EGYPT OFFICE

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), South Korean government’s official development aid implementing agency held “The Korean Day” event in cooperation with Ministry of Defense Language Institute (MODLI) and Aswan University in MODLI Cairo premises, on 28th January, 2023.

The event was a joint activity between KOICA volunteers working in MODLI and Aswan University, which is the first volunteer-led event in 4 years after a long pause due to Covid-19 pandemic. Two Korean language teachers in MODLI and one in Aswan University planned and implemented the event with their students.

 The purpose of this event was to promote Korean language department in MODLI and Aswan University, and to provide opportunities to experience Korean culture to other foreign language learners and residents of Cairo governorate.

In the first part of the event, there were a variety of programs where participants could enjoy Korean language and culture. Korean language students performed traditional Korean dance which is well known as ‘Buchaechum’ (fan dance), presented in Korean language on various topics, and performed K-pop dance. And a professional singer sang a Korean song. With enthusiasm for leaning Korean language, from 14 years old student to university students they prepared their performance. In addition, the Taekwondo representative team from Egyptian Taekwondo Federation showed their performance of basic positioning of the Korean traditional martial art, ‘Poomsae’.

In the second part, KOICA volunteers and students set up tented booths related Korean culture in outdoor square. Visitors enjoyed wearing Hanbok, the Korean traditional costume, eating Korean traditional foods, playing Korean traditional games, and writing their names in Korean. More than 300 students and residents visited MODLI and explored various Korean culture.

General Mohamed Elbably, Head of Ministry of Defense Language Institute, delivered his message to the participants that the language is considered as key for culture communication between the countries and their development. He added that learning a language should go hand-in-hand with getting to know the culture of the people. In addition, he praised KOICA Egypt office and KOICA volunteers for their ongoing efforts to advance the Korean department in MODLI. Also he thanked to the Egyptian staff at Korean department in MODLI for their remarkable efforts in the department and to the students who attended the culture day. He added that it is the first time to open its premises to all visitors and he would like to consider holding other cultural day events in MODLI in the future.

Ms. Jinyoung Kim, Country Director of KOICA Egypt Office, delivered her message to the participants that she thanked all the participants for attending Korean culture day event especially Alsun Aswan students who traveled a great distance to attend the event by taking a train from Aswan to Cairo with their countless efforts and pure love for the Korean language and culture. At the same time, she added that this event is particularly noteworthy because it is the first to be held after the Covid-19 era for four years.

One of the students from MODLI who participated in Korean speech presentation said that she thoroughly liked the experience, even though she found it challenging to speak in front of everyone in attendance in Korean. She highlighted the support of the Korean volunteers in MODLI and their efforts.

Two students from Aswan University gave a presentation in Korean language about relationship between Korea and Egypt in historical, economic, cultural, and military aspect with deep insight and expressed their hope to continue their study at a university in Korea.

One of visitors expressed her desire to attend similar events in the future because she was able to experience and cherish many aspects of Korean culture. Also she added that she enjoyed the Taekwondo performance the most and showed her desire to learn if she has a chance.

Mr. Kwangho Heo, KOICA volunteer who organized the event expressed that he was surprised and grateful that many people showed interest and participated in the event. He said it was great time to enjoy together under safe conditions.

 As of January 2023, KOICA has dispatched 11 volunteers working as Korean language teachers in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. More volunteers are expected to be dispatched to various fields including youth activities, disability, computer education, etc. KOICA volunteers will continue providing technical cooperation to Egyptian youths to contribute to development and prosperity of Egypt.

* Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is Korean government agency under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dedicated to implementing grant aid programs. KOICA aims to combat poverty and support sustainable socio-economic growth in developing countries around the globe.