Côte d'Ivoire Introduces Young People to K-Pop Dance

Eighteen young Ivoirians participated in an immersive K-Pop dance workshop at the Alassane Ouattara Ivorian-Korean Centre in Abidjan on November 14, 2026. The workshop, organized by the King Sejong Institute of Abidjan with support from the South Korean Embassy in Côte d'Ivoire, aimed to promote South Korean popular culture. Under the guidance of professional dancer and instructor Ahn Han-Geol, participants learned the demanding techniques and precise choreography of K-Pop.

Ahn Han-Geol expressed his admiration for the young participants' talent, praising their energy and ability to quickly memorize and reproduce complex choreographies. He noted that their rapid mastery of K-Pop illustrated the universal language of this musical genre, which transcends linguistic barriers through its visual aesthetic, catchy sounds, and high-performance standards. The participants also shared their experiences, with one describing the workshop as an intense learning and self-improvement opportunity.

The participant, who has been dancing for three years, appreciated the instructive teaching of Ahn Han-Geol and encouraged her peers to explore different styles, despite their novelty on the local scene. She thanked the organizers, saying "Kamsahamnida" (thank you in Korean). The South Korean Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire, Chang Soyc, attended the workshop and expressed his delight in seeing the young participants' enthusiasm, highlighting that the invitation of a professional aimed to provide direct exposure to contemporary Korean culture.

According to Kim Hyun Ho, head of operations at the King Sejong Institute of Abidjan, the K-Pop Dance Academy is part of a comprehensive annual program that includes a K-Beauty Academy and regular Korean language courses. The goal is to make the academy a hub for cultural exchange and open-mindedness. The workshop is a significant event in the Ivorian-Korean cooperation, which has seen significant investments, including over 70 billion FCFA in investments via KOICA since 2014.

Patrice Remarck, director-general of the Alassane Ouattara Ivorian-Korean Centre, placed the success of the workshop within the broader context of fruitful Ivorian-Korean cooperation. He noted the dynamism of this partnership, marked by significant investments and the excellence of Taekwondo, which has contributed four of Côte d'Ivoire's five Olympic medals. The centre has become a symbol of the strong ties between the two nations.

The K-Pop dance workshop demonstrated the growing interest of young Ivoirians in Korean culture. Ahn Han-Geol's expertise and guidance provided a unique opportunity for the participants to learn from a professional and experience the energy of K-Pop. The event has sparked enthusiasm among the participants, who are now likely to share their newfound passion with their peers.

The collaboration between the King Sejong Institute of Abidjan, the South Korean Embassy, and the Alassane Ouattara Ivorian-Korean Centre has made the K-Pop Dance Academy a success. The initiative has not only introduced young Ivoirians to K-Pop but also fostered cultural exchange and strengthened ties between Côte d'Ivoire and South Korea. The workshop has set the stage for future events and programs that will continue to promote cultural understanding and cooperation between the two nations.

Key points

• K-Pop dance workshop introduces 18 young Ivoirians to Korean culture
• Participants learn from professional dancer Ahn Han-Geol
• Event strengthens Ivorian-Korean cooperation and cultural exchange