Kuwait recently hosted the Korea Health and Beauty Festival at The Avenues Mall on May 16–17, marking a new chapter in Kuwait-South Korea relations. The event was inaugurated through the joint efforts of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, the Korea Tourism Organization, and the Korea Trade Promotion Corporation (KOTRA).

Ambassador Park Chung-suk emphasized the festival's significance in enhancing cooperation between the two nations, particularly in medical tourism and healthcare services. He noted that the event provided Kuwaiti attendees with an immersive South Korean experience that highlights advancements in cosmetic medicine, sophisticated healthcare, and wellness tourism, all deeply rooted in Korean culture.

Held in one of Kuwait’s largest commercial venues, the Avenues Mall, the festival included a variety of interactive attractions such as:

• Health consultations by experts
• AI-powered skin diagnostics
• Live cosmetic and skincare demonstrations
• Massage therapy sessions
• Cultural exhibits including the traditional Korean attire, hanbok
• Handmade crafts
• Live musical performances including K-pop shows and the Korean performance ‘Nanta’

Medical Tourism Evening Bridges Business Connections

Ahead of the public festival, a Korean Medical Tourism Evening was organized on May 15 at the Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel and Resort. Over 100 attendees from the healthcare and travel sectors engaged in:

• Presentations by leading South Korean hospitals
• One-on-one consultation sessions
• A keynote speech by a Kuwaiti influencer sharing personal experiences in South Korea

Ambassador Park noted that Kuwaiti demand for medical and beauty-related travel to South Korea has surged by 65% in 2024 compared to the previous year.

Culture as a Vehicle for International Cooperation

Park emphasized that Korean culture has evolved into a medium for international cooperation in health, education, and humanitarian sectors. He reaffirmed South Korea’s commitment to its strategic partnership with Kuwait.

Dr. Mohammad Al-Jassar, Secretary General of the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters (NCCAL), praised the festival for enhancing mutual understanding and for the participation of artists and professionals from both countries.

Enhancing Kuwait's Role in Regional Medical Tourism

The Korea Health and Beauty Festival reinforced Kuwait’s role as a regional hub for medical tourism and cultural diplomacy, while promoting South Korea as a preferred destination for high-quality healthcare and aesthetic services.