The Korean Cultural Center in the United Arab Emirates will present Korea Festival 2025 at Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi on November 7-8, marking a significant cultural celebration in honor of the UAE's Year of Community. This year's festival operates under the theme "Connected," emphasizing the harmonious blend between Korea's traditional heritage and contemporary culture while fostering togetherness, joy, and shared cultural experiences among the UAE's diverse communities.
The two-day festival will run from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. both days, with all performances and activities offered free of charge to park visitors. The comprehensive program features an extensive array of Korean cultural experiences, including K-beauty personal color consulting, K-food tasting sessions, traditional Korean games, K-style four-cut photo booths, and Korean name calligraphy demonstrations. Additionally, 22 organizations will operate promotional and activity booths showcasing K-Medical services, K-Travel opportunities, and various aspects of K-Culture.
The first day's programming begins with an opening ceremony at 6:30 p.m., followed by a spectacular Taekwondo demonstration by the renowned Kukkiwon Demonstration Team from 6:50 to 7:20 p.m. The team will showcase breaking techniques, poomsae forms, and self-defense methods. The evening continues with a Nanta Highlight Performance from 7:30 to 8:00 p.m., featuring the dynamic, non-verbal percussion show that masterfully blends Korean traditional rhythms with modern comedy elements.
Traditional music takes center stage from 8:00 to 8:50 p.m. with performances by the National Gugak Center, presenting Samulnori and Pangut that highlight traditional Korean rhythms and dance. The first day concludes with a K-Pop performance by the group VVS from 9:00 to 9:30 p.m., featuring popular songs including "Nothing Lasts Forever," "We're on the Top," and selections from "K-Pop: Demon Hunters."
Saturday's schedule includes the 13th Korean Speech Contest from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m., where Emirati Korean language learners will present speeches under the theme "My Favorite Food." A unique interactive experience awaits audiences from 6:00 to 7:40 p.m. with a Netflix screening sing-along of "K-Pop: Demon Hunters," allowing participants to engage with the popular animated series. The National Gugak Center returns from 7:40 to 8:40 p.m. with an expanded program featuring Samulnori, Gyobang Gutgeori Dance, and Pangut performances, followed by another VVS K-Pop performance to close the festival.
This cultural celebration represents a significant effort to strengthen cultural ties between Korea and the UAE while providing local communities with authentic exposure to Korean arts, entertainment, and traditions. The festival's free admission policy ensures accessibility for all members of the UAE's multicultural society, reinforcing the event's mission of bringing diverse communities together through shared cultural appreciation.
