Dr. Jean-Henri Hanna, President of Beni Suef Technological University, received Mr. Oh Sung Ho, Cultural Advisor to the South Korean Embassy, and Director of the Korean Cultural Center in Egypt, heading a Korean delegation to enhance cultural exchange within the activities of the Korean Culture Caravan organized by Beni Suef Technological University in cooperation with the Korean Cultural Center. For the first time in the universities of technology and universities in Upper Egypt to experience some of the Korean atmosphere in order to provide an opportunity for university students to experience and taste Korean culture up close.
The caravan aims to enhance opportunities for cultural and intellectual exchange, expand horizons and exchange ideas, to contribute to deepening relations between the Egyptian and Korean peoples, and to spread Korean culture on a large scale, which contributes to enhancing understanding and cultural exchange between the two countries.
On the sidelines of the meeting, the two parties discussed the possibility of establishing a branch of the Korean Cultural Center within the university to consolidate scientific and cultural relations with the friendly country of South Korea, which would open the way for implementing more cooperation projects and achieving continuous communication with the Korean side to take serious steps aimed at creating joint success stories.
The activities included trying on the traditional Korean dress, “Hanbok.” It is a dress specific to the Korean cultural heritage, which has become an integral part of Korean life for several centuries, and has evolved to enter the world of fashion in the modern era. “Hanbok” is characterized by luxurious fabrics, calm colors, and delicate lines. To introduce it, a workshop was organized to try wearing it, which was very popular. It was greatly appreciated by the students who were keen to take souvenir photos with it. They also stressed their admiration for trying on traditional Korean clothing and getting to know closely a feature of Korean culture.
Among the activities is the Korean Heritage Exhibition, which includes Korean traditional musical instruments, daily life items living in ancient Korea, and “hanji,” the traditional handmade paper also called “white paper” that represents the pure heart and strong spirit of Koreans.
The exhibition included a virtual reality pavilion, where students will have the opportunity to enjoy the stunning scenery and wonderful heritage of Korea, and the students will enjoy experiencing traditional Korean games (toho, ute-nuri, and cheji-chaji). And other fun Korean games.
The Korean film, “My Dear Puppy,” was also screened with the aim of providing a unique experience that meets the university students’ passion for Korean cinema, with its rich stories, visual dazzle, and emotional depth.
The convoy held a workshop on “Decorating Traditional Korean Fans and Beautiful Mother-of-Pearl” and provided the students with the opportunity to taste a variety of Korean foods and explore the advantages of Korean food, which has become very popular around the world thanks to its reliance mainly on fresh vegetables.
Korean literature was strongly present, through the Korean Book Pavilion, where students were able to pursue their passion for exploring Korean cultural identity through literature. In addition to holding a writing workshop in Korean calligraphy to introduce the basics of Korean calligraphy and its aesthetic forms, the students expressed great admiration for the designs of Korean calligraphy and its various fonts. During the workshops, participants learned how to use the brush to write Korean letters and turn them into a work of art closer to wonderful paintings and pictures that are vibrant with life and movement. Different colors and shapes are used.
Dr. Jan praised the rapid development witnessed by Egyptian-Korean relations in many diverse fields, including tourism, economics, information technology, industry, and others, stressing that the caravan provides an open space to experience some of the Korean atmosphere, in order to provide an opportunity for university students to know Korean culture up close and enhance exchange. Cultural and friendship between the two countries.
Mr. Oh Sung Ho expressed his happiness at organizing the Korean Culture Caravan, pointing out that the activities aim to introduce the components of Korean culture, and enhance understanding and cultural exchange between Egypt and Korea. He added that strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the creative and artistic fields is the cornerstone of cultural relations between the two countries, which are rich in history. Rich and precious heritage, expressing his hope that the activities of the Korean Culture Caravan will meet the aspirations of the students of Beni Suef Technological University, and contribute to expanding their knowledge about Korea, stressing that he will do his best to spread Korean culture, by organizing many events that will enhance cultural exchange. Between Egypt and South Korea.
The Korean Cultural Center delegation included directors of cultural events and administrative coordinators, and volunteer program officials from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) participated in the event.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Beni Suef Technological University. Ali Abdel Tawab, Dean of the Egyptian-Korean College of Industrial and Energy Technology, Dr. Bahaa Mustafa, Vice Dean of the College for Training and Industry Affairs, Prof. Mustafa Hassan Metwally, Secretary General of the University, Dr. Ayman Zein, college director.
