Traditional Music Performances by the National Gugak Center  ‘The Resonance of Korea, “Bridging the World with Heung” The National Gugak Center presents an exquisite performance featuring Samulnori (traditional percussion ensemble), Gyobang Gutgeori Dance, and Pangut (folk percussion performance). This captivating stage combines the vibrant rhythms of Korean traditional percussion with graceful dance movements, offering audiences a profound experience of the essence of Korean performing arts. Join us for a mesmerizing evening filled with the energy, rhythm, and beauty of Korea’s traditional music and dance. - Date & Time: Friday, November 7, 2025 – 8:00 PM / Saturday, November 8, 2025 – 7:40 PM - Venue: Umm Al Emarat Park Amphitheatre, Abu Dhabi * Admission is free and open to the public (no reservation required). * The schedule is subject to change depending on local circumstances. <The National Gugak Center> The National Gugak Center is the heart of Korean classical performing arts. As a national institution, it traces its origins to Eumseongseo of the Silla Dynasty (7th century), later becoming Daeakseo during the Goryeo Dynasty (late 10th century), and Jangakwon of the Joseon Dynasty (established in 1466), before evolving into the institution we know today. The Center preserves a rich array of cultural and artistic heritage, encompassing court and folk music and dance passed down through generations, as well as modern compositions created for contemporary audiences. <Program> Samulnori Samulnori, literally meaning “the play of four things,” is a Korean percussion music performed with four instruments: kkwaenggwari, janggu, buk, and jing. Originating from traditional pungmulnori, it was reinterpreted for the stage in 1978 with one performer per instrument. While pungmulnori was a communal outdoor performance, samulnori emphasizes artistry, precision, and rhythmic sophistication. Its dynamic tempo changes and vibrant beats captivate audiences with energy and mastery. Gyobang Gutgeori Dance (Gyobang Gutgeorichum) The Gyobang Gutgeori Dance originates from Gyobang, traditional provincial art institutions that specialized in music, dance, and performance during the Joseon Dynasty. The dance begins with elegant, bare-handed movements performed to the Gutgeori rhythm, and as the tempo shifts to the lively Jajinmori rhythm, the dancer picks up a sogo (small hand drum) and continues dancing. In the Gutgeori rhythm, the dancer expresses refined and graceful movements, while in the Jajinmori section, the vibrant and free-spirited style characteristic of the Gyeongnam region unfolds vividly. The dance is marked by movements that flow naturally from inner emotion, evoking the state of selflessness and harmony with nature described in Eastern philosophy. Pan-gut Pan-gut is a form of nong-ak, a traditional Korean performing art that combines percussion, dance, and theatrical elements to pray for community prosperity. Rooted in agricultural society, nong-ak fostered unity and cultural creativity across regions. Pan-gut features both group performances (Jinbeopnori) and solo performances (Gaeinnori). It demands exceptional musical technique and dynamic stage presence from its performers.

The world-renowned non-verbal performance “NANTA” is coming to the stage of Korea Festival 2025! The official performance team will present a dynamic street-style percussion show using kitchen utensils, breaking the boundaries between stage and audience to create an energetic, interactive experience. Amid the rhythmic beats of traditional samulnori, the chefs cook soup in a playful sequence that culminates in exhilarating cutting board percussion — a spectacular fusion of Korean traditional rhythms and modern beats, showcasing the true essence of Korean performing arts. Experience the excitement, energy, and creativity of Korean performance culture at this special event! We invite everyone — families, friends, and culture lovers — to join us for this joyful evening.   -  Date: Friday, November 7, 2025, 7:30 PM -  Venue: Umm Al Emarat Park Amphitheatre, Abu Dhabi * Admission is free and open to the public (no reservation required). * The schedule is subject to change depending on local circumstances.

