A surge in interest for Korean culture and products is creating new business opportunities in Qatar, as demonstrated by the ongoing Korean Shopping Festival at City Center Doha. The event, which runs through October 24, features 17 local vendors alongside 30 companies from South Korea, showcasing a range of items including food, skincare, electronics, and lifestyle goods.

South Korea’s ambassador to Qatar, Hong Jeepio, said the festival is part of a broader initiative to bring Korean culture closer to the local community. Speaking in an interview, he emphasized that the products presented go beyond commercial appeal, offering visitors a chance to engage with Korean culture. “There are a lot of things and items which Korea has to offer,” he said, citing not only skincare and food but also electrical goods as highlights. The ambassador encouraged residents to attend the festival and explore what Korea has to offer, underscoring the cultural connection such events help foster.

For Qatar-based businessman Juyoung Lee, who has lived in the country since 1984, the growing enthusiasm for Korean culture represents a striking shift over the past few decades. Lee’s family established its business in 2005 with the goal of introducing Korean culture to Qatar. Reflecting on his childhood, he noted that awareness of Korea was limited when he was growing up. “Most of the people here didn’t know where Korea was,” he recalled. Today, however, Lee observes that non-Koreans in Qatar are increasingly familiar with the language, music, and television dramas from Korea.

Lee’s business focuses on popular Korean products, and he credits changing consumer preferences with expanding the market. He views events like the Korean Shopping Festival as vital for connecting businesses with potential customers. “Oh yeah, definitely,” he said, emphasizing that such festivals open doors for broader exposure.

Looking ahead, Lee anticipates continued growth in demand, particularly for Korean food products adapted to appeal to international consumers. He noted that many items are now tailored for non-Korean tastes, contributing to the expansion of the market. “It’s definitely going to grow year after year, I think, for a very long time,” Lee said, forecasting sustained interest in Korean culture and goods in Qatar.