The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the UAE is bringing back its annual Korea Festival to Abu Dhabi, marking the event’s 13th year as one of the UAE’s most anticipated K-culture celebrations.
Held under the theme ‘Connected,’ this year’s festival coincides with the UAE’s Year of Community and aims to celebrate the harmony between Korea’s traditional and modern cultural expressions.
The two-day event, on November 7 and 8, will feature a packed lineup of performances, cultural programs, and interactive activities open to the public free of charge.
K-culture on stage
Opening day highlights include a Taekwondo demonstration by Kukkiwon, the World Taekwondo Headquarters, followed by a ‘Nanta Highlight’ performance, the acclaimed non-verbal percussion show that blends humor, rhythm, and traditional Korean beats.
The National Gugak Center will present Samulnori, Gyobang Gutgeori Dance, and Pangut, offering audiences a glimpse into Korea’s rich traditional rhythms, dance, and percussion art. The evening will close with a K-pop performance by boy group VVS, known for their energetic choreography, and sing tracks from Netflix’s hit show ‘KPop Demon Hunters.’
Cultural exchange and community
Day two will include the 13th Korean Speech Contest, themed ‘My Favorite Food,’ where Emirati Korean-language learners showcase their speaking skills. Later, audiences can enjoy a special sing-along screening of Netflix’s latest animation ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ marking its first-ever screening for fans in the MENA region. Fans and families are invited to experience the musical megahit together at the Korea Festival 2025.
Throughout the festival, visitors can experience Korean culture firsthand through K-food tastings, K-beauty personal color consulting, traditional games, calligraphy, and themed photo booths.
K-beauty and tourism showcase
Running alongside the main program, the ‘2025 K-Travel Roadshow in Abu Dhabi’—organized by the Korea Tourism Organization—will feature a dedicated activity zone, titled ‘K-Tourism & Beauty Festival.’ The exhibition includes 22 organizations, showcasing the latest in K-medical, K-travel, and K-culture.
“Now in its 13th year, the Korea Festival has become one of the most anticipated and representative K-Culture events in the UAE, eagerly awaited by local communities each year. We hope this year’s festival will serve as a vibrant platform where people of all ages and nationalities can come together to experience the joyful and passionate spirit of Korean culture,” said KCC’s Director Lee Yong Hee in a statement.
Further details
Korea Festival 2025 will run from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm on both days at Umm Al Emarat Park. Entry is free for all park visitors.
