Korean Culture Day Marks 30 Years of Diplomatic Ties Between Korea and Egypt

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and Egypt, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) hosted a successful “Korean Culture Day” at the Ministry of Defense Language Institute (MODLI) in Cairo. Eight KOICA volunteers organized and carried out the event with the goal of strengthening the two countries' friendship and fostering cultural exchange.

The celebration featured a variety of engaging programs, including Korean food tasting, Hanbok (traditional Korean attire) experience, traditional games (tuho, jegichagi, ttakji), a Korean speaking contest, K-pop and K-dance performances, and a Korean culture quiz competition. A Taekwondo demonstration by the Egyptian national team and the Hanbok experience stood out as highlights, leaving a strong impression on the audience.

Around 300 people attended the event, including Mingyeong-Kim, Deputy Country Director of the KOICA Egypt Office; General Taiseer Mohamed El-Attar, the Head of MODLI; Brigadier General Mohamed Ibrahim, the Deputy Director of MODLI; Dr. Ranya Elwan, the Head of the Misr Public Library Cairo; Mr. Tamer Ali, the Head of the Training Department; in addition to students and two volunteers from the Higher Institute of Tourism and Hotels; Beni-Suef Technological University; as well as the six KOICA volunteers from Cairo, Luxor; and local Egyptians.

For her part, Deputy Country Director of KOICA Egypt Office, Mingyeong-Kim stated, “We hope this event becomes a catalyst for further cultural exchange between Korea and Egypt. KOICA will continue to foster friendship and cooperation through a wide range of initiatives.”

The Head of MODLI General Taiseer Mohamed El-Attar shared his thoughts, expressing his hope for more opportunities for Egyptians to experience Korean language and culture. He noted that events like this will further strengthen the collaborative relationship between the two countries.

Ryu Oh-young, a KOICA volunteer who led the planning of the event in collaboration with KOICA Egypt office, shared his thoughts. "I didn’t realize how fun it would be to share our culture. It was enjoyable—that's what made it possible. There were some small hurdles along the way, but I believe they’re meant to be overcome—not to make us fall. I’m truly grateful to everyone who supported us in preparing this collaborative event, especially the MODLI staff and fellow KOICA volunteers who worked together as one team.”

Shaimaa Ali Mohamed, student from MPL Luxor, remarked that although the Korean volunteers working at the library and the Egyptians differ in skin color and culture, they were able to connect as fellow human beings. She expressed her belief that the event would serve as an opportunity to deepen cultural exchange between Korea and Egypt, despite the differences in race and background.

The event attracted significant interest and enthusiastic participation from the Egyptian public, highlighting the growing popularity of Korean culture and the Korean Wave (Hallyu) in Egypt.

KOICA is a Korean government agency under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, implements grant aid programmes aiming to combat poverty and support sustainable socio-economic growth in developing countries.

The KOICA Egypt Office, established in 1998, provides technical education for youths, supports the digitalization of government services and systems, and carries out programmes to address gender-based violence, strengthen women's empowerment, and support vulnerable groups.