Egypt, Korea review 30 years of diplomatic memories at Islamic Art Museum

CAIRO – 11 September 2025: In the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Egyptian and South Korean diplomatic relations, the Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE), in cooperation with the Egyptian ministries of foreign affairs and tourism, organized a special exhibition illustrating artifacts and valuable gifts exchanged between the two nations since the establishment of their ties.

Held under the theme “Ham: What We Hold Together,” the two-day exhibition takes place at a dedicated hall inside the Museum of Islamic Art in Old Cairo. The exhibition highlights the rich history of friendship, cultural exchange, and cooperation between Egypt and South Korea over the past three decades.

The exhibition is hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea and organized by the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange (KOFICE). It is presented in cooperation with the Presidential Archives of Korea, the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Egyptian Ministry of Culture.

The exhibition also features 17 diplomatic artifacts, including official documents, videos, and gifts exchanged between the leaders of Egypt and South Korea. Among the showcased items are mother-of-pearl document boxes adorned with a grape pattern, crafted using Ottchil, a traditional Korean lacquerware technique known for its durability and intricate artistry.

 

Another highlight of the exhibition is a set of 35 lacquered bowls, traditionally known as “balwoo.” These bowls were historically used for serving food in Korean Buddhist temples. The set is distinguished by its craftsmanship, having been created through 33 successive layers of meticulously applied lacquer, showcasing the depth and precision of traditional Korean artisanship.

 

The exhibition also includes a variety of unique artifacts and diplomatic gifts, such as a nine-sided lidded box and a matching box-and-tray set. Among the standout items is a crystal ornament model of the "solar barque," presented by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to former South Korean President Moon Jae-in during his 2022 visit to Cairo. Also on display is a silver box gifted by the late President Hosni Mubarak to former President Roh Moo-hyun of South Korea.

 

Also, the exhibition hall houses "The Records of the Court Banquet of 1902 (Imjin Ijnyeon Uigwe),” a four-sheet historical document detailing important royal ceremonies and rituals. The displayed record specifically documents King Gojong’s induction into the Hall of Elders, offering visitors a glimpse into the ceremonial traditions of Korea’s royal court.

 

From the highlights presented by Egypt to former South Korean presidents is a silver casket adorned with traditional arabesque patterns, as well as decorative models of the Pyramids and the Sphinx, symbolic tokens reflecting Egypt’s rich cultural heritage.

In his opening remarks, Korean Ambassador to Egypt Kim Yonghyon said: “By choosing Ham as the title of this exhibition, we wished to reflect on the 30 years of friendship and cooperation between our two countries and share its meaning and memories with the people of Egypt.”

“I am confident that as the years go by, our two countries will discover even greater significance beyond the 30 years we have built together and will continue to forge an ever-closer relationship,” the Ambassador concluded.

photos by Samar Samir