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.

Find Your Glow: A Two-Day Korean Beauty and Travel Experience Get ready to immerse yourself in the ultimate K-Beauty and Korea travel experience at “K-Beauty Glow-Up!”, a two-day event on April 25-26, 2025 from 11AM to 8PM, at the Main Mall Atrium in SM Aura’s Upper Ground Level. Organized by the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) and the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), this event is free and open to all K-Beauty and travel enthusiasts! "K-Beauty Glow-Up!" offers a dynamic experience showcasing the latest K-Beauty trends. Visitors can engage in interactive activities, from the trending personal color analysis to the must-experience beauty places in Korea. The event also includes a sit-down with actress and singer Kyline Alcantara, who will share her personal K-Beauty and wellness journey in Korea. Various stage programs will also feature Korean product highlights and expert insights. Glow-Up Booths Step into the world of K-Beauty innovation with our immersive Glow-Up Booths, offering personalized beauty experiences and expert consultations. The traditional fragrance booth invites visitors on a sensory journey through Korea’s centuries-old perfumery, where visitors can craft their scent using accessible materials. Beauty enthusiasts are in for a delightful experience as two renowned K-Beauty powerhouses, The Bom and Jenny House, come together to present an exclusive beauty showcase in the Philippines. Making its debut, The Bom, a leading beauty booking service from Seoul, offers a range of personalized services tailored to meet every beauty need—from personal color analysis to K-beauty makeovers. With multilingual interpreters fluent in Chinese, English, and Japanese, The Bom ensures a seamless and enjoyable transformation for every guest. At the same time, fans of Jenny House, the celebrated Gangnam beauty salon favored by Korean stars, can revel in its highly anticipated return. Visitors can look forward to premium hair styling and makeup sessions crafted by South Korea’s top stylists, leaving them feeling radiant, confident, and ready to embrace their K-Celebrity-inspired glow. This year, we are also welcoming the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), which will showcase an exciting selection of K-Beauty products from small and medium enterprises (SMEs), giving attendees a glimpse into Korea’s thriving beauty industry. Additionally, Amorepacific Philippines Inc., home to Laneige, Innisfree, and Mise en scène, will offer exclusive product samplings and live demonstrations, allowing visitors to experience the latest in Korean skincare and cosmetics firsthand. Glow Your Way to Korea Thinking of visiting Korea for the K-Beauty experience? Expect exciting promotions and exclusive offers that will make that trip to Korea even more memorable. Korean Air is presenting its “Fly & Glow” promo, offering a 10% discount on selected airfares to Korea (Incheon), the US, and Canada, including transits to Incheon Airport from April 25 to 27. Those who purchase Korean Air tickets during the K-Beauty Glow-up! event on April 25 & 26 can redeem complimentary Innisfree items. Visit koreanair.com for more details. Klook will feature exclusive discounts on K-Beauty experiences and special promo codes that are only available during the 2-day event. Additionally, attendees will have the chance to learn about the latest must-visit destinations for K-Beauty and wellness at the Korea Tourism Organization booth, offering a unique opportunity to explore the best of Korean culture and beauty. Visitors can also look forward to exclusive giveaways when they participate in the ongoing social media contest and onsite activities. Don’t miss this opportunity to glow up with the best of Korean beauty and culture. Mark your calendars and join us at SM Aura on April 25-26 from 11AM to 8PM for an unforgettable K-Beauty experience! About Korea Beauty Festival 2025 “K-Beauty Glow Up” is organized in anticipation of the “Korea Beauty Festival 2025” happening in Seoul from June 19 to July 18! This festival is hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST), Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), and Visit Korea Committee. This festival will highlight the best of K-Beauty, K-Fashion, and K-Medical through experiential booths tailored for foreign tourists, product sales, and a diverse array of K-Culture events. The festival will feature a dedicated K-Beauty tourism hub at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), as well as interactive experience zones across popular districts like Myeongdong, Seongsu, and Gangnam. Exciting side events, including stamp tours and cultural programs, will also enrich the festival experience. Let’s get ready for the biggest K-Beauty festival yet by participating in our K-Beauty Glow-Up happening on April 25 - 26 at SM Aura!

K-Culture, Conversations, and Connections: An Afternoon with KCC’s Communities To end the year's first quarter, the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) hosted a heartwarming gathering that brought together two distinct yet equally passionate groups—KCC’s K-Culture Friends, more commonly known as KREW, and the KCC Book Club. Both communities share a deep appreciation for Korean culture, and their latest sessions highlighted the joy of camaraderie and meaningful discussions. K-Culture Afternoon Delight with KREW The first-ever “K-Culture Afternoon Delight” was a celebration of connections and creativity. KREW Batch 12 members, together with alumni and their invited friends, gathered to immerse themselves in exciting updates about KCC’s ongoing and upcoming projects—many of which they are actively involved in. The event was also an opportunity to strengthen friendships, as members introduced themselves and shared their current interests, finding common ground in their love for K-culture. Of course, no gathering is complete without delightful treats! Attendees enjoyed an array of K-snacks while working on a special activity—crafting their own maedeup (Korean knots) friendship bracelets. This hands-on experience symbolized the strong bond between the Philippines and Korea, commemorating the Phil-Kor Friendship-versary in a meaningful and creative way. KCC Book Club - now in its third year! Meanwhile, another vibrant community at KCC continues to flourish—the KCC Book Club. Now in its third year, this literary haven recently held an engaging session discussing “Snowglobe” by Park Soyoung. The novel’s thought-provoking themes sparked lively exchanges, further deepening the members’ appreciation for K-literature. Beyond the pages of the book, the session served as a reminder that stories have the power to connect people, transcending cultures and backgrounds. As their respective afternoons drew to a close, both gatherings left participants with something to take home—whether it was a handcrafted maedeup bracelet symbolizing friendship, new insights from a thought-provoking novel, or simply the warmth of shared experiences. These moments, whether created through conversations over K-snacks or deep discussions about literature, remind us that culture is best experienced together.

KPOP Academy Returns, Expands to Universities in the Philippines KPOP Academy 2025 commenced its first class last Tuesday, March 18, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for K-Pop enthusiasts in the Philippines. Building upon the success of last year's pilot batch, this year's academy introduces a "University Edition," collaborating with esteemed institutions to bring Korean culture closer to students. 2025 KPOP Academy students during their first class with Teacher Ciel at the K-Studio of the Korean Cultural Center. In this edition, the academy has partnered with the University of the Philippines through UP Arirang, the Ateneo de Manila University via the Blue Hanguk Society, and De La Salle University through AJA Animo. These collaborations aim to immerse students in the vibrant world of K-pop, offering comprehensive programs that include dance, music, and cultural workshops. The KPOP Academy's collaboration with these university organizations provides students with specialized training and strengthens cultural ties between the Philippines and Korea. Participants can look forward to a series of workshops and interactive sessions designed to enhance their appreciation and understanding of K-pop and Korean culture. As the academy progresses, students will have opportunities to showcase their talents and the skills they've acquired, culminating in performances that celebrate their hard work and dedication. This initiative underscores the growing popularity of K-pop in the Philippines and its influence on fostering cross-cultural connections. For more information on upcoming events and how to participate, interested individuals are encouraged to connect with the respective university organizations or visit the Korean Cultural Center's official channels.

KCC Philippines Named "2025 Most Outstanding Korean Cultural Center" (KCC Director, Kim Myeongjin, together with MCST Minister Yu In Chon to receive the certificate as the “2025 Most Outstanding Korean Cultural Center.”) Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Official Photographer : Lee Jun Young The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism hosted this year's meeting from March 4-7 at the Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS) Center in Seoul's Jung-gu District and the National Library of Korea in Sejong. 35 Korean Cultural Center (KCC) directors and seven cultural promotion officials from around the world attended the said event. Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yu In Chon, on March 4, chaired a joint workshop and discussion for participants to share their experiences of operating KCCs and raising Korea's cultural standing on the global stage. (Kim Myeongjin, director of the KCC in the Philippines, on March 4 explains his center's main events last year at KOCIS Center in Seoul's Jung-gu District.) Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Official Photographer : Lee Jun Young The KCC in the Philippines that day was named the most outstanding last year. This branch focused on cooperation to mark the 75th anniversary of bilateral relations with the Philippines. Programs included an interactive exhibition in collaboration with the National Museum of Korea, a webtoon exhibition with the Korea Creative Content Agency, and a K-drama original soundtrack performance by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. Throughout last year, the KCC also hosted events like the Korean Film Festival, the Philippine-Korea Culture Exchange Festival, Korean beauty-related programs, and the Korea Festival, which promotes Korean culture in Manila and Cebu in partnership with the cultural counterparts in the Philippines like the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), the Cultural Center in the Philippines (CCP) and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP). (Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yu In Chon on March 4 speaks at the annual gathering of KCC directors and cultural promotion officials at KOCIS Center in Seoul's Jung-gu District.) Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Official Photographer : Lee Jun Young Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Yu In Chon on March 4 speaks at the annual gathering of KCC directors and cultural promotion officials at KOCIS Center in Seoul's Jung-gu District. "Please actively promote Korean culture on the occasion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit slated in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, from October to November," Minister Yu said. "We will support KCCs to faithfully play their roles as hubs connecting the world with Hallyu (Korean Wave)." At the four-day gathering, the KCC directors and cultural promotion officials attending will discuss cooperation in spreading Hallyu with 25 related organizations such as the Korea Tourism Organization and King Sejong Institute Foundation. Main Article: Korea.net