience a whole new style. As people walk through MKT, they enjoy the lively atmosphere and discover something new at every turn. Visitors can immerse themselves in the fun activities, the place offers a complete South Korean-style karaoke experience, with private rooms, a huge selection of songs, and a vibrant atmosphere. Whether it’s food, fashion, or fun ambience, MKT has become a popular place for both locals and visitors to enjoy the culture.

Singh, who was part of the 2014 Asian Games gold-winning side, is not too concerned by the final result as he felt the team kept improving with every game.

"The national training camp for the Azlan Shah Cup will be held from Monday at the Hockey Club of Pakistan stadium in Karachi under the supervision of head coach, Shahnaz Sheikh,” Shehla Reza told the media.

The Rise of the Korean Wave (Hallyu) Among Indian Youth

While K-pop and K-drama started gaining traction in India in the early 2000s, it wasn’t until 2012 that the Korean wave truly took off with PSY’s global hit “Gangnam Style.” The song, with its catchy beats and signature dance moves, became a huge hit in India and around the world. It even became the first video on YouTube to reach 1 billion views. This was just the beginning. Soon after, TV channels began airing popular K-dramas like Descendants of the Sun and Boys Over Flowers, further fuelling interest in K-dramas.

The release of BTS's single "Mic Drop" was another milestone, as the group quickly gained a massive worldwide. In India, they became particularly popular in late 2019, helping spread the Korean wave even further. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the popularity of K-dramas surged with the help of streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, which made it easier for Indian audiences to discover and enjoy content from home. Shows like Crash Landing on You andVincenzo became favourites, which further solidifying the presence of Korean entertainment in India. Apart from BTS, other K-pop groups like BLACKPINK, SEVENTEEN, and EXO have also captured the hearts of Indian youth, cementing the strong presence of Korean entertainment in India.

Ashima, a media professional, shared why many women are drawn to K-dramas. She said, "I think it's because the way men are shown in these dramas reflects what women expect in real life. We don't always see that in reality, but K-dramas express women's true feelings, which is why we connect with them. The way these dramas show men more softly is very different from the toxic masculinity we often see in real life. Whether it's a man wearing makeup or crying, K-dramas highlight the more vulnerable side of men, and that’s what attracts many of us, especially women."

Pratiksha Pattanaik, a teacher from Odisha and a Korean fan, said, "I was introduced to Korean culture through their food, unlike many others who discovered it through K-pop and dramas. I then explored their food culture and wedding traditions, which led me to K-dramas. Eventually, I was introduced to K-pop, which has now become a significant part of my life."

But the influence of the Korean wave doesn’t stop at food and entertainment, it’s also inspired a growing interest in the Korean language (Hangul). With Gen Z and Millennials eager to learn the language, the Indian government responded by including Korean as one of the foreign languages in schools as part of the National Education Policy in 2020. This move reflects the increasing importance of the Korean language, not only for entertainment but also for economic and educational opportunities.

Chichanoo shared “I’ve been a Korean fan since 2015, when I was in high school. I often use Korean words like ‘Gomawo’ (thank you) and ‘Oppa’ (older brother) casually, sometimes without even realising it. I tried learning the language on my own, but it was a bit hard, so I eventually gave up. I initially started to learn Korean for K-drama, but later, I wanted to explore the culture more deeply through their language.” 

The Korean Cultural Centre India (KCCI) has also played an important role in promoting the Korean language and traditions in India. It offers language courses, cultural events, and workshops, becoming a central hub for anyone interested in learning about Korean culture and language. In 2021, KCCI also signed 27 MOUs with Indian schools to support the introduction of Korean language classes, further strengthening cultural exchange between the two countries. With many Korean multinational companies investing in India, the demand for professionals proficient in Korean has risen, providing even more reasons for young people to learn the language.

A Cultural Transformation That Can Strengthen the Countries' Ties

The embrace of Korean culture by Indian youth represents more than just a passing trend; it signals a cultural shift that has the potential to foster deeper ties between the two nations. By immersing themselves in Korean food, fashion, and language, young Indians are not only exploring a new culture but also helping to build a stronger, more connected world. Places like Majnu Ka Tilla in Delhi, which becoming a hub for Korean culture in India, play a significant role in this exchange. This vibrant colony offers a unique blend of Korean cuisine, fashion, and language, creating a space where both Indians and Koreans come together to share and celebrate their cultures. Whether it’s through workpwbet gaming, study, or simply learning about different cultures, this cultural exchange offers a promising future for bilateral relations between India and South Korea.

Two young girls pose in vibrant and elegant traditional Korean ‘Hanbok’ dresses.Photo: Sushmita Barik Two young girls pose in vibrant and elegant traditional Korean ‘Hanbok’ dresses.Photo: Sushmita Barik