Korea Season 2024 is set to transform Abu Dhabi into a hub of cultural creativity, with a vibrant selection of Korean arts and performances from November through December.
The event, comprising 15 carefully curated programmes, offers the UAE an exceptional opportunity to experience Korea’s dynamic contemporary dance, visual arts, and orchestral music.
This season builds on the strong cultural relations fostered by previous high-profile diplomatic visits, further strengthening ties between the UAE and Korea.
Korea Season UAE 2024
The Korea Season is organised by Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE), and the Korean Cultural Center UAE, with collaboration from the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF).
The season builds on the growing cultural diplomacy between the two countries, including the historic visit by Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and the reciprocal visit by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
PARK Chang-sik, President of KOFICE, said, “The UAE is not only a key player economically and industrially, but culture and the arts are also among the most important fields for us. This Korea Season will showcase the best of Korean culture and arts, in collaboration with ADMAF, and we are committed to continuing our cooperative relationship in the future.”
A stellar lineup of performances
The season opens with a stunning performance by the National Dance Company of Korea, presenting Flow While Still at the Louvre Abu Dhabi on 16 November. Directed by Sung-yong Kim, this performance merges contemporary dance with storytelling to explore themes of movement and stillness.
On 20 November, Jungle, a contemporary dance piece by renowned choreographers, will take centre stage at NYU Abu Dhabi's Red Hall. The performance delves into themes of survival and identity, featuring compelling choreography set to an innovative set design.
One of the season’s most anticipated events is the debut collaboration between the Orchestra of Dreams and the Abu Dhabi Youth Orchestra, which will take place on 27 November at NYU Abu Dhabi’s Blue Hall. This performance will celebrate youth-led cultural exchange, uniting young musicians from both nations in a powerful musical experience.
Exploring Art, AI, and Technology
On 21 November, as part of the Abu Dhabi Art programme, Korean artist Ah-young Kim will join Nam-hee Park, Director of the Nam June Paik Art Center, for a special talk on Visual Arts, AI, and the Intersection of Art and Technology. The discussion will explore the convergence of technology and art in the context of Korean and Middle Eastern cultures.
Ah-young Kim, known for her innovative approach to art and technology, remarked, “My work explores how art and technology can intersect, and I am excited to share pieces that reflect my family’s connections to the Middle East, showcasing the global impact of Korean art.”
Korean Fusion bands to perform in Abu Dhabi
On 6 December, the Korea Season will close with an exciting outdoor concert at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, featuring two dynamic Korean fusion music groups: SB Circle and Coreyah. Led by saxophonist Hyun-pil Shin and gayageum artist Kyung-so Park, SB Circle blends jazz with traditional Korean sounds, while Coreyah explores an eclectic mix of world music styles with a distinctly Korean flair.
These performances promise to captivate audiences with their innovative fusion of jazz, traditional instruments, and global rhythms, marking the end of an unforgettable cultural celebration.
Expanding Hallyu in the UAE
In addition to the performances, the UAE will also host the Korea Festival 2024 on 15-16 November at Umm Al Emarat Park. This event will offer a range of activities celebrating Korean culture, from exhibitions on Korean tourism to K-pop promotions and a glimpse into the upcoming performance by the KNUA Symphony Orchestra in April 2025.
The festival aims to showcase the global reach of the Korean Wave (Hallyu), providing an immersive experience for UAE audiences to engage with Korea’s rich cultural heritage.
Korea-UAE Relations
The success of Korea Season 2024 will further deepen the cultural ties between Korea and the UAE, offering a unique platform for artistic collaboration and shared experiences. Through these artistic exchanges, the two countries will continue to develop mutual understanding and appreciation, paving the way for future cultural projects.
Korea Season 2024 is not just a series of performances; it’s a testament to the growing cultural diplomacy between the two nations, showcasing how art can transcend borders and foster lasting connections.