By Korea.net Honorary Reporter Menna Allah Muhammad and Nada Taher from Egypt

We were inspired by the Talk Talk Korea 2018 Contest to write this article, thinking about all the places to go just to get a glimpse of Korea here in Egypt, meet people who share the same interests, taste traditional Korean food, hang out and learn new things, and simply have fun. The following are our recommendations for where to go in Egypt if you're interested in Korean culture like we are.

International Park / Korean House

International Park features houses from all over the world with the traditional designs of their respective countries. We find Korean House more than beautiful and it has a small lake in front of it. The place is quiet and relaxing so you can read or meditate there. Also the view is aesthetically pleasing for a photo session. This place is one spot where Hallyu lovers, especially K-pop fans, gather, have a good time and take great photos.

Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in Egypt

This is one of our favorite places in Cairo. Visitors can do many things there like attend drama or movie-themed days or celebrate traditional events and gatherings of K-pop fan clubs. Workshops also offer something new to learn about Korea as well as have fun like one on samulnori (traditional Korean percussion music). For example, the K-pop academy offers professional singing and dancing techniques taught by skilled instructors, cooking workshops and many more. Korean-language classes are also available. In addition, visitors can simply study at the center library or read books there as they have a marvelous collection of Korean books and those translated into English. When it comes to all things Korean, you can definitely find what you’re looking for at the KCC in Cairo.


I.Seoul.U Café

This café is located just a few blocks away from the KCC and features cute decorations and paintings. K-pop songs are played all day long to give the place a casual feel. Each table is also named for a Korean city and desserts and ice shakes are named after K-pop groups. For the food, we tried the set menu for Korean side dishes including traditional cabbage kimchi, the famous cucumber kimchi oi-sobagi, seasoned spinach, potatoes, sweet potatoes and veggie pajeon (pancake). We also ordered veggie fried rice and kimchi ramyeon noodles. The food was well made and fresh, the portions were filling and the prices were relatively average. We will surely go again.

The Namu (Korean culture lounge)

The Namu, one of the most visited places by Hallyu fans, allows customers to study, read, spend time with friends, try Korean food and snacks, celebrate both Egyptian and Korean events, and learn Korean. The owner said she wanted a place where people could have a good time, bond with others and feel as if the lounge was his or her own place rather than just eat and leave. We always consider the Namu when planning an outing, and it was recently expanded to accommodate more visitors.

Chicken Kokio

Many Korean TV drama fans want to try the famous fried chicken seen in the K-dramas they watch. This is why we went to Chicken Kokio, which specializes in making the perfect Korean fried chicken. The place is quiet and rather small but comfortable. We tried garlic chicken tenders and soy sauce nuggets, and we fell in love with the sauces and how the chicken is so moist on the inside but perfectly crunchy on the outside. Diners can also choose between a whole or half chicken or just wings or legs. The prices are not expensive if you go in a group, so bring your friends to try various menu items and get full.


wisdom117@korea.kr

* This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.