A special exhibition titled “Ham, What We Hold Together” opened yesterday at the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo to commemorate the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Korea and the Arab Republic of Egypt. The exhibition, which runs until September 28, 2025, offers visitors an opportunity to explore the history of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
Hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea and organized by the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE), the exhibition is presented in cooperation with the Presidential Archives of Korea, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Egyptian Ministry of Culture.
The exhibition features 17 diplomatic artifacts, including official documents, videos, and gifts exchanged between the leaders of both nations over the past three decades. Visitors will also discover Korean intangible cultural heritage and contemporary crafts, as well as special works created by Korean artists using Egyptian papyrus — symbolizing the blending of both cultures.
The event was inaugurated in the presence of distinguished guests, including Eng. Ahmed Youssef, CEO of the Egyptian Tourism Authority; Ambassador-designate Hazem Zaki of Egypt to Korea; senior officials from the Egyptian government; ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps.
In his opening remarks, H.E. Kim Yonghyon, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Egypt, explained that the title Ham (Box) refers to a traditional Korean gift symbolizing a “new beginning” and a “promise.” He said: “By choosing Ham as the title of this exhibition, we wished to reflect on the 30 years of friendship and cooperation between our two countries and share its meaning and memories with the people of Egypt.”
Among the highlights are gifts presented by Egypt to former Korean presidents, including a silver casket with arabesque patterns, decorative models of the pyramids and the Sphinx, and a crystal ornament shaped like the Solar Boat. Documents exchanged between presidents and senior officials of both countries are also on display, offering visitors the chance to witness history firsthand.
The exhibition forms part of a wider series of events commemorating the 30th anniversary of Korea–Egypt diplomatic relations, covering cultural, political, and economic fields.
Ambassador Kim concluded: “I am confident that as the years go by, our two countries will discover even greater significance beyond the 30 years we have built together and will continue to forge an ever-closer relationship.”
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