The Korean Cultural Center in the United Arab Emirates will host Korea Festival 2025 at Umm Al Emarat Park on November 7–8, to commemorate the UAE’s Year of Community.  Under the theme “Connected”, this year’s festival celebrates harmony between Korea’s traditional and contemporary culture, embracing the spirit of togetherness, joy, and shared cultural experience among the UAE’s diverse communities. All performances and activities are free of charge for park visitors.   Festival Highlights - Venue: Umm Al Emarat Park, Abu Dhabi - Dates: November 7 (Fri) & 8 (Sat) - Time: 3:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. - Admission: Free (park entry required) Programe Schedule (*Program schedule and timing are subject to change) Date Time Program Details Nov 7 (Fri) 15:00–22:00 Korean Cultural Experience Booths K-beauty personal color consulting, K-food tasting, traditional  games, K-style four-cut photo booth, Korean name calligraphy. 15:00–22:00 K-Tourism & Beauty Festival Promotional and activity booths by 22 organizations featuring  K-Medical, K-Travel, and K-Culture  18:30–18:50 Opening Ceremony Opening remarks and festival introduction. 18:50–19:20 Taekwondo Demonstration by Kukkiwon Showcasing breaking, poomsae, and self-defense techniques  by the Kukkiwon Demonstration Team. 19:30–20:00 “Nanta Highlight” Performance A dynamic, non-verbal percussion show blending Korean  traditional rhythm and modern comedy 20:00–20:50 Traditional Music Performance by National Gugak Center Samulnori and Pangut featuring traditional  Korean rhythms and dance 21:00–21:30 K-Pop Performance – VVS K-pop group VVS performs “Nothing Lasts Forever”,  “We’re on the Top,” and songs from K-Pop: Demon Hunters Nov 8 (Sat) 15:00–22:00 Korean Cultural Experience Booths K-beauty personal color consulting, K-food tasting,  traditional games, K-style four-cut photo booth,  Korean name calligraphy 15:00–22:00 K-Tourism & Beauty Festival Promotional and activity booths by 22 organizations  featuring K-Medical, K-Travel, and K-Culture 16:00–17:30 13th Korean Speech Contest Emirati Korean language learners present speeches  under the theme “My Favorite Food.” 18:00–19:40 Netflix Screening: K-Pop: Demon Hunters Sing-Along Interactive sing-along screening of the popular  <K-Pop Demon Hunters sing along> animation. 19:40–20:40 Traditional Music Performance by National Gugak Center Samulnori, Gyobang Gutgeori Dance, and Pangut. 20:40–21:10 K-Pop Performance – VVS K-pop group VVS performs “Nothing Lasts Forever”,  “We’re on the Top,” and songs from K-Pop: Demon Hunters

The 13th UAE Korean Speech Contest ◾ Date & Time : Saturday, November 8, 2025, 16:00 – 17:30 ◾ Venue : Umm Al Emarat Park (Outdoor stage)   《Topic》 ∎ Introducing Your Favorite Dish and How to Cook It (You may choose any type of cuisine — Korean, Emirati, or others.)     《Eligibility》 ∎ Open to all nationalities residing in the UAE ∎ Aged 14 and above   Previous 1st place winners of this contest are not eligible to participate   However, 2nd and 3rd place winners may participate   Winners of the King Sejong Institute's speaking contest are eligible to participate (except for the 2025 1st place winner)   《Prizes》   ∎ 1st Place: Round-trip flight ticket to Korea (Economy Class / Dubai ↔ Incheon)   ∎ 2nd Place: Latest electronics (TBA)   ∎ 3rd Place: Latest electronics (TBA)   All finalists will receive a participation certificate and a small prize Prizes are subject to change without prior notice and will be replaced with items of equivalent value   《Preliminary Round Application》 ◾ Application Deadline: Monday, October 20, 2025 (by 11:59 PM UAE local time)   ◾ How to Apply: https://forms.gle/djNc16EhgGtnxhQy5   ∎ Required Documents Brief introducton to your topic (1 Word Page) Copy of Passport or Emirates ID Korean recording file (within 1 minute / MP3 audio file format) The recording must include self-introduction, reason for applying, and a brief overview of the topic   《Finalists Announcement》 ∎ Date: Tue, October 21, 2025 Results of the preliminary round and details regarding the final round will be communicated via email   《Final Round Guidelines》   ∎ Presentations in the final round must be limited to 5 minutes (time overage may result in point deduction)   ∎ Contestants must create their own unique presentation title; titles identical to the contest topic will not be allowed   ∎ The presentation script must be written by the participant. Any form of plagiarism or reading directly from the script will result in automatic disqualification   ∎ Use of visual aids such as PPT, photos, etc., is allowed   《Inquiries》 ∎ korean.kccuae@gmail.com (email inquiries only)

The Korean Cultural Center is pleased to invite you to Souq Chuseok (추석장터), a special cultural event celebrating Chuseok, Korea’s mid-autumn harvest festival. Visitors will be able to experience the rich flavors and vibrant traditions of Korea through food tastings, hands-on workshops, and traditional games. We invite everyone to join us for an evening filled with cultural activities and festive spirit. ■ Event Title: Souq Chuseok (추석장터) ■ Organized by: Korean Cultural Center in the UAE ■ Date & Time: October 2 (Thu), 18:30PM – 20:30PM ■ Venue: Multipurpose Hall, Korean Cultural Center in YAS ■ Programs ▷ 18:30PM – 20:00PM Food Tasting & Making (Bibimbap, Jeon, etc.) ▷ 19:00PM – 19:30PM Songpyeon (Half-Moon Rice Cake) Making Workshop (separate sign-up required, 홈피 송편강좌 링크) ▷ 20:00PM – 20:30PM Traditional Group Games ■ Registration [September 19 (Fri) – September 29 (Mon), confirmation email will be sent on September 30] RSVP Required: https://forms.gle/2K5iomMENouw1WyJ7   ■ Participation Fee : Free [Songpyeon Making Workshop includes a 30 AED co-pay] Notes - RSVP is required; limited spots available. - Unexcused absences may affect future participation. - Photos and videos may be taken and used for promotional purposes by the Korean Cultural Center. We look forward to welcoming you!