A bridge of coexistence between Korea and the Arab world

We bring Koreans and Arab & Islamic communities closer through two-way cultural education, settlement support, youth networks and media.

Who we are

The world is now within Korea

Korea has moved beyond “Korea in the world” and now welcomes “the world within Korea.” Yet differences in language, religion and culture still create invisible barriers. Our ties with the Arab and Islamic world have grown far beyond energy and trade — but at the level of everyday people, the emotional distance remains.

The Korea-Arab Cultural Exchange Association exists to close that gap: to make cultural diversity a valuable asset for Korea, and to serve as a bridge for civilian diplomacy.

01

Two-way cultural education

Korean language and civic education for Arab and Islamic residents — and an accurate, respectful introduction to Arab and Islamic culture for Koreans.

02

Settlement & family support

Helping newcomers through their first months in Korea, protecting their rights and welfare, and standing with multicultural families against discrimination.

03

Youth & media network

Connecting Korean and multicultural youth online and offline, and sharing their stories through media that speaks their language.

Our projects

Four projects, one shared future

Arabic calligraphy carved into the walls of Ben Youssef Madrasa, Marrakech

01 Education & Research

Bridge of Coexistence

Korea–Arab mutual cultural exchange and coexistence

  • Korean language & civic awarenessPractical Korean classes and seminars on Korea’s legal order and civic life for Islamic residents.
  • Al-Salam Arab Culture AcademyLectures for Koreans, institutions and organizations toward a true understanding of Islamic culture.
  • Korea–Arab civilian diplomacy researchResearch and regular seminars with educational institutions on reducing conflict in a multicultural society.
  • Quarterly · 4 times a year
  • Chungju & online
  • ~50 participants
Hanok houses along a street in Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul, at blue hour

02 Settlement & Welfare

Ahlan Korea

Early adaptation support and multicultural coexistence welfare

  • Early Adaptation Support CenterA Korean-life consultation desk and guidebooks for newly arrived Islamic residents.
  • “Together World” family programMulticultural and Korean families visiting historic, cultural and public sites together, plus cultural showcase events.
  • Care & sharing with local partnersAfter-school care for children of marginalized multicultural families and sharing events for daily necessities.
  • Year-round
  • With local support centers
  • Weekend & holiday trips
Two young women in hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace

03 Youth & Network

Future Leaders

Korea–Arab Youth Supporters and partnerships at home and abroad

  • Korea–Arab Youth SupportersKorean students paired with Arab and Islamic international students to plan and run their own exchange projects.
  • Embassy & partner exchangeRelay visits and meetings with Arab and Islamic embassies and organizations in Korea.
  • Partnerships through MOUsJoint projects with multicultural organizations in Korea and abroad.
  • Recruitment every March
  • Semiannual workshops
  • ~30 youth supporters
A painted Korean traditional drum (buk) at Gyeongbokgung Palace

04 Media & Publications

Voices of Empathy

Korea–Arab emotional communication through media and publications

  • Short-form new mediaStories of life in Korea told by Arab residents, and content that corrects common misunderstandings.
  • Bimonthly newsletterPolicy, social and cultural news from both sides, plus association updates, every two months.
  • Annual reportA yearly publication that brings together the association’s achievements.
  • Youth creator team
  • Newsletter every 2 months
  • Annual report

Our commitments

  • 4core projects
  • 12education sessions a year
  • 30youth supporters each year
  • 6newsletters a year

Get involved

Be part of the bridge

Student, resident, family or institution — there is a place for you in this conversation.

Become a Youth Supporter

Applications open every March for Korean and Arab & Islamic students.

Partner with us

Embassies, schools, NGOs and local governments — let’s build programs together.

Join a program

Language classes, culture academy lectures and family field trips throughout the year.

Photo credits

Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under their respective licenses.