재외한국문화원 Overseas Korean Cultural Center

“K-POP Academy: University Edition” Wraps Up Campus Tour in Ateneo, UP, and DLSU (May 26, 2025) – The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) successfully brought the “K-POP Academy: University Edition” to three of the country’s top universities this year — Ateneo de Manila University, University of the Philippines-Diliman, and De La Salle University — in partnership with their respective Korean culture student organizations: Blue Hanguk Society, UP Arirang, and AJA Animo. ▲︎Ateneo de Manila Blue Hanguk Society ▲︎De La Salle University AJA Animo ▲︎University of the Philippines - Diliman UP Arirang The 2025 edition expanded the reach of KCC’s beloved dance program, delivering an exciting and immersive K-pop experience right to the heart of each campus. Students had the chance to learn choreographies from professional instructors, gain insights into Korean performance culture, and build friendships through dance and shared passion for K-pop. Each session culminated in a high-energy showcase where students performed choreographies to some of today’s hottest tracks, including “Like Jennie” by Jennie Kim, “Gnarly” by KATSEYE, and “The Chase” by Hearts2Hearts — proving that they didn’t just chase the beat, they caught it. Meanwhile, the regular classes of the “2025 KPOP Academy” is still ongoing, with enrolled students honing their skills weekly in preparation for their upcoming recital performance at the “2025 Everyone’s KPOP Manila”, happening on June 21, 2025 at Robinsons Galleria. With growing interest and even greater talent, the K-POP Academy continues to serve as a platform for aspiring performers to live their K-pop dreams — one eight-count at a time.

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A Glow Like No Other: Jinju Silk Lanterns Light Up at the Korean Cultural Center “Lights of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns” Exhibition Opens on May 24 *This exhibition is free for charge. The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) and the Jinju City Government is set to light another breathtaking sea of lanterns and tradition with “Lights of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns” which will run from May 24, 2025 until July 31, 2025 at the KCC exhibition hall. This touring exhibition is being conducted as part of the “2025 Touring K-Arts Program” by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange. More than just lanterns, these masterpieces are glowing testaments to Korea’s artistry and heritage. Born from the storied silk-making traditions of Jinju, located in Gyeongsangnam-do Province, a city famed for its centuries-old sericulture (silk farming), the Jinju Silk Lanterns blend delicate craftsmanship with timeless beauty. Each lantern is made of fine Korean silk, intricately shaped and illuminated from within, creating a magical fusion of light, color, and culture. What started as humble festival lanterns in Jinju has blossomed into a celebrated art form that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Now, for the first time ever, this unique piece of Korean tradition is making its solo debut in the Philippines — offering visitors a rare chance to step into a world where art meets light, and tradition meets imagination. Visitors can also try a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Lantern Making Kit and take it home as a souvenir after visiting the exhibit. Additionally, attendees on the 24th of May are in for a Mini House Concert from our invited traditional performers - the performance will start at 2 PM.  Beyond their stunning appearance, the Jinju Silk Lanterns tell a story: a story of resilience, creativity, and the enduring spirit of Korean culture. KCC invites everyone to experience this extraordinary exhibition, where every lantern becomes a window into Korea’s artistic soul and a glowing symbol of cultural connection between Korea and the Philippines. Following its Manila run, “The Light of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns”, will continue its journey across Southeast Asia, including stops in Indonesia and Vietnam — shining its light on new audiences and celebrating the growing bonds of friendship and creativity across the region.

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“Once Upon Our Land” Opens New Chapter in Cultural Exchange at QC Library (May 20, 2025 — Quezon City, Philippines) — The magic of storytelling transcended borders as the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines and the Quezon City Public Library came together for “Once Upon Our Lands: Phil-Kor Puppet Show”, a special cultural event celebrating the timeless folktales of Korea and the Philippines. The event brought young learners on a shared journey through the vibrant stories of both nations—igniting their imaginations and deepening their appreciation of each other’s cultures. Held at the Quezon City Public Library, the event welcomed children and families for an engaging storytelling session that spotlighted beloved tales from Korea and the Philippines - “Myth of Dangun” and “Malakas and Maganda.” an “Malakas at Maganda” “Myth of Dangun” With eyes wide and smiles bright, kids listened intently as the stories unfolded—learning, laughing, and discovering the heartwarming values embedded in both cultures' literary traditions. The experience didn’t end with storytelling. Participants explored their creativity through hands-on activities inspired by the tales. Children delighted in coloring pages drawn from story motifs, while others expressed themselves through a fun craft activity where they designed their very own hanbok keyrings—a nod to Korea’s traditional attire. The interactive session helped bring the stories to life and offered a unique way for children to connect with the cultural elements they had just discovered. Adding lasting value to the day, the KCC officially opened its ‘Mini KCC Library’ (Korean Corner) at the Quezon City Public Library, marking a meaningful milestone in expanding access to Korean literature in the Philippines. The corner will house various Korean books—from children's books, to non-fiction and fiction novels—making Korean stories more accessible to the Filipino public and encouraging a deeper literary and cultural exchange between the two countries. Mini KCC Library (Korean Corner) at the Quezon City Public Library “Once Upon Our Lands: Phil-Kor Puppet Show” is part of the KCC’s continuing effort to foster understanding and friendship through education, creativity, and cultural sharing. Events like this provide children with a glimpse into Korea’s rich heritage and underscore the importance of libraries as welcoming spaces for cross-cultural connection.

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KCC Receives DOT Recognition for launching TOPCOP Special Class (Director Kim Myeongjin of KCC with the Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco during the awarding ceremony at the 9th Speakers’ Synergy and Appreciation held last April 30, 2025. Photo Courtesy: Department of Tourism) (May 5, 2025) — The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) is proud to have been recognized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) during the “9th Speakers' Synergy and Appreciation” event held on April 30, 2025. This recognition affirms KCC’s strong commitment to tourism education and cultural collaboration in support of the Philippines’ growing tourism sector. The award was given in acknowledgment of KCC’s partnership with DOT in the development and implementation of a Korean language and culture training program for selected police officers under the TOP COP (Tourism-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection) Special Class. Through this initiative, police personnel assigned to key tourism destinations across the country (Boracay, Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, Davao, and Clark) received foundational Korean language skills and cultural knowledge—equipping them to better assist and engage with Korean tourists. (Trainers and partners present at the awarding ceremony at the 9th Speakers’ Synergy and Appreciation held last April 30, 2025. Photo Courtesy: Department of Tourism) “We are deeply honored by this recognition and grateful to the Department of Tourism for sharing in our vision of a more inclusive and culturally aware tourism experience,” said Mr. Kim Myeongjin, Director of KCC. “This partnership reflects the strength of our bilateral ties and our shared commitment to hospitality, safety, and meaningful cultural exchange.” The program not only contributes to safer and more welcoming environments for Korean visitors, but also fosters a deeper understanding between the Filipino service sector and Korean culture—strengthening the cultural bridge between both nations. (Batch 1 TOPCOP Special Class Students during their online completion ceremony held last December 2024. Photo Courtesy: Department of Tourism) In line with this ongoing partnership, KCC and DOT are currently preparing for the next batch of TOP COP Special Class with training scheduled to begin later this year. The upcoming session will continue to expand the reach and impact of the program, empowering more officers with tools for effective communication and deeper cultural awareness.

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