"Enjoy a Cup of Arabic Coffee 'Qahwa' at the National Museum of Korea"...Qatari Culture Experience Program

At the Museum’s Open Yard on October 25

The National Museum of Korea, in collaboration with the Embassy of Qatar to the Republic of Korea, will host the event 'Traveling through Qatari Culture at the Museum' at the museum’s open yard on October 25.

'Traveling through Qatari Culture at the Museum' Event Poster. Courtesy of the National Museum of Korea

This event is part of the museum’s cultural platform initiative and aims to foster empathy and understanding of cultural diversity through cooperation with foreign diplomatic missions in Korea.

Qatar is a Middle Eastern country where modernity and tradition coexist, widely recognized as the host of the 2022 World Cup. The traditions of nomadic culture that once traversed the desert continue to this day, and Islam is deeply embedded in everyday life and society. The capital city, Doha, is an international metropolis where diverse races and cultures blend, featuring a unique charm created by its modern skyline and the traditional market 'Souq Waqif.'

At the event venue, a traditional Qatari tent called 'Bayt al Sha'ar' will be set up, allowing visitors to directly experience the lifestyle of nomads. The exhibit is designed to help visitors understand the symbolic meanings of the tent, such as its size and fabric indicating social status, and the spatial divisions according to gender, going beyond its function as a simple dwelling.

For visitors encountering Islamic culture for the first time, Arabic coffee 'Qahwa' and dates will be served. These foods symbolize Qatar’s hospitality culture, offering a taste of the warmth and generosity characteristic of the region.

Additionally, there will be a traditional costume experience program. Participants can learn how to wear the traditional headscarf 'Ghutra' and the black cord 'Agal' used to secure it.

Notably, at 2 p.m. on the day of the event, a traditional dance performance by a delegation of Qatari children is scheduled. This dance originates from the male sword dance that once showcased the bravery of warriors.

Meanwhile, the National Museum of Korea plans to open the 'Islamic Gallery' within the World Culture Hall on November 22, through exhibition cooperation with the Museum of Islamic Art in Qatar. Until now, the museum has introduced the cultures of various Islamic countries through special exhibitions in collaboration with their representative museums, but this is the first time a permanent exhibition space has been established.

A representative from the National Museum of Korea stated, "We hope that this experiential event will help visitors become more familiar with Qatari traditional culture, and that, based on cooperation with foreign diplomatic missions in Korea, opportunities to enjoy diverse cultures at the museum will continue to expand."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.