Squid Game Meets Seollal KCC's Lunar Celebration Unites Games, Culture and 2025 KREW Friends! (January 28, 2025) - The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) welcomed the Lunar New Year with an exciting and immersive event— “KCC Games”, a Seollal celebration featuring Korean traditional games that were introduced in the globally popular series “Squid Game 2.” Visitors were treated to a unique experience as they engaged in traditional Korean games and explored various cultural installations within KCC. Upon arrival, participants received a special stamp card containing missions they needed to complete. Each mission led them to different areas of KCC, allowing them to experience the richness of Korean culture firsthand. Visitors tried writing in Hangeul and wearing a Hanbok digitally at the permanent exhibit; they also enjoyed the inviting atmosphere at the library’s new space, "Han Cafe"; and explored the ongoing Hangeul exhibit “Reinterpreting Hangeul in the Modern Era” on the 5th floor. In true Squid Game fashion, three traditional Korean games took the center stage—ddakji, gonggi, and jegichagi. Together with another traditional game, tuho, these interactive activities brought out the competitive spirit in participants, making the Seollal celebration even more thrilling and memorable. Coinciding with “KCC Games”, the KREW Batch 12 Orientation was also held on the same day. KCC proudly welcomed its newest batch of volunteers, who got to experience the excitement of Seollal firsthand. Through engaging activities and cultural immersion, the new KREW members got a taste of the vibrant traditions they will be helping promote this year. With a perfect blend of tradition and fun, KCC’s Seollal celebration successfully brought visitors, KREW members, and Korean culture enthusiasts an unforgettable start to the Lunar New Year. As the year slowly unfolds, KCC looks forward to more enriching cultural experiences for everyone!
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Squid Game Meets Seollal
K-Culture Night: A Celebration of Volunteerism and 75 Years of Friendship The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines recently hosted a heartwarming and festive K-Culture Night, capping off the year-long celebration of 75 years of friendship between Korea and the Philippines. The commemorative event was a tribute to the 75 KREW Members, KCC's dedicated group of volunteers - among others - who played an instrumental role in the center's cultural initiatives throughout the year. The night highlighted the efforts of the KREW Members in various projects that brought Korean culture closer to Filipinos. Among the standout initiatives was the K-Sentence of the Month, a partnership with the Department of Education's Special Program in Foreign Language-Korean (SPFL-K), where students creatively showcased their growing Korean language skills. Other flagship programs, such as KREW Says and KREW Tries, provided members with platforms to share their creative talents, digital storytelling skills, and personal passions, further enriching KCC's vibrant cultural narrative. During the event, KREW Members shared personal stories and reflections on their experiences, emphasizing the sense of community and accomplishment that defined their year with KCC. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, 2024 K-Influencers and Honorary Reporters—who supported KCC events throughout the year—joined in, recounting their journeys of promoting Korean culture in the Philippines. A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of KCC’s coffee table book, a beautiful memory book that encapsulates the milestones and cherished moments from this commemorative year. Attendees received their copies as tokens of appreciation and as reminders of the year’s shared achievements. In his closing message, KCC Director Kim Myeongjin expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers and partners who contributed to the year’s success. He remarked, “As we move on to the next 75 years, I hope we all can look back to the events we’ve held while moving forward to the next chapters we’ll continue to walk together.” K-Culture Night was a celebration of the past and a hopeful step toward the future, reinforcing the enduring bond between Korea and the Philippines. With a foundation built on shared memories and cultural collaboration, the next 75 years promise even greater milestones.
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K-Culture Night: A Celebration of Volunteerism and 75 Years of Friendship
<Maedeup, Korean Knots> Touring Exhibition by the National Folk Museum November 22, 2024 (Friday) – January 29, 2025 (Wednesday) The <Maedeup, Korean Knots> exhibition, jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism(MCST), the National Folk Museum of Korea, and the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, will be held at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila(BGC). This exhibition delves into the rich tradition of Korean knotting, exploring the materials, techniques, and creative processed involved in the craft. It offers a comprehensive overview of the gistory of Maedeup(traditional Korean knots), from its foundational concepts to its contemporary applications in decorative design. Inside the exhibition, visitiors can experience hands-on activities such as "Try on Hanbok" and "Make Your Own Knot," as well as enjoy a variety of interactive experiences including ASMR videos featuring knot makers and modern reinterpretations of knot decorations. <Address> Metropolitan Museum of Manila at BGC, 30th St, Taguig, Metro Manila <Contact Information> KCC: info@koreanculture.ph The M: info@metmuseummanila.org <Visiting Hours> Tuesday-Friday: 11:00AM - 6:00PM Saturday-Sunday: 10:00AM - 6:00PM * Closed on Mondays and public holidays *The exhibition is free of charge.
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<Maedeup, Korean Knots> Touring Exhibition by the National Folk Museum of Korea
November to Remember: 75 Years of Friendship Through Music, Art, and Cultural Exchange In celebration of 75 years of friendship between Korea and the Philippines, the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines is delighted to present a series of exciting cultural events this November. These events highlight the shared connection between the two nations through music, traditional craftsmanship, and cultural exchange. Join us for a memorable lineup of performances, exhibitions, and workshops that will showcase the rich heritage of both countries. Harmony at 75: A Celebration of Philippine-Korean Friendship Through Music (November 15, 2024, 5:00 PM | Leandro Locsin Auditorium, NCCA Building, Intramuros, Manila) Experience a one-of-a-kind evening as Korea’s all-female percussion ensemble, Groove&, brings a delicate yet powerful performance at the Leandro Locsin Auditorium, National Commission for Culture and the Arts in Intramuros. Groove& will be joined by two of the Philippines' top traditional music groups, the University of the Philippines Tugtugang Musika Asyatika (UP TUGMA) and Padayon Rondalla, who will perform beloved Filipino classical tunes. This musical collaboration is a follow-up to last year’s successful “Cultural Crescendo” concert, celebrating cultural exchange through music. Co-presented by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the event is free, but seats are limited. Reserve your seats now: bit.ly/Harmony75RegistrationLink Bonus Performance: Catch these talented musicians again at the Pinoy Playlist 2024 on November 16, 5:00 PM along 5th Ave. of Bonifacio High Street —-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maedeup, Korean Knots (November 22, 2024 ~ January 29, 2025 | The Metropolitan Museum of Manila, The M, BGC, Taguig) Discover the timeless beauty of Maedeup or traditional Korean knot in this special exhibition, hosted by the National Folk Museum of Korea, at The M in BGC. Running from November 22, 2024, to January 29, 2025, the exhibit showcases intricate handmade knots that have adorned Korean clothing, accessories, furniture, and ceremonial objects for centuries. This two-month-long exhibition is free, and no pre-registration is needed. On November 22 and 23, you can also take part in the “Traditional Korean Knot Bracelet Making” workshop, which will be held in the exhibit area. Open to individuals aged 20 and above, this free workshop provides an opportunity to learn the artistry of Maedeup firsthand. Secure your workshop slot now: bit.ly/MaedeupKoreanKnotsWorkshopRegistration —-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Philippines-Korea Cultural Exchange Festival 2024 (November 23, 2024, 5:00 PM | Aliw Theater, CCP Complex, Pasay City) The Philippines-Korea Cultural Exchange Festival returns on November 23, 2024, at the Aliw Theater in Pasay City, bringing together vibrant performances and cultural contests. Hosted by the United Korean Community Association in the Philippines (UKCA), this annual event kicks off with a lively parade before moving to the Aliw Theater for performances from invited groups, including S.D.G. (Show Design Group), known for their Media TRON Performance, which uses LED technology to create a dazzling visual spectacle. The festival also features the final round of a cultural performance contest, where Koreans perform Filipino traditional acts and Filipinos showcase Korean performances, celebrating the cultural fusion of the two nations. This event is free and open to all. For more details, visit: PhilKor Cultural Exchange Festival Facebook Page These November events are part of the year-long celebration of 75 years of diplomatic friendship between Korea and the Philippines, fostering deeper cultural ties and mutual appreciation. The center also has the ongoing “Reinterpreting Hangeul in the Modern Era” exhibit, hosted by the National Hangeul Museum of Korea and a monthly “Hangeul Calligraphy Workshop” in line with the exhibit which will be open until February 2025—more details when you visit KCC’s social media channels. We look forward to welcoming you to our festivities!
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November to Remember: 75 Years of Friendship Through Music, Art, and Cultural Exchange
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