Marking the extension of the ongoing exhibition of Egyptian treasures held in the National Museum of Korea until March 2022, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Egypt Hong Jin-Wook emphasized that cultural exchange between Egypt and South Korea plays a leading role in increasing understanding between the peoples of the two countries. ## "Egyptian people are currently enjoying the cultural activities held by the Korean Cultural Centre in Egypt (KCC), including K-POP, movie screenings, Korean cuisine and Korean language courses, while many Koreans are seeking to explore the grandeur and glory of ancient Egyptian civilization," the Korean Ambassador explained. Ambassador Hong pointed out that despite the geographic distance between Egypt and South Korea, cultural exchanges between the two countries have rapidly developed. Ambassador Hong said that the Embassy will run a survey soon to gather information on Korea's image in the eyes of the Egyptian people. "This meaningful survey will allow us to gain valuable insights and clear feedbacks from the Egyptian people on how we further strengthen our bilateral relations", Ambassador added. Speaking about the exhibition of Egyptian treasures held in the National Museum of Korea, the ambassador pointed out that due to the popularity of ancient Egyptian antiquities, which dazzled millions of Korean people, the museum decided to extend the exhibition, which was inaugurated in December 2019, for four months, until March 2022. The Egyptian section, the first of its kind, is a part of the World Cultures Gallery. It displays 94 ancient Egyptian treasures and artifacts, including a 2,700-year-old mummy and coffin. The exhibition, which was scheduled to run until 7 November 2021, attracted many Koreans who enjoyed seeing artifacts that present tale of life, death and rebirth. Museum visitors soared by more than 30 percent after the opening of the Egyptian section. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the museum has been closed for a month. Alternatively, the museum launched a virtual exhibition for the Egyptian section to enable many people to see the Egyptian artifacts online.
