The Korean Cultural Center in the United Arab Emirates is hosting a comprehensive cultural celebration to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule. The special event, titled "Until That Day Comes - Commemorating the 80th Anniversary of Liberation," offers visitors an opportunity to experience various aspects of Korean culture while honoring this significant historical milestone.
The commemoration is being hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the UAE and organized by the Korean Cultural Center in collaboration with Zayed Central Library and Do Dance Company. The event receives support from the Independence Hall of Korea and the Jeonbuk Cultural Tourism Foundation, demonstrating the collaborative effort to bring Korean heritage to international audiences.
The celebration spans multiple days and locations, taking place from September 15 through September 19 at the Korean Cultural Center in Abu Dhabi, with an additional program on September 20 at Zayed Central Library in Al Ain. The events feature a diverse range of activities including traditional performances, educational workshops, cultural classes, and historical exhibitions.
The centerpiece of the celebration is the traditional Korean dance performance "Until That Day Comes," accompanied by a Hanbok fashion show. These performances are scheduled for September 19 at 6:30 PM at the Korean Cultural Center's Arirang Hall, with a repeat performance on September 20 at the same time at Zayed Central Library's Main Theatre. The Do Dance Company, featuring performers Seon Ho Jeong, Su Bin Park, Da Yeong Lee, and Se Hyeon Jeong, will present the special opening stage honoring Korea's independence movement, followed by various traditional Korean dances and vibrant K-Pop-inspired performances.
Educational workshops and classes form a significant component of the program, offering hands-on cultural experiences to participants. The Hanji Atelier workshop on September 18 and 20 allows participants to create handcrafted coasters and fans using traditional Korean paper art techniques, with sessions limited to 15 participants each. Instructor Hwang Eun Suk from Do Dance Company will guide participants through this creative process.
Traditional music classes provide deeper cultural immersion through the Gayageum and Janggu programs. The Gayageum classes, taught by Professor Hwang Eun Suk from Jeonbuk State Gugak Center, run from September 15-16 and 18, teaching participants to play popular K-Pop songs on this traditional Korean string instrument. The program accommodates only three participants who must attend all three sessions to complete a full song. Similarly, the Janggu classes, led by Kim Chung Woo, a holder of Korean National Intangible Cultural Heritage, teach traditional Korean drum rhythms over the same three-day period to six participants.
The K-Beauty classes offer a modern twist on traditional Korean aesthetics, with sessions on September 18 in Abu Dhabi and September 20 in Al Ain. Senior LG instructor Oh Yun Bin will teach the secrets of "Empress Makeup," blending traditional elegance with contemporary beauty trends. The Abu Dhabi session accommodates 50 participants, while the Al Ain session is limited to 30.
A significant historical exhibition, "History of the Korean Independence Movement as Seen through Photos and Written Records," runs throughout the celebration period. Supported by the Independence Hall of Korea, this exhibition displays 16 rare historical photographs and documents, including the Taegeukgi (Korean National Flag) signed by Kim Gu, exploring the struggles and triumphs of Korea's independence movement. The exhibition is accessible at the Korean Cultural Center's Library from September 15-19 and at Zayed Central Library's Theatre Lobby on September 20.
Registration is required for all events, and organizers note that due to limited workshop materials, participation in workshops and classes may be restricted for Korean nationals to ensure broader cultural exchange opportunities for international participants. This thoughtful approach reflects the center's commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation for Korean heritage among diverse communities in the UAE.
