Ashraf AboArafe
The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in Egypt concluded Korea Culture Week 2025 with a vibrant closing ceremony at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC). The event’s highlight was the Egyptian Preliminary Round of the globally acclaimed K-Pop World Festival, where dynamic local talents competed for a coveted spot in the international finals in Changwon, South Korea.
Egyptian performers electrified the audience with energetic dance routines, showcasing not only their talent but also their heartfelt admiration for K-Pop and its cultural influence. Out of five competing groups, The Groove claimed first place, followed by Hams Mohamed in second and Angster in third. These winners have now qualified to represent Egypt at the festival’s global stage, co-hosted this October by Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS).
The ceremony opened with captivating performances by graduates of the K-Pop and Gugak (traditional Korean music) academies, held last month at the Academy of Arts. These performances reflected the deepening cultural ties and mutual appreciation between Egypt and Korea.
Throughout the week, the KCC offered a rich tapestry of traditional and modern Korean culture. Highlights included musical performances, a vibrant hanbok (traditional Korean attire) exhibition, interactive workshops, and displays of traditional Korean instruments. Visitors of all ages enjoyed trying on colorful hanbok, capturing the experience in souvenir photographs.
Curated by renowned Korean designer Kim Ji-Eun, the hanbok exhibition drew wide acclaim. Kim also led a hands-on accessory design workshop that attracted around 300 participants, further enhancing the week’s interactive appeal.
Visitors also explored the “Korean Culture Boxes” — an immersive, traveling installation featuring miniature recreations of Korean daily life, architecture, hangeul (the Korean alphabet), and cultural artifacts, offering an intimate window into Korean heritage.
Adding to the week’s cultural richness, the KCC launched the K-Comics World Exhibition, with Egypt serving as its first international stop. Featuring the globally popular webtoon Hellbound, the exhibition precedes upcoming showcases in Canada, China, Hungary, and Japan. It remains open to the public at the Korean Cultural Center in Cairo until the end of July.
Korea Culture Week 2025 once again proved to be a vibrant bridge between nations, celebrating shared creativity, music, and cultural appreciation. Drawing thousands of visitors, the weeklong celebration reaffirmed the power of cultural diplomacy in deepening ties between Egypt and Korea.
