Celebrating Korea’s National Day in Abu Dhabi: Cultural Exchange and Strengthened Bilateral Relations

On September 10, 2024, a grand celebration of Korea’s National Foundation Day was held at the St. Regis Hotel Abu Dhabi, marking the 4,357th anniversary of Korea’s founding. Hosted by the Korean Embassy, the event was attended by 58 ambassadors, including representatives from the EU, USA, Japan, and UAE, with Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance of the UAE, in attendance.

Korean Ambassador Jeh-sung expressed his gratitude and underscored the importance of cultural exchanges in fostering deeper ties between Korea and the UAE. The event featured a variety of cultural performances, including a Taekwondo demonstration by the Korean Akh Unit, a performance of national anthems by children from the Korean Language School, and a captivating Samulnori performance by the traditional art group “Goreu.”

Interactive booths allowed guests to engage with Korean culture through hands-on activities such as making jagae ornaments and preparing mini kimbap. The K-Food booth, hosted by the Korea Agro-Trade Center, showcased popular Korean produce such as Shine Muscat grapes and Korean pears, alongside traditional beverages like makgeolli and Korean Red Ginseng Drink. A section highlighting Halal-certified Korean foods was particularly well-received, reflecting the growing local interest in Korean cuisine.

Ambassador Jeh-sung emphasized the significance of a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cultural Cooperation between the two countries, expressing optimism about the future of their bilateral relations.