The Korean Culture Festival, organized by the Consulate General of South Korea, took place at the Korean International School in Jeddah, drawing approximately 500 attendees who celebrated Korean heritage and the burgeoning friendship between Saudi Arabia and Korea. This year’s theme, “Enjoy Korea,” emphasized the cultural exchange between the two nations, underscoring the significance of their longstanding diplomatic relations.
Consul General Woo Hong-koo inaugurated the festival, highlighting Korea’s impressive economic growth, notably its status as the world’s 12th largest economy, which has benefited significantly from its ongoing cooperation with Saudi Arabia. He emphasized the festival’s role in fostering a deeper interest in Korean culture, characterized by its rich traditions and the global appeal of K-pop.
One of the most engaging features of the festival was a pansori concert, performed by Chae Soo-jung, chairman of the World Pansori Association, who traveled from South Korea to share this traditional art form. Attendees participated in various activities such as a kimbap cooking class, traditional calligraphy, and the chance to wear a hanbok, enhancing their understanding of Korean customs.
A notable addition to this year’s festival was a virtual reality corner, which provided guests with immersive experiences of contemporary South Korea. Han SangJun, principal of the Korean International School, emphasized the festival’s importance in strengthening interpersonal connections and mutual respect between communities. He remarked on the engagement of Saudi families and youth with Korean students, which bodes well for future educational and cultural collaborations.
Korean school students played a vital role by leading interactive sessions on traditional games, such as ddakji and gonggi, which involved attendees of all ages in the fun. Yeong Na, a representative from the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council, expressed hope that the event would cultivate a greater understanding of Korea’s heritage and inspire further cultural dialogue.
Participants like university student Ahmed Fatani reflected on the enriching experiences offered by the festival, stating that it opened his eyes to the multifaceted nature of Korean culture, inspiring him to delve deeper into its history and consider a trip to Korea.
The event not only highlighted the allure of Korean culture but also created opportunities for meaningful connections between communities, fostering hope for continued collaboration and friendship in the future.