14-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Food, family values: Young UAE residents embrace Korean culture amid Hallyu wave
Korean culture has become popular among the younger generation in the UAE, shaping everything from entertainment and fashion to food and values. From K-dramas and K-pop to traditional customs and beauty trends, the Korean wave — commonly known as Hallyu — continues to gain momentum in the UAE, captivating the younger generation.
The fascination with Korean culture is evident in institutions embracing it through cultural events. During a recent Global Day celebration at Gulf Medical University, students voted Korea as the best country booth, with the Korean Club's showcase stealing the spotlight. The event was a display of Korean heritage, featuring performances, traditional cuisine, and cultural experiences.
Korean Club leader Saimah Mohammed and co-leader Valerie Farag spearheaded the celebration, which attracted a large crowd of students and faculty members. 'This is the third year since our club's formation, and we have now grown to over 100 members. I wanted this celebration to be grand and exciting, allowing everyone to experience Korean culture at its finest,' said Saimah.
Speaking about this trend, Yuri Park, deputy consul general at the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Dubai, believes that the values embedded in K-culture play a significant role in its popularity. 'I personally think that family values and shared respect for the elderly embedded in K-culture were emphasized among young residents,' said Park.
'Also, the K-wave content is well-made and tailored with high-quality components. Our musicians, actors, and actresses are refined, sophisticated, and perform exceptionally well, which is very attractive to the young generation,' added Park.
The event at the University featured restaurants that served authentic Korean street food, while Kbeauty On by Ksouk offered skincare and makeup products, giving attendees a taste of Korea's beauty industry.
Student Safa Abdirahman, a long-time fan of Korean culture, said the event showed how much people love it. 'It was amazing to see so many people excited about Korean culture. The K-pop dance performance was the best part, and the energy from the crowd showed how much this culture means to us,' she said.
As someone who has been interested in K-culture for over a decade, Safa felt like she was surrounded by a community that truly accepts others. 'From the food stalls to the various K-drama and K-pop discussions, the highlight was an incredible K-pop performance by passionate fans and talented dancers,' said Safe.
Beyond entertainment, K-culture has influenced young residents in various ways, from beauty and fashion to everyday habits. Simra Bhat, a fan of Korean trends, shared how this influence has been positive.
'Korean culture has had such a strong impact on us, especially in how we appreciate storytelling, fashion, and even self-care. Many Korean shows introduce us to Korean traditions, cuisine, and values. K-beauty products have become a part of my routine. Even brands like Samsung and Hyundai have shaped the way we use technology in our daily lives,' said Bhat.
