Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines Hosts Bibimbap Workshop to Celebrate Nutrition, Culture, and Community (June 30, 2025) — A beloved Korean dish took center stage at the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines, as it hosted a vibrant and meaningful ‘Bibimbap Cooking Workshop’ on June 27, 2024, in celebration of Nutrition Month in July. Led by Korean chef Lily Min, the event brought together culinary expertise, nutritional insight, and cultural exchange. The hands-on workshop was joined by representatives from key national organizations in the fields of nutrition and education, including the Department of Science and Technology – Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI), Philippine Society of Nutritionists-Dietitians (PSND), National Nutrition Council (NNC), Department of Education – School-Based Feeding Program (DepEd-SBFP), Philippine Association of Nutrition (PAN), University of Makati - College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (UMak-CTHM), and select members of the media. The activity introduced participants to the art of preparing Bibimbap, a signature Korean dish known for its balance of rice, vegetables, protein, and flavorful sauces. True to the theme of adaptability and local relevance, the workshop included a delightful twist — the use of sayote, a familiar and widely available vegetable in the Philippines, showcasing how Korean cuisine can be customized using local ingredients. “Bibimbap is more than just a delicious meal. It embodies the values of harmony, balance, and well-being. We hoped that this workshop is a good first step toward integrating Hansik, or traditional Korean food, into Filipino households in a way that’s practical, nutritious, and culturally enriching,” said KCC Director Kim Myeongjin. You can also re-create the dish by following these steps:      This event marks the beginning of KCC’s campaign to promote Hansik as a healthy and accessible option for Filipino communities. By collaborating with experts and stakeholders from the nutrition and education sectors, KCC hopes to continue creating spaces where food becomes a bridge between cultures and a tool for community health.

Fans, enthusiasts, and artists unleash love for K-pop in ‘Everyone’s KPOP Manila 2025’ (MANILA, 26 June 2025) – Among velvet clouds and shining stars, the pastel colors of the Hallyu wave decorated Robinsons Galleria in soft hues, as fans, enthusiasts, artists, and dreamers took center stage to unleash their love for all things K-pop at ‘2025 Everyone’s KPOP Manila’. Held last June 21, the ultimate K-pop event of the year is a celebration of passion, performance, and pop culture where music is, once again, proved to be a universal language. “It was also my first real glimpse into how big and well-loved KPOP is here in the Philippines! You guys definitely left an impression,” expressed Kim Myeongjin, the Director of the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC), in his opening remarks. Hosted by KCC and The Seoul Shinmun Daily, in collaboration with the Korea Copyright Protection Agency-Manila Office (KCOPA), Philippine K-pop Convention Inc. (PKCI), and Robinsons Galleria Ortigas, the event transformed the space into a full-blown K-pop dreamscape with interactive fan club booths, main stage Korean variety show-inspired activities, fan chat board, and fan art exhibition wall, as they completed a stamp tour challenge that rewarded them with a commemorative emoji keyring. While HORI7ON’s Marcus and Vinci talked about their humble idol journey from being dream makers to dream chasers through the ‘Idol Talk’ segment, hyping up the crowd for a full day of fun and surprises was rookie group NEW:ID with their youthful energy. The powerful momentum kept rising with a fiery performance by the ‘Monsters of P-Pop’ VXON, which gained cheers all over the atrium, marking the beginning of the finals stage of the K-Pop Cover Dance Festival where the nation’s top dance crews battled it out for glory. After an intense competition, PARADIGM emerged as the champion, who will represent the country in Korea, with an electrifying concert-like stage of SEVENTEEN’s ‘HOT’, while KAIROS and THE GLITZ secured the 1st and 2nd runner-up spots respectively, each team showing why the Philippines is home to some of the most passionate and talented dancers in the world.

‘Drop your moves and feel special’: Experience your ultimate KPOP dream stage at ‘Everyone’s KPOP Manila 2025’ (Poster. 2025 Everyone’s KPOP Manila) KPOP lovers, the next-level comeback stage you’ve been waiting for is finally here! The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) and Seoul Shinmun, in partnership with the Korea Copyright Protection Agency - Manila Office (KCOPA), Philippine K-pop Convention Inc. (PKCI), and Robinsons Galleria Ortigas, proudly present ‘2025 EVERYONE’S KPOP MANILA’, happening on June 21, 2025, at the Robinsons Galleria, Ortigas. This highly anticipated celebration is set to ignite the passion of Filipino K-pop fans through an immersive, all-out experience that brings them closer to the world of K-pop like never before. Featuring interactive K-culture activities, fan booths, and dream stages, the event is dedicated to K-POP enthusiasts everywhere who can ‘drop their moves’ and win exciting merchandise and exclusive giveaways through K-variety show-inspired games. Among the participating booths is KCOPA, which will offer special games to help raise awareness on copyright, particularly in the age of digital fan content. At the heart of the event is the ‘KPOP Cover Dance Festival (KCDF) in the Philippines’, where finalists will showcase their talent and stage presence in a fierce, yet fun celebration of dance. The winner of the contest will represent the Philippines and compete in Korea against other top global dance groups. (Poster. KPOP Cover Dance Festival) Apart from the fierce competition, graduates of the “2025 K-POP Academy”—a three-month dance program organized by KCC—will also get their moment in the spotlight. Witness their hard work and transformation as they take to the big stage and deliver electrifying performances that show just how far passion and dedication can go. Don’t miss this dream-come-true experience and celebration of passion, performance, and pop culture!

“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.

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.