Korean Culture Caravan Brings Vibrant Traditions to Port Said

The Korean Cultural Center in Egypt hosted its second Korean Culture Caravan at Misr Public Library in Port Said, drawing large crowds eager to explore the richness of Korean culture through immersive experiences and interactive programming.

This traveling cultural initiative, designed to reach underserved regions across Egypt, offers a vibrant blend of live performances, hands-on workshops, interactive booths, and Korean language classes, promoting cross-cultural exchange and a deeper understanding of Korean heritage.

The Port Said edition featured a dynamic program that included:

Introductory Korean language classes, sparking interest in Korean culture and communication.

Traditional craft workshops, where participants crafted symbolic carnations for Parents’ Day (celebrated on May 8), practiced Korean calligraphy, and painted Hahoe masks, rooted in traditional Korean theater.

Interactive booths featuring Korean games like Tuho (arrow tossing).

Virtual reality experiences and Korean film screenings, highlighting both modern innovations and cinematic achievements.

Exhibitions of Hanji (traditional handmade paper), Korean musical instruments, and culinary showcases of Korean food.

Hanbok dress-up sessions, giving attendees a chance to wear Korea’s iconic traditional attire while enjoying a live Gugak (traditional Korean music) performance.

A central theme of the event was Parents’ Day, a meaningful Korean holiday that honors parents with symbolic gestures—most notably carnations. Organizers shared the cultural significance of carnation colors:

Red for both parents alive

Pink for one parent alive

White for both parents deceased

Parents’ Day is part of “Family Month” in South Korea, which also includes Children’s Day (May 5) and Teacher’s Day (May 15), emphasizing intergenerational respect and family unity.

The event holds special significance in 2025, as South Korea and Egypt mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

“Port Said, with its legacy as a global crossroads, was the perfect setting to host the Caravan,” said Oh Sung-ho, Director of the Korean Cultural Center in Egypt.

“We hope it contributes to strengthening cultural exchange and mutual understanding between our two countries. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re committed to expanding programs that build bridges—through language, arts, and education.”

Looking ahead, the Korean Cultural Center plans to expand the Culture Caravan to additional cities across Egypt, responding to the rising demand for Korean language learning and cultural engagement. Additional events marking the 30th anniversary are scheduled throughout the year.