By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios
With the various successful activities launched last year in enhancing the bilateral relationship between Korea and the Philippines, the Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS) sees more exciting partnerships and KCulture influence in the Philippines to grow this 2020.
The countless concerts, fan meets, events, gatherings, exhibitions, collaborations, and activities, for the year especially, marked the 70th anniversary of the bilateral relations between the Philippines and
Korea, the love of Filipinos for KCulture remains high and growing.
Based on the In a study conducted by the Korean Culture and Information Service (KOCIS), an attached government agency under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), the Philippines is one of the seven countries included in Korea’s New Southern Policy and ranked first in terms of areas where South Korea has the highest positive image with a score of 97.4 percent.
Through the combined efforts of the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, both spearheaded unique activities that gathered huge support and audiences.
Most recently, some 2,652 individuals visited the ‘Korean Life Aesthetics’ exhibit, which ran for two months and ended last January 31, 2020, at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila. The exhibit showcased the exceptional skills and contemporary art pieces of the Korea Crafts and Design Foundation, as set in a “Hanok” or a traditional Korean house. Meanwhile, the ‘Korean Contemporary Artists’ Association exhibit’ is still running at the same venue and will continue highlighting Korean’s modern take on art until February 28, 2020.
Supporters of KCulture can expect more than music, food, performance, and all things Hallyu as KCC will be kicking off its 2020 events with something new yet very much popular among Filipinos—a K-Beauty event.
Expect to know the tips and tricks on getting that healthy luminous skin this Summer from renowned skincare experts and beauty gurus, as well as some fun games and activities in ‘Chok Chok Korea’ this April.
Following the K-Beauty event, KCC will bring the K-Pop fans together at the ‘K-Street Festival’ with two-days’ worth of activities meant to expand the understanding of Korea and its rich culture. Gathering around 3,500 audience members and more than 1,000,000 combined views on KCC’s social networking sites last year, the Filipinos’ own talent and interpretation of Korean culture will take front and center anew in the following events: ‘Global Taste of Korea’ in June, ‘Pinoy K-Pop Star’ in July, and the ‘Phil-Kor Festival’ in September.
The ‘Korean Film Festival’ and KCulture Day also known as ‘Guerilla K-Night,’ will also be returning bigger and stronger this year in September and December, respectively, as a platform where the Filipinos are assured of a free platform where they can appreciate, relate, and be entertained by the Korean culture.
After educating and bringing Korea closer to a total of 24,000 students in Luzon last year, the Korean Culture Caravan will be returning to bring the free KCC experience booths, film screenings, and art tutorials to seven other schools that have adopted the Special Program in Foreign Language-Korean Language Training program this year.
