Rabat – Korea Culture Week 2026 officially kicked off today at Mohammed V Theater in Rabat, bringing Moroccan audiences closer to the richness and diversity of Korean culture through a vibrant program of music, tradition, and cross-cultural collaboration.

The opening ceremony began with remarks from the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Morocco, Yeonjin Yoon, who emphasized the spirit of cultural exchange at the heart of the event. 

“We host the event to build bridges between two countries and boost understanding and cooperation,” he told MWN Lifestyle. 

In a symbolic gesture, the ambassador wore a traditional Moroccan outfit, while his wife appeared in a Korean hanbok, reflecting “cooperation and understanding, friendship between the two countries.”

The first day opened with a concert blending classical opera and Korean Gagok, a traditional vocal genre known for its lyrical beauty and deep historical roots. 

For the occasion, Korean lyrical singers Kyeongwook Jang, Eungyu Lee, and Jinkyung Lee, alongside pianist Juhyung Lee, took part in the performance.

The evening also featured standout moments including a moving rendition of “My Way” by Yassin Kak and Kyeongwook Jang, as well as the playful and expressive “Cats Duo” performed by Eungyu Lee and Jinkyung Lee.

A special highlight of the night brought together musicians playing traditional Moroccan instruments from the Conservatory of Music and Choreographic Art of Salé, alongside a Moroccan tenor. 

Together, they performed a unique fusion of the Moroccan classic “Bent Bladi” and the contemporary Korean track “Soda Pop,” creating what organizers described as a perfect dialogue between tradition and modernity.

Hyebin Oh, Second Secretary at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and organizer of the event, highlighted the significance of this collaboration. 

In an interview with MWN Lifestyle, she stated that the program is, “A perfect harmony of tradition and modern society and also Morocco and Korea.”

She also pointed to the overwhelming public response to the event. “Many Moroccans are really interested in Korean cultures, K-pop and K-drama and also traditional elements like hanbok,” she highlighted. 

“1,500 tickets per day were sold out in three hours.”

The evening concluded with a powerful collective performance of “Arirang,” one of Korea’s most iconic traditional songs, interpreted jointly by Korean and Moroccan lyrical singers and Moroccan musicians playing traditional instruments, an emotional finale symbolizing unity through music.