By Honorary Reporter John Paul Serraon from Philippines

The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in Cairo, Egypt, on March 18 launched the Korean Culture Caravan in the satellite city New Cairo. Egyptian K-influencer Thoraia Gamal on March 25 discussed the event in an interview via a video chat, saying the caravan moves around to allow more Egyptians to experience Korean culture.

Gamal talked about what she did during the daylong event.

Free Korean food

The KCC prepared a lot of Korean desserts on a long table. After trying them, Gamal said, "The desserts all tasted so new to us, but it was nice to try Korean cakes with different sauces. I found hot sauce very interesting."

Desserts at the Korean Cultural Caravan in New Cairo, Egypt (Thoraia Gamal)

Calligraphy 

In the calligraphy session, Gamal said, "I wrote my name in Hangeul and used a dojang (personal stamp) to confirm my work."

Korea magazine

Gamal said she has received many issues of Korea magazine over the years. "Moving to the library section, we saw a lot of Korean books and magazine," she said. "Everyone received a copy of Korea magazine this time."

Korea magazine (Thoraia Gamal)

K-pop merchandise

Thrilled to see merchandise featuring her favorite K-pop artists, she said, "There were many photo cards and light sticks of groups such as Exo and BLACKPINK," adding, "There were also albums and a photo book for celebrities like Rose from BLACKPINK."

Photocards of K-pop acts (Thoraia Gamal)

Photo stand-in under "Squid Game" theme

Gamal and her friends took photos at the "Squid Game" standee section. 

"Squid Game" standee section (Thoraia Gamal)

Wearing Hanbok

"In the end, it was time to wear Hanbok (traditional clothing), and it was very beautiful," she said. "My companions and I enjoyed ourselves immensely and also took lovely photos."

Thoraia Gamal and her friends wear Hanbok at the Korean Caravan. (KCC in Egypt)

Performances

Gamal saw the high-flying kicks of the her country's national taekwondo team. "That was a fantastic performance. They gave a very good presentation and smashed wooden boards. It was new to me and fun too," she said. 

Performers at the Korean Culture Caravan  (KCC in Egypt)

After hearing a performance of the seoljanggu (traditional solo double-headed drum), she said, "I felt joy and was amazed by it. The performance of the 2022 Gugak Academy Team was lovely. I heard how awesome the drums could be when everyone plays together, so I got goosebumps.”

"The (Korean Culture Caravan) was beautiful. I wish to go again. I met all my friends who love Korean culture in Egypt and shared precious time with them. I hope it's always somewhere close to me so I can keep participating."

msjeon22@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.