The plan is to promote Korean history and heritage as well as Arabs’ age-old ties with the Korean peninsula.

“The Riyadh-based Korean Embassy and the Dubai-based chapter of the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) are working closely with a large number of Korean government agencies under the supervision of Korean Ambassador Kim Jong-yong to ensure better preparations for these two high-profile events,” Charm Lee, KTO’s president, said while giving an overview of the preparations on Saturday.

“There is much to be exhibited and even more to be understood by the people of the two countries as our relations span over centuries,” said Lee, who is of German origin.

The Kingdom has the distinction of being the first Arab country to throw its weight behind South Korea, recognize it as an independent nation after the Korean War and open its diplomatic mission in Seoul back in 1963.

Lee said Seoul would like to show every aspect of Korean lifestyle to the Saudi people and to entertain them with a number of cultural shows that include popular performing arts.

He said Korea had pledged to foster ties and showcase its tourism potential and facilities with an aim to increase tourist flow to the country. He noted that last year the total number of GCC tourists exceeded 8,500, including 3,800 Saudi travelers.

South Korea, he said, had the potential to be a favorite destination for Saudi and Gulf tourists. He pointed out that about 1 million Muslims live and work in Korea, a nation that boasts of rapid growth, lush greenery and a hospitable 50 million-strong population. “In Seoul alone, we have at least 37 halal food restaurants besides several mosques, Arabic tour guides and tour packages to suit all segments of tourists from the Gulf region,” said Lee.

Referring to the growing ties between Riyadh and Seoul, Lee said all Arab countries, especially Saudi Arabia, “are very important to us.”

He added that South Korea wants to share its development experience with them and offer human and technological resources, while seeking to promote relations in the fields of tourism and culture. Riyadh and Seoul have been committed to the development of bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1962.

The Kingdom has been Korea’s largest oil supplier. Seoul is one of Saudi Arabia’s 10 largest trading partners with bilateral trade totaling $40 billion annually. The balance of trade is in favor of Riyadh because of its oil supplies.