13 April 2026 By Ko Myo
INCHEON, South Korea — Thousands of Myanmar nationals living in South Korea have gathered to celebrate the traditional Thingyan Water Festival, raising approximately 100 million Korean Won (roughly $100,000 USD or 2.7 billion Myanmar Kyats) to support internally displaced persons (IDPs) back home.
The “Humanitarian Myanmar Thingyan,” held on April 12 at Bupyeong-gu’s Bunsu Park in Incheon, was a collaborative effort between the Myanmar Federation for Democratic Mission Council (MFDMC) and the Anti-Coup Committee (Korea). The event saw an unexpectedly large turnout, with over 3,000 attendees coming together despite the distance from their homeland.
Organisers expressed surprise at the scale of the success. “We originally estimated a crowd of around 2,000 people and a fundraising target of between 50 to 100 million Won,” U Kyaw San, Secretary of the MFDMC, told MPA. “To see both the attendance and the donations surpass our highest expectations is deeply moving. It shows the strength of our community’s commitment.”
The funds were raised through ticket sales, priced at 30,000 Won each, which included traditional Myanmar food and a lucky draw for revolutionary-themed souvenirs. Popular singer L Lun Wa provided live entertainment, alongside traditional Thingyan dance troupes and K-pop dance performances.
All proceeds from the event, after covering operational costs, are destined for humanitarian aid across Myanmar. The Southeast Asian nation is currently grappling with a massive displacement crisis, with millions forced to flee their homes due to ongoing conflict following the 2021 military coup.
“This money will go directly to helping IDPs across the country who are in desperate need of food, medicine, and shelter,” U Kyaw San added.
The two organising bodies are among the most influential Myanmar diaspora groups in South Korea. The MFDMC is a coalition of 22 support teams, while the Anti-Coup Committee organises the well-known “One Day Challenge,” where workers donate a day’s wages each month to the resistance movement. Together, these groups contribute approximately 300 million Kyats monthly to the Spring Revolution.
The festival also featured 26 types of traditional Myanmar dishes, donated by local organisations and business owners, which were sold to further bolster the humanitarian fund. Commemorative T-shirts were also sold for 30,000 Won each.
As the Myanmar military junta continues to face domestic resistance and international isolation, the sustained financial and moral support from diaspora communities in countries like South Korea remains a critical pillar for the pro-democracy movement and the humanitarian response to the escalating war.
