First lady promotes halal-certified Korean food in UAE
First lady Kim Hea Kyung tries a snack during a promotional event for halal-certified Korean food at the Korean Cultural Center in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, Wednesday. Yonhap
ABU DHABI — First Lady Kim Hea Kyung promoted halal-certified Korean food Wednesday as she accompanied President Lee Jae Myung on his visit to the United Arab Emirates, sampling the popular Buldak spicy chicken noodles.
Kim attended a promotional event for Korean cuisine at the Korean Cultural Center in Abu Dhabi, which showcases halal-certified Korean products that meet regulations permissible under Islamic law.
She visited an exhibition booth featuring Buldak spicy chicken noodles by Korean company Samyang Foods, asking whether ramyeon is one of the items that require halal certification.
"It's hot but delicious," said Kim, wearing a traditional hanbok.
Launched in 2012, the spicy instant noodles are now sold in about 100 countries, including the United States, China, Europe and Southeast Asia.
Having authored a Korean food recipe book in 2018, the first lady has presented herself as a cultural ambassador for Korean cuisine and has emphasized the importance of promoting Korean food overseas.