The 11th Korea Festival 2023 is set to dazzle K-culture enthusiasts in the UAE with a vibrant mix of K-pop and traditional Korean performances. Scheduled for October 27 and 28 at Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi, the festival promises a rich cultural experience under the theme ‘Sustainable Culture: Flowing into the Future.’
Key Takeaways
- Event Dates: October 27-28, 2023
- Location: Umm Al Emarat Park, Abu Dhabi
- Theme: Sustainable Culture: Flowing into the Future
- Highlights: K-pop performances, traditional Korean music, Taekwondo demonstrations, cultural workshops
- Admission: Free (Park admission fee: Dh10)
Festival Overview
The Korea Festival, an annual event since 2013, is organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the UAE and the Korean Cultural Center. This year’s festival emphasizes sustainability, aiming to highlight eco-friendly and cultural sustainability through various performances and activities.
Day 1 Highlights
K-Maestro by the National Gugak Center
- Time: Friday, October 27, 6pm and Saturday, October 28, 5pm
- Description: A showcase of Pansori and Sanjo, traditional Korean musical storytelling and instrumental solo music.
Namwon City Art Troupe: Mut and Sinmeong
- Time: Friday, October 27, 7.40pm
- Description: Performances of Heungtaryeong, Taepyeongmu, and Samul nori, reinterpreted with modern expressions.
K-pop Band Dios Performance
- Time: Friday, October 27, 8.50pm
- Description: UAE debut of Dios, featuring their signature song ‘Whistle’ and live performances of BTS songs.
Day 2 Highlights
K-Music, Soul by Chungbuk Cultural Foundation
- Time: Saturday, October 28, 6pm
- Description: A fusion of Korean traditional and Western instruments, performing folk songs in classical and jazz styles.
On the K: Taekwon Screening
- Time: Saturday, October 28, 7.30pm
- Description: An online performance merging K-pop and Taekwondo, captured with 360-degree cameras.
Kite: K-Pop in the Emirates Concert
- Time: Saturday, October 28, 8pm
- Description: A K-pop concert featuring MustB and Dios, organized by the Korea Creative Content Agency and the Korean Cultural Center.
Additional Activities
Korean Culture Experience Zone
- Time: October 27-28, 4 to 10pm
- Description: Explore K-tourism, K-beauty, hanbok, traditional games, and art workshops.
11th UAE Korean Speech Contest
- Time: Sunday, October 29, 4pm
- Venue: Korean Cultural Center, Yas Island
- Description: Emirati nationals showcase their Korean language skills in a speech contest.
Extended Festivities
In addition to the main event, the festival includes a K-Maestro Exhibition from October 23 to 29 and the Medical Korea 2023 seminar on October 31 at Dusit Thani, Abu Dhabi. The festivities will culminate with the Korean National Day Reception at the St. Regis Hotel, Abu Dhabi, on October 31.
For more details, visit the Korean Cultural Center’s website.