The Peninsula
At least 5,000 Korean nationals are anticipated to travel to Qatar for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
According to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to State of Qatar Ambassador, H E Joon-ho Lee. In addition to watching the football matches of their country, Korean tourists will also explore Qatar, explained the envoy to The Peninsula.
“Koreans will not only watch our games but also discover many hidden gems in Qatar.” Lee said there is a “huge enthusiasm” among his countrymen about Qatar.
Recently two members of the popular K-pop girl band Girls' Generation visited the country where the ambassador personally met them. He explained that the group members are filming a music video.
In August, a Visa Waiver Agreement was signed between the two countries which took effect in September. This means that passport holders of Qatar and South Korea can either enter the other country visa-free for up to 90 days.
The South Korea Team belongs to the Group H of the World Cup which consists of Portugal, Ghana, and Uruguay. The matches will begin from November 24 to December 2. The first match of South Korea will be against Uruguay on November 24; followed by a game against Ghana on November 28; and against Portugal on December 2. All games will be played at Education City Stadium.
The team’s best performance in the World Cup was in the fourth position in 2002. This World Cup is South Korea’s tenth successive appearance in the tournament.
Ambassador Lee also hopes that a match between Korea and Qatar will happen. “If the two teams can ever meet each other, it would be the semi-final. You know the ball is round and anything is possible in football. I really would like to see this match between Korea and Qatar happens. We wish all the success for both the Korean National Team and Al Annabi Team.”
Cultural events are also planned during the World Cup, said Lee. He explained that the embassy has applied for a ‘Community activation’ to present cultural events and activities, also a Korean Movie Festival during the quadrennial event.
With the global dominance of Korean pop culture or K-pop, the envoy said there are currently no confirmed K-pop groups traveling to Qatar to perform for the World Cup.