About us
Based in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, the Japanese & Korean Culture Club brings the spirit of Japan and Korea closer to you.
Through literature, art, philosophy, and cultural traditions, we create a space for meaningful exploration, dialogue, and connection.
We believe that culture is not only something to study, but something to experience and share — thoughtfully and respectfully.
On this page, you can discover the values that shape our club and meet the people who bring this vision to life.
About the club
Below you’ll find our guiding intentions — how we approach cultural exploration and what we hope to build together.
Mission
Our mission is to create a community of curious and open-minded individuals, and to discover what Japanese and Korean culture can teach us about balance, purpose, and living with intention.
Focus
Philosophy, literature, art, music, or film. Together, we dive into these themes, discuss them as a group, and reflect on how the ideas we discover can be applied to our own lives.
Vision
It’s about broadening your perspective, deepening your understanding, and finding practical wisdom in traditions that have inspired millions of people around the world.
Goal
Help you gain meaningful insights, discover new ways of thinking, and bring the best elements of Japanese and Korean culture into your everyday life.
Core Values in Japanese & Korean Culture
More than etiquette — a way of thinking and living.
Explore the cultural principles that influence everyday life in Japan and Korea.
Lifelong Learning
Humility & Modesty
Harmony & Community
Discipline & Dedication
Respect & Honnor
こんにちは
안녕하세요
The people behind the project
We’re the people behind the project, building it with care, passion, and intention. Here’s a little more about who we are.
Founder/Event Organization & Partnerships
Yulia Vrublevskaia
Hi! I’m Yulia. I’ve been inspired by Japanese and Korean culture for many years. My career began in major Asian companies such as Samsung Electronics and JVC Kenwood, where I discovered values that deeply shaped my worldview: respect, discipline, and continuous improvement — kaizen (改善). For over 10 years, I’ve worked as a teacher, built my own business, and lived across Europe. Although I’m originally from Russia, Asian principles have guided my personal and professional growth. After meeting my husband, André, and connecting with his artistic world, I realized that creativity was what I had been missing. Inspired to return to my roots, I opened my own K-pop dance school in Apeldoorn in October 2025 — Dance Your Way.
Co-Founder/Artist & Designer
André Rios
Hi! I’m André. Since childhood, I have been an anime fan and admired the beauty of the Japanese culture. I have always been passionate about art, even though I didn’t always find much support. Still, I stayed resilient and continued refining my skills with dedication and embodying the Ganbatte (頑張って) mindset. In recent years, my art has been gaining recognition: I have won competitions, participated in exhibitions, and now lead pastel drawing workshops across the Netherlands. I’m truly happy that here in Apeldoorn, Yulia and I have the chance to open the Japanese-Korean club together. I hope to meet people who share the same passion for art and Eastern cultures.
Main Partner and Event Venue
GIGANT
The Japanese & Korean Club project in Apeldoorn is based at the Gigant Cultural Center, located in the very heart of the city. Our workshops, meetups, Japanese-Korean festivals, and special events will take place in the beautiful spaces of this inspiring cultural venue. If you are not yet familiar with Gigant, it is located at: Nieuwstraat 377, 7311 BR Apeldoorn The center is only a 15-minute walk from Apeldoorn Central Station, making it easy to reach even if you are visiting from another city.
Our Ambassadors
The people who help us making things possible.
Korean Content Facilitator
Maaike van der Geest
Hi! I’m Maaike. I’ve been enjoying Korean culture since my teenage years, listening to Korean music and watching kdrama’s. I had the opportunity to study in Korea at HUFS (Hanguk University of Foreign Studies). Learning about and experiencing their culture made me realize how much I admire their values. I grew up in France, studied nursing in Leiden and now living in Zutphen. I have family and one of my closest friends living in Korea so I get to travel to Korea frequently which gives me a lot of joy. I can’t wait to meet people that share my passion for Korea.