Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism / Korean Culture and Information Service

Overall view of the Philippines-Korea Cultural Exchange Festival venue

Parade participants

(5th from the right in the 1st row) Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa, (7th from the left in the second row) Philippines-Korea Cultural Exchange Festival Ambassador, actor Kim Seung Soo, and Korean community officials

Traditional dance performance by SWEEP ART COMPANY

Visitors experiencing Korean calligraphy

On Sept. 30, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines (Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa), the United Korean Community Association in the Philippines (Chairman Jae Sin Sim), the Manila Korea Town Association (Chairman Kim Jong Pal), and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA; Executive Director Victorino Manalo) hosted the "32nd Philippines-Korea Cultural Exchange Festival."

This year's Philippines-Korea Cultural Exchange Festival was particularly significant as it marked the 50th anniversary of the announcement of the Korea-Philippines Cultural Agreement. The festival took place at Robinsons Manila—located near Manila Korea Town, the sole Korea Town in the Philippines established through a city ordinance.

This annual festival, which commemorates the enduring friendship and interactions between the Philippines and Korea, commenced with a wide array of booth activities and live performances. Attendees were able to immerse themselves in Korean culture through engaging activities—such as Korean calligraphy, trying on Hanboks, participating in traditional games, and even learning to make Kimchi. Furthermore, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts of the Philippines ran an exhibition booth featuring Filipino cultural and artistic literature as well as traditional crafts, thereby enriching the cultural exchange.

A cultural exchange parade between Korea and the Philippines, spanning approximately half an hour, served as the festival's opening at 2:30 PM. Approximately 150 participants, including traditional performance troupes from both countries and general participants, paraded through Manila Korea Town waving the flags of both nations. To the beat of traditional music of the samulnori performing team, the parade featured the Taekwondo demonstration team, students adorned in customary Korean garb, and the Filipino percussion performance ensemble, marching sequentially and captivating the spectators.

Following the parade, the main festival was attended by Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines, Chairman Jae Sin Sim of the United Korean Community Association in the Philippines, Chairman Kim Jong Pal of the Manila Korea Town Association, and Vice Chairman Oscar G. Casaysay of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. Notably, Kim Seung Soo, an actor who gained popularity in Southeast Asia for his role in "Jumong," attended the event as the festival's ambassador and received a warm response from the audience.

In his address, Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa said, "The long-standing cultural exchange festival is a place of friendship and trust between the two nations and a good example of mutual public diplomacy." He also expressed his hope for a deeper mutual understanding through this festival as next year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and the Philippines.

The celebration continued with congratulatory performances by traditional and contemporary troupes representing Korea and the Philippines. The University of the Philippines' traditional performance group, "Kontra GaPi (Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino)", presented a dance performance synchronized with Filipino traditional percussion rhythms. Additionally, "SWEEP ART COMPANY," invited from Korea, showcased an energetic samulnori performance, accompanied by traditional Korean dance.

Furthermore, emerging Pinoy Pop or P-pop bands and local K-POP dance cover groups performed brilliantly, introducing the pop music of both countries.

Visitors to the festival shared their thoughts, stating, "We were able to experience the rich cultures of both countries, from traditional dances to music and food, and it was an unforgettable experience," and "I am delighted to interact with other visitors to the festival and make friends who share the same interests."