By Yonhap News

UAE Visit Highlights Food Diplomacy

South Korean First Lady Kim Hea Kyung promoted halal-certified Korean food during her official visit to the United Arab Emirates alongside President Lee Jae Myung. She attended a Korean food promotion at the Korean Cultural Center in Abu Dhabi, which displays halal-compliant products aligned with Islamic dietary standards.

During the event, Kim visited a booth featuring Buldak spicy chicken noodles produced by Samyang Foods and asked about halal certification requirements for ramyeon. After tasting the noodles, she commented on their strong flavor while wearing traditional hanbok.

Introduced in 2012, Buldak noodles are now distributed in nearly 100 countries, including the United States, China, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Kim also sampled halal-certified Korean beef and voiced her support for expanding Korean food exports overseas.

Cultural Exchange Strengthens Bilateral Ties

Kim emphasized that food becomes more appealing through familiarity, describing cuisine as a powerful element of K-culture. Her remarks followed South Korea’s recent export of premium hanwoo beef to the UAE, making the country its fifth overseas destination.

Known for publishing a Korean recipe book in 2018, the first lady has consistently acted as a cultural representative for Korean cuisine. During the visit, she also reviewed smart farming technology for strawberry production and met with Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, expressing admiration for her contributions to women’s empowerment and family values while extending an invitation to visit South Korea.

Original Article:

Yonhap News Agency. (2025). (Lead) First lady promotes halal-certified Korean food in UAE. Yonhap News Agency. https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20251119010151315