“Ahlan Korea” Kicks Off from Gangneung in the Heart of Cairo

As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen cultural ties between South Korea and Egypt, the Korean Cultural Center in Dokki has launched the first edition of its new monthly cultural program, “Ahlan Korea.” The inaugural event focused on the coastal city of Gangneung, offering Egyptian audiences an immersive and interactive experience that combined Korea’s historical heritage with its modern lifestyle.

The event highlighted Gangneung’s unique visual and cultural identity as a city overlooking Korea’s East Sea, known for the balance it strikes between natural beauty and a rich historical legacy spanning centuries. Attendees were taken on a virtual journey through local folk legends and elements of Korea’s intangible cultural heritage recognized by UNESCO, alongside presentations introducing the city’s most prominent landmarks. Gangneung is also widely recognized for hosting ice sports competitions during the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics.

The program featured an engaging atmosphere that included a cultural quiz testing participants’ knowledge of Gangneung, followed by a guided tour of an exhibition showcasing traditional Korean artifacts. Visitors were also given the opportunity to wear the traditional Korean costume, the hanbok, and take commemorative photos. The event concluded with a tasting session of popular Korean dishes inspired by Gangneung’s local cuisine.

Speaking at the event, Oh Sung-ho, Director of the Korean Cultural Center, emphasized the strength and depth of cultural relations between South Korea and Egypt. He noted that such initiatives reflect the expanding cooperation between the two countries across various fields, adding that the center is preparing a wide range of upcoming programs covering literature and the arts to further promote dialogue and mutual understanding between the two cultures.

“Ahlan Korea” will continue as a monthly program throughout 2026 in cooperation with the Korean Tourism Organization, with each edition highlighting a different Korean city. The initiative aims to offer Egyptian audiences a comprehensive cultural experience that showcases Korea’s traditions, arts, and major landmarks.