The award was announced at the 2026 Overseas Korean Cultural Center Directors and Cultural Attachés Conference, held from March 10 to 13 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Korea. The annual gathering brings together directors and cultural attachés from Korean Cultural Centers worldwide to share best practices, strengthen cultural diplomacy, and plan initiatives to promote Korean culture abroad.

Among numerous centers globally, KCC Philippines was one of only six institutions recognized for its exceptional performance, innovative programs, and meaningful cultural impact. The accolade reflects the Center’s ongoing efforts to connect Filipinos with Korean culture through initiatives spanning arts, language, cuisine, film, and lifestyle.

KCC Director Kim Myeongjin expressed gratitude for the recognition, highlighting the Center’s mission moving forward:

“This recognition is a meaningful reminder of the strong cultural connection between Korea and the Philippines. We share this achievement with our Filipino partners and audiences, and it inspires us to continue creating programs that bring our cultures closer together.”

Over the past year, KCC Philippines has expanded its reach with dynamic programs for K-pop and K-drama fans, students, artists, and cultural enthusiasts. Its initiatives have celebrated Korean culture while fostering deeper cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the two countries.

Looking ahead, the Center will build on this milestone with its 2026 “Culture in Motion” program series. The lineup promises regional festivals, new exhibitions, and performances designed to bring Korean culture to communities across the Philippines, engaging audiences in creative and inspiring ways.

As KCC Philippines continues to grow, this recognition marks not just a milestone but a motivation—to keep culture moving, connect people, and create shared experiences that transcend borders.

Organized by the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines, the two-day festival continues its mission of strengthening Korea-Philippines cultural ties with an immersive lineup of activities, performances, and showcases that blend tradition and modern K-culture.

Experience Korea Firsthand

Festival goers can try on the elegant hanbok, snap photos with colorful Jinju silk lanterns, and join craft stations for maedeup (Korean knots) and gat (traditional hat) making. An interactive Hangeul booth also gives visitors the chance to learn Korea’s iconic writing system.

Adding more excitement are partner booths: the Korea Tourism Organization–Manila Office (KTO) will spotlight Korea’s must-visit destinations, while the Korea Copyright Protection Agency (KCOPA) will promote responsible fan support. Big brands like Hyundai, LG, and Innisfree will also showcase Korea’s innovations in lifestyle, technology, and beauty.

K-Performances That Inspire

The highlight of the festival, “Everyone’s KPOP Cagayan de Oro,” will see soloists, groups, and dance crews from across Mindanao battle it out onstage with electrifying K-pop performances.

Meanwhile, festival stages will host a dynamic cultural mix: Korea’s Yeobaek will present a fusion of traditional music, the Liceo Folkloric Dance Troