'Seollal' bash in UAE: Abu Dhabi rings in Korean New Year with Squid Game fun and feast

Abu Dhabi: Residents can look forward to enjoying Squid Game 2-inspired activities, traditional South Korean food, and music as part of the Seollal – the Korean Lunar New Year celebrations – in Abu Dhabi.

Themed "Year of the Blue Snake," the event, hosted by the Korean Cultural Centre on January 30, promises a vibrant fusion of Korea's modern pop culture and ancient traditions.

The events will be led by the centre’s director, Lee Yong Hee. The highlight of the evening will be the “Round and Round” activity, inspired by Squid Game season 2. The “Round and Round” Mingle Game song has become a viral hit since its launch, amassing over 55 million views in just three weeks on YouTube.

Ewha Kim, head of media at the centre, told Gulf News that the traditional Korean children’s game Dungle Ge Dungle Ge gained global fame after being featured in Squid Game season 2.

“It is originally a children’s game in Korea, where kids join hands to form a circle, move around, and pair up, fostering teamwork and joy. This game has been included to share the custom of families coming together during Seollal – the Korean Lunar New Year – to play games and bond,” Kim said.

On January 30, residents can look forward to a similar experience of teamwork and fun at the centre.

“It is expected to provide an opportunity for people interested in Korean culture to come together as they sing the Dungle Ge Dungle Ge song and learn about traditional Korean games,” Kim added.

Make your fortune

There will be several other interactive activities, including workshops, goal-setting sessions, and authentic cuisine, to help participants learn about Korea’s cultural richness.

Guests will have the chance to craft their own bokjumeoni fortune pouches – a time-honoured Korean tradition believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the New Year. They can also design a folding screen to help visualize and set their personal aspirations for the year ahead. New Year celebrations aren’t complete without Tteokguk – a traditional rice cake soup. Additionally, there will be a special workshop on crafting traditional cosmetics like lip balm.

“Through this Lunar New Year celebration, we aim to embody the spirit of ‘wisdom and growth’ associated with the Year of the Blue Snake. By integrating interactive experiences inspired by contemporary K-dramas with traditional practices, we seek to offer an engaging platform for participants to connect with the diverse and vibrant aspects of Korean culture,” said the centre’s director, Lee Yong Hee.

The free-to-attend event will take place on Thursday from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Korean Cultural Centre. This event is open to all nationalities, but participants are encouraged to reserve their spots in advance by completing the RSVP form available on the centre’s website.