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Korean Cultural Center Highlights Culture and Cuisine in November Events Strengthening Korea–Philippines friendship through performances and flavors Manila, Philippines — The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) kicked off November with two successful cultural events celebrating the shared creativity, friendship, and culinary appreciation between Korea and the Philippines — the 34th Korea–Philippines Cultural Exchange Festival and the 맛있게 드세요(Enjoy your meal): Hansik Workshop. 34th Korea–Philippines Cultural Exchange Festival The 34th Korea–Philippines Cultural Exchange Festival was held with great success on November 4, 2024, at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila. Hosted by the United Korean Community Association (UKCA) in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines, the Overseas Korean Agency, the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC), and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the festival stood as a testament to the long-standing friendship and dynamic cultural exchange between the two nations. Held at the historic Metropolitan Theater—a symbol of Philippine cultural heritage—the festival drew around 1,000 attendees, comprising Koreans, Filipinos, and enthusiasts of both cultures.  ‘Young Villains’ hailed as grand winner at the cultural competition. This year’s event showcased a lively mix of singing, dancing, and speech competitions, with Young Villains, the youngest dance group from Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, emerging as the grand winner. Adding to the festivities were special performances by Korean artists Gil Byeongmin (Bass-Baritone), Kim Hyunsoo (Tenor), and Lee Byeori (Tenor) from the hit show ‘Phantom Singer’, who delighted the audience with classical and contemporary pieces. ‘Iskollas’ performs hit classics both from the Philippines and Korea.‘Phantom Singer’ stars serenades the crowd with their classic and contemporary pieces Representing the Philippines, Iskollas—graduates from the University of the Philippines College of Music and winners of the 2020 festival—performed a medley of beloved Filipino classics by VST & Company and Into the New World by Girls’ Generation, further embodying the spirit of cultural harmony and artistic exchange. 맛있게 드세요: Hansik Workshop Workshop participants pose for a group photo after the 3-part Hansik Workshop inspired from the hit Netflix Korean drama, ‘Bon Appétit, Your Majesty’ Shortly after, the KCC hosted the 맛있게 드세요 (Enjoy your meal): Hansik Workshop, an interactive program dedicated to promoting Korean cuisine, or Hansik, to a wider Filipino audience. The workshop took inspiration from the popular K-drama Bon Appétit, Your Majesty and explored the fusion of traditional Korean ingredients such as Doenjang (soybean paste), dried pollack, perilla oil, spinach, and buckwheat noodles into modern recipes. (left) Spinach Pesto Doenjang Pasta and (right) Dried Pollack Consommé Led by Chef Lily Min, the event included both an exhibition and a hands-on cooking session, emphasizing the cultural significance of Korea’s “Jang (fermented sauce) culture”, which is inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The workshop fostered cross-sector collaboration and deepened appreciation for Hansik as a cultural bridge connecting tradition, creativity, and community. Through these November events, KCC reaffirmed its commitment to enriching the cultural connection between Korea and the Philippines—whether through the shared rhythm of music and dance or the shared joy of a good meal.

K-Drama Magic Returns: OST Symphony II Captures Hearts in Sold-Out Concert (The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra led by Maestro Herminigildo Ranera and guest Concertmaster Kim Mijung.) The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC), in partnership with the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), successfully held OST Symphony II: K-Drama in Concert on October 25 at Samsung Hall, SM Aura, Taguig City. The second edition of the concert series once again featured the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) performing iconic Korean drama soundtracks live. Demand was overwhelming: both show sold out, with more than 1,500 tickets reserved within five minutes of the public release. On concert day, fans queued outside the venue in hopes of securing released seats. The repertoire included official soundtracks (OST) from well-loved titles such as Goblin and Crash Landing on You, as well as recent hits like Queen of Tears, When Life Gives You Tangerines, and K-Pop Demon Hunters. The PPO also performed “Bagong Tadhana” from the Filipino fantasy drama Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre, which drew loud cheers from the audience. Korean singers Hong Isaac and YEGNY shared the stage with Filipino artists Kyline Alcantara and Angel Guardian, delivering cross-cultural performances with Violinist Mijung Kim, who joined the PPO as guest concertmaster. (From left: Hong Isaac, Kyline Alcantara, YEGNY, Angel Guardian) The event welcomed distinguished guests, including H.E. Lee Sang-hwa, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines; CCP President Kaye Tinga; and NCCA Deputy Executive Director Bernan Joseph Corpuz, alongside partners from the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO Manila), Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA Manila), Most Contents, GMA Network, Viu Philippines, and SM Supermalls. (From left: Director Kim Myeongjin, Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines;
Deputy Executive Director Bernan Joseph Corpuz, National Commission for Culture and the Arts; 
Ambassador Lee Sang-Hwa, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines; President Kaye Tinga, Cultural Center in the Philippines; Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin San Agustin, SM Supermalls; Maestro Herminigildo Ranera, Conductor of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra) Ahead of the concert, a K-Drama OST & Show Production Workshop was held on October 23 at the BGC Arts Center in collaboration with GMA Network. Music producer Lee Jong-myung (Echo Bridge), producer of Apple of My Eye starring TWICE’s Dahyun and The Box starring EXO’s Chanyeol. Lee Jong-myung was also joined by Kwon Jae-young, producer of Immortal Songs, shared practical insights with Filipino broadcast professionals, musicians, and students. (K-Drama OST & Show Production Workshop at the BGC Arts Center, October 23)(Korean Goods & Culture Exhibit at the Korean Cultural Center) Complementing the program, KCC and KOTRA Manila mounted the Korean Goods & Culture exhibition at SM Aura (October 25) and the BGC Arts Center (October 23), featuring Korean brands, K-culture merchandise, K-food, and lifestyle products. The exhibit continues at the Korean Cultural Center until late November. “Presented as a ‘Season 2’ of last year’s successful K-Drama OST Concert, this year’s edition offers more than the concert itself,” said Kim Myeongjin, Director of the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines. “By connecting the main show with a knowledge-sharing workshop and an exhibition of K-culture-inspired products, we continuously aim to expand the event into a wider platform for cultural and industry exchange.” 

K-Drama’s Greatest Hits Come Alive: Korean Cultural Center and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra Delight Fans with a Night of Music and Emotion (Manila, Philippines) — The magic of Korean drama is set to return to the concert stage as the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC), the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) proudly present OST Symphony II: K-Drama in Concert, on October 25, 2025 at the Samsung Hall, SM Aura in Taguig City - with two shows at 2:00 PM and 6:30 PM. This event is in partnership with the Korea Tourism Organization - Manila Office (KTO), the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), SM Supermalls, VIU Philippines, and GMA. Following the overwhelming success of its debut last year, OST Symphony II: K-Drama in Concert will once again bring drama, nostalgia, and well-loved soundtracks to life—this time, with even grander performances from the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO). (The PPO at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham, England. Image Courtesy of CCP.) At the heart of this concert is the PPO led by Maestro Herminigildo Ranera. Fresh from their successful UK tour, PPO will perform powerful and heart-stirring renditions of beloved K-Drama soundtracks. From the adrenaline-filled beats of Kpop Demon Hunters to the tender melodies of Crash Landing on You and the tear-jerking When Life Gives You Tangerines, the night will be a journey through the emotions that made every K-Drama unforgettable.            (Stills from Kpop Demon Hunters, Crash Landing on You and When Life Gives You Tangerines. Images Courtesy of Netflix) The concert also features an exciting lineup of guest performers, including Korean singer-songwriter Hong Isaac and rising artist YEGNY, alongside Filipino artists Kyline Alcantara and Angel Guardian. These stars will add flair to the concert, bridging cultures through songs that celebrate both Korean and Filipino artistry. Prior to the concert, KCC will hold a K-OST and K-Show Production Workshop in partnership with GMA, gathering some of Korea’s leading music and show producers for a one-day creative exchange with Filipino professionals. The initiative aims to bring both industries closer and spark new opportunities for collaboration in storytelling and production. This year’s concert also shines a spotlight on Gyeongju, the host city of the upcoming 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Korea. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Gyeongju is bringing a piece of its charm to Manila through a promotional booth at the concert lobby, where guests can learn more about the city’s history and attractions. The space is complemented by a K-Drama merchandise display, offering fans an added layer of appreciation and a closer look at the cultural stories that inspire their favorite shows. With a full house of K-drama fans, music lovers, and cultural enthusiasts, OST Symphony II: K-Drama in Concert will once again showcase that great stories know no borders—and that the universal language of music continues to unite hearts, one soundtrack at a time. Tickets will be available soon through smtickets.com. Stay tuned on the Facebook and Instagram accounts of the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines for more information.

The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (Director Kim Myeongjin) successfully hosted the cultural week event "Protect the Honmoon: A Chuseok & Hangeul Day Week-long Celebration" from October 6 (Mon) to 11 (Sat), to commemorate Korea’s representative holidays, Chuseok and Hangeul Day. Inspired by the Netflix animated film KPop Demon Hunters, the event featured a series of programs that blended traditional and contemporary Korean culture, receiving an enthusiastic response from participants. ▲ "Protect the Honmoon: A Chuseok & Hangeul Day Week-long Celebration" Poster Bridging Tradition and Modern Culture The celebration highlighted the themes of family and gratitude embodied in Chuseok, as well as the creativity and identity symbolized by Hangeul Day. It also reinterpreted the concept of “Honmoon” from KPop Demon Hunters, conveying the message that protecting the Honmoon represents safeguarding Korea’s culture and traditions. Through each program, participants experienced both the symbolism and the enduring value of Korean culture. Program Highlights Throughout the week, four main programs Threads of Fate, Golden Melodies, Brush Off the Demons, and Magpie-Tiger Minhwa Workshop were offered to the public. Threads of Fate: Maedeup Charm DIY Activity Inspired by the bracelet exchanged between the main characters Rumi and Jinu in KPop Demon Hunters, this activity encouraged participants to craft their own traditional Korean knots, showcasing the delicacy and symbolism of Korean craftsmanship.   ▲ Threads of Fate: Maedeup Charm DIY Activity Golden Melodies: Gugak Class This class combined gayageum (12-string instrument), pansori (narrative singing), and traditional dance to reinterpret songs featured in KPop Demon Hunters. Participants learned the techniques, rhythms and movements of Korean traditional music through familiar melodies, discovering its charm in an engaging and accessible way.   ▲ Golden Melodies: Gugak Class Brush Off the Demons: Hangeul Calligraphy Workshop Using Korean lyrics from the film’s original soundtracks such as Golden and Soda Pop, participants practiced calligraphy by writing and reading the text in Hangeul, deepening their appreciation for the aesthetic beauty of the Korean alphabet.   ▲ Brush Off the Demons: Hangeul Calligraphy Workshop Kkachi Horangi (까치호랑이) Magpie-Tiger: Minhwa Workshop This program explored the connection between the film’s characters - Duffy the tiger and Sussie the magpie - and Korea’s traditional art motifs. Participants created their own minhwa (folk paintings) based on the Jakhodo design, deepening their understanding of the symbolism and creativity in Korean traditional art.   ▲ Kkachi Horangi Magpie-Tiger: Minhwa Workshop A total of 177 people participated in “Protect the Honmoon”, which featured programs that harmonized Korea’s traditional and contemporary cultures and attracted great interest from participants. The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines will continue to expand opportunities for cultural exchange and promote the diversity and creativity of Korean culture in the years ahead.

Harmony Continues — and More! The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC), in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Intramuros Administration, once again filled the historic walls of Intramuros with music and meaning during Harmony Continues, held on September 30, 2025. Now in its third year, Harmony Continues has become a stage where Korean and Filipino artists come together to share their distinctive musical traditions while finding resonance in one another’s art. From the exchange between Korea’s pansori and Philippine percussion in 2023, to the interplay of Korean percussion and Filipino strings in 2024, this year’s edition highlighted the meeting of Korea’s string traditions and the Philippines’ vocal artistry.     The evening featured the Korean duo DAL:UM, known for transforming the sounds of traditional instruments like the gayageum and geomungo into contemporary expressions that stir the modern soul. Complementing their performance was Filipino soprano Stefanie Quintin-Avila, whose commanding presence and rich repertoire breathed new life into classical and folk pieces. Together, they created a mesmerizing exchange of sound, bridging the emotions of two cultures through harmony and artistry. Set against the timeless backdrop at Centro de Turismo Intramuros, illuminated by the soft glow of the Jinju Silk Lanterns, the concert became a celebration of shared creativity between Korea and the Philippines—an evening where heritage met innovation in perfect harmony. As the curtains close on this year’s Harmony Continues, audiences can look forward to another musical experience soon—the much-awaited comeback of last year’s sold-out show, OST Symphony II: K-drama in Concert, featuring the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. Indeed, the music never stops—harmony continues.

Thousands flock to ‘2025 Korea Festival On the Go’ for ‘golden’ K-Culture weekend in Cagayan de Oro City (CAGAYAN DE ORO, PHILIPPINES, 26 September 2025) – Cagayan de Oro became a vibrant stage for Korean culture over the weekend as the ‘2025 Korea Festival On the Go’ took over SM CDO Downtown Premier on September 20–21, drawing over two hundred thousand foot traffic. Organized by the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines, the event celebrated the enduring and ever-golden friendship between Korea and the Philippines. For two full days, the venue was transformed into a bustling cultural village, filled with interactive booths, stunning performances, and activities catering to all ages. (From left to right) Gracing the event was the presence of key dignitaries and cultural leaders. Among the honored guests were Mr. Joey Tumolva, Assistant Vice President of SM CDO Downtown Premier; Atty. Roy Hilario Raagas, City Administrator of Cagayan de Oro; President Lee Jinwook of the Korean Association in Cagayan de Oro; Undersecretary Ferdinand Jumapao of the Department of Tourism, His Excellency Lee Sang-hwa, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines, Governor Juliette Uy of Misamis Oriental, Director Kim Myeongjin of the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines and Regional Director Marie Elaine Unchuan, Department of Tourism Region 10. Cultural exchange took center stage with breathtaking performances from fusion Korean traditional music band Yeobaek, and the Liceo Folkloric Dance Troupe, which featured the Philippines’ rich folk dance traditions. Adding a thrilling edge to the festivities, the Korean National Taekwondo Demonstration Team of the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA) delivered a powerful martial arts performance and even led a special demonstration class for the audience. Festival-goers also experienced the beauty of Korea’s past and present through hands-on experiences like hanbok (Korean traditional clothing) wearing, maedeup (Korean knot) making as seen on the hit animated film ‘KPOP Demon Hunters’, Hangeul (Korean alphabet) writing, and Korean traditional lantern photo stations. Meanwhile, fans of Korean pop culture enjoyed K-beauty demonstrations, popular Netflix series ‘Squid Game’-inspired challenges, and a random play dance.   On stage, KTO’s K-Creators Club members CJ Galsim and RM Enrico also shared stories from their recent trip to Korea, which was a part of their K-Culture Challenge Tour.   Booths from the Korea Tourism Organization Manila (KTO) and the Korea Copyright Protection Agency (KCOPA) further enriched the cultural experience, highlighting Korea’s travel offerings and the importance of intellectual protection and copyright awareness. Another major highlight of the weekend was the talent-packed competition ‘Everyone’s KPOP Cagayan de Oro’, which brought together aspiring performers from across the region. In the song cover category, Mary Joy Delfin clinched first place with a heartfelt ballad rendition of Girls’ Generation’s ‘Into the New World’, while Stacy Mendoza placed second with ‘Breathe’ by Lee Hi. In the dance cover category, WILDKARD wowed the crowd with ‘Gnarly’ by KATSEYE, taking first place, followed by SAIZEN with their youthful performance of ‘Plot Twist’ by TWS. The 2025 Korea Festival On the Go was made possible through the support of its partners Korea Tourism Organization Manila (KTO), Korea Copyright Protection Agency (KCOPA), Hyundai Philippines, LG Philippines, Innisfree, SM CDO Downtown Premier, and The Korean Association in Cagayan de Oro Inc.

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