The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on April 11 announced its opening of the Hallyu business-promoting center Korea 360 in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, the second of its kind after that in Jakarta, Indonesia. Shown is Korea 360 at Festival Mall in the central business district of Dubai. (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism)
By Lee Dasom
Korea 360, a center promoting items related to Hallyu (Korean Wave), opens this weekend in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in Seoul on April 11 said the official opening of the facility -- the second of its kind -- is from April 11-12 in Dubai.
The center offers direct experience in Korean content and culture and sales of agricultural and fishery food, cosmetics and design products related to Hallyu. The first Korea 360 was opened in Jakarta, Indonesia, in 2022.
Last year, the Jakarta center attracted 1.59 million visitors and revenue of KRW 2.7 billion, proving itself as a bridgehead for entering international markets through promoting the distribution and consumption of Hallyu-themed products.
Covering 1,606 square m, the Dubai branch is at Festival Mall in the city's central business district. Its facilities include a main atrium to host large-sale events, zone for experiencing Korean content and culture, and space to see and buy Hallyu-related items like food and cosmetics.
Ten public organizations in Korea jointly manage the venue including the Korea Creative Content Agency, Kora Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corp., Korea SMEs and Startups Agency, Korea Cosmetic Industry Institute, Korea Craft and Design Foundation, and Korea Institute of Design Promotion.
The opening event includes a concert by K-pop acts Red C, Gaho, CIX and Chen from the boy band EXO. Cho Kwang-jin, creator of the webtoon and TV series "Itaewon Class," will sign autographs and a fashion show will feature the famous fashion designer Lie Sangbong.
The ministry said, "When the base for promoting Hallyu products is set up in Dubai, the center of global transportation and logistics and a key region in the Middle East, it will help not only open up the Mideastern market but also promote Hallyu and its related businesses to tourists around the world."
dlektha0319@korea.kr
