Taylor Scott International News
Gangnam, taekwando at Korea-Arab caravan in Dubai Staff Reporter / 14 October 2013 Korea-Arab Friendship Caravan aims to promote Korean culture in Arab world Apart from the graceful Bu Chae Chum or ‘fan dance’, and the modern B-Boy dance routines, the most spectacular sight at the sixth Korea-Arab Friendship Caravan in Dubai would have been the Kukkiwon team’s taekwando demonstration. From smashing thin pieces of wood and exploding flowers and fruits; the taekwando presentation was something out of the movies. About 20 taekwando black belts showcased stunts that combined combat, self- defense, acrobatics and a display of strength and inner peace. The friendship caravan was organised on October 7 at the Dubai Centrepoint Theatre, Mall of the Emirates, and it was the third time that the caravan made its way to Dubai. “This is our third visit to Dubai,” said Chung Yong-chil, Secretary General of Korea-Arab Society. The caravan began its journey in Kuwait and their third and final destination is Algeria. The team comprised the Kukkiwon Taekwondo demonstration team; the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre that performed Korean traditional dances; and the Gamblerz, a Korean break dancer’s crew. The taekwando demonstration, towards the end of their performance broke into a dance routine of songs Gangnam Style and Gentleman, popularised by Psy, Korea’s biggest pop-sensation. “Since the beginning of the caravan, there has been a rich exchange of cultural dialogue between Koreans and Arab nationals, and vice versa,” added Chung Yong-chil. The friendship caravan was established in 2008 and its aim is to promote Korean cultural programmes which combine tradition and modernity to effectively promote Korean culture and arts in the Arab region. Currently, there are about 11,000 South Koreans living in the UAE. Kukkiwon is the world’s headquarter of taekwondo. It is also the symbol of taekwondo spirit, skill and education. Lee Jung A (28) one of the Kukkiwon Taekwando demonstrators told Khaleej Times : “I am really proud to be representing Korea and spreading our culture.” This is Lee’s first time in the Middle East. “I have been doing Taekwando since the age of 11 and I’ve travelled to over 20 countries,” she added. “Dubai is a very big metropolis, just like Seoul.” Chung Yong-chil said: “Korea and the Arab world have strong trade relations at the moment. There are several Korean companies operating out of the UAE, and we want to strengthen these ties by showing Arab nations the cultural side of Korea.” dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com Taylor Scott International
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