On Sunday, June 29, 2025, Ain Shams University's Faculty of Al-Alsun hosted the 2025 "Quiz on Korea" competition in its auditorium. The event celebrated the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Egypt, as well as the 20th anniversary of the Korean Language Department's establishment at the university. The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Egypt sponsored the event.
The "Quiz on Korea" is a competition organized by the Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS). Its goal is to boost global interest in Korea through a wide range of questions covering various aspects of Korean culture, including history, art, language, customs, and traditions.
The "Quiz on Korea" features two distinct stages: a preliminary round hosted in Egypt, followed by a grand finale in Korea. Unlike previous preliminary competitions, which typically called for online pre-registration and a general grasp of the Korean language, this year the Egyptian conditions were different. A new prerequisite was introduced: contestants needed to hold a TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) certificate. The participant who wins in this initial phase will earn the honor of representing Egypt in the September final in Korea, competing against participants from across the globe. Viewers can watch the final competition broadcast on KBS on October 5.
The preliminary round kicked off with an address from His Excellency Ambassador Kim Yong-hyun, the Republic of Korea's Ambassador to Egypt. He conveyed his sincere pleasure in hosting the "Quiz on Korea" event, underscoring the strong bonds of friendship and partnership shared between Korea and Egypt. The Ambassador stressed that cultural exchange serves as a vital link for mutual understanding between the two nations, extending his appreciation to all participants and the audience for their enthusiasm and dedication to enriching bilateral cultural exchange.
Following the Ambassador, Dr. Salwa Rashad, Dean of Ain Shams University's Faculty of Al-Alsun, delivered her speech. She highlighted the profound connections between the two countries, noting how the Korean Language Department perfectly showcases these ties, with its students effectively acting as cultural ambassadors. Dr. Salwa clarified that the "Quiz on Korea" extends beyond a simple test of knowledge; it's a celebration of a shared enthusiasm with Korean culture and the essence of intercultural dialogue.
The event also showcased vibrant performances of "Samulnori," traditional Korean music, presented by students from Ain Shams University's Korean Language Department. This spirited performance infused the event with a lively atmosphere. Beyond the main competition, an interactive quiz for the audience was also held, offering them an opportunity to deepen their understanding of Korea and discover the diverse initiatives of the Korean Embassy in Egypt.
The questions in the preliminary round were diverse, encompassing three categories: true/false statements, multiple-choice options, and short-answer questions requiring precise Korean language responses.
Rawan Hamed, a third-year student from the Korean Language Department, secured first place, earning her spot to represent Egypt in the final round in Korea.
The event drew a substantial crowd of attendees, beyond just the competitors. The audience expressed their admiration for the participants' passion and extensive knowledge of Korea, indicating a strong desire to explore more of Korean culture and history themselves, and to join the 'Quiz on Korea' contest in the future. It also demonstrated how culture acts as a powerful bridge, fostering understanding and strengthening bonds between people. Through shared appreciation of traditions and knowledge, communities grow closer, transcending geographical and linguistic divides. It's a testament to how cultural exchange truly unites us.
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