Korea fest in Kuwait to bolster health, medical tourism bonds
KUWAIT CITY, May 17: Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kuwait Park Chung-suk has affirmed his satisfaction over the inauguration of the Korea Health and Beauty Festival in Kuwait through the concerted efforts of the embassy, Korea Tourism Organization and Korea Trade Promotion Corporation (KOTRA). Speaking at the event, Park underscored the significance of the event in bolstering bilateral relations, particularly in the fields of health and medical tourism. He stated, 'it is with great pleasure that we extend to the Kuwaiti people a comprehensive South Korean experience that reflects substantial progress in the domains of cosmetic medicine, sophisticated healthcare and medical tourism, alongside the rich cultural heritage that imparts a distinctive character of South Korean health and beauty services.'
He said the festival, held on May 16-17 at The Avenues Mall, is considered a commercial landmark in Kuwait; including interactive and experiential activities like health consultations, AI-driven skin diagnostics, live cosmetic demonstrations, massage sessions, displays of the 'hanbok' -- a traditional attire, handicrafts, musical performances featuring K-pop and the renowned Korean show 'Nanta'. He pointed out that the event transcended service introductions, as it is a platform for connecting leading South Korean enterprises in the health and beauty sector with their Kuwaiti counterparts. This was made possible through the 'Korean Medical Tourism Evening' held on May 15 at the Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Resort, with more than 100 participants, including officials, experts, and representatives from the health and travel industries.
The evening featured presentations by prominent South Korean hospitals, live consultation sessions, and a keynote address by a Kuwaiti influencer, sharing personal experiences in South Korea. Park added, 'The demand for medical and beauty travel to South Korea among Kuwaitis has been witnessing a remarkable growth -- 65 percent increase in 2024 compared to the preceding year. We are optimistic that this festival will contribute to the establishment of new avenues for collaborative engagement and enhance the image of South Korea as a preferred destination for those seeking quality and excellence in healthcare.' He affirmed that the South Korean culture has evolved beyond entertainment, serving as a conduit for intercultural connection through practical and humanitarian fields such as health. He said his nation remains committed to maintaining this productive collaboration with the State of Kuwait. Meanwhile, Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL) Dr. Mohammad Al-Jassar has stressed the importance of cultural events in fostering rapprochement and mutual understanding. Al-Jassar commended the organization of the festival, the participation of South Korean and Kuwaiti artists, and the presence of distinguished cultural and artistic professionals
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