Wednesday 8 November saw a kite craft workshop held at and organised by Sawy Cultural Wheel jointly with the Korean Cultural Centre, under the supervision of artist Lee Kate A.
The Korean artist, with the participation of a group of students from technical colleges in Egypt, manufactured several models of Korean kites, called “Yon”, in a workshop entitled “Kites on the banks of the Nile”.
In a word to the participants, Jae Yang, Director of the Korean Cultural Centre, spoke about the importance of artistic exchange between Egypt and Korea, noting that the Korean Cultural Centre is keen to broaden its artistic and cultural activities to meet all tastes and ages.
He pointed out that Korea knew kites early on, in the era of the Kingdom of Sheila when the military leader Kim Yoshin began to use them during the wars. Koreans continued using them, however, after that, since it was believed that flying the kite early in the New Year expels negative energy, protects from evil spirits, and bring goodness from the heavens.
The Korean artist reviewed in Cairo types of Korean kites characterised by their wonderful drawings and accurate engineering designs. He said Korean kites symbolise happy wishes and the booming of peace, “that’s why many festivals and celebrations are held in Korea using kites”.
Watani International
10 November 2017