Abu Dhabi residents enjoy a taste of Korean culture

Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi residents experienced aspects of Korean culture at the fourth Korea-Arab Friendship Caravan that got under way at Abu Dhabi's National Theatre.

The Caravan aimed to promote mutual understanding between the people of South Korea and the UAE. The two-day event hosted by the Korea-Arab Society opened on Monday.

The Caravan's opening ceremony was followed by performances including Korean traditional dance and a fashion show featuring traditional Korean dress. Residents enjoyed a tae kwon do demonstration, break dance and Samulnori (a traditional Korean farmers' dance) performance Tuesday.

Cementing ties

There was also the chance to savour Korean food and explore Korea through a photo exhibition and a Korean accessories exhibition.

"We are bringing our culture and friendship through this Caravan so that our ties with the UAE are cemented," Samuel Koo, head of the Culture and Tourism Committee, Presidential Council on Nation Branding told Gulf News.

"The Korean media is also here to get a better understanding of Arab culture."

He added it was his first visit to the UAE and Abu Dhabi appeared to have a lot of culture and he was confident the Koreans would like to learn more about the UAE.

Beautiful understanding

"This Caravan will bring a beautiful understanding of our culture, especially among youngsters and will also introduce Abu Dhabi to the Koreans. We want to build up mutual respect, friendship and understanding between the two peoples. Therefore we intend to make these cultural events a regular feature in Abu Dhabi," Seung-Hoh Choi, secretary-general of the Korea-Arab Society told Gulf News.

"Bilateral relations between Korea and the UAE are being expanded in multiple areas, be it politics, the economy and cultural exchange," said Kwon Tae-kyun, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the UAE. Emirati Fatima Rasheed, was happy to get a feel for Korean culture.

"This is my first contact with Korean culture. I liked the fashion show very much, especially the elegance and colour matching of their dresses; the food was tasty too," she said.

The Caravan is continuing its regional show with performances in Iraq, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Palestine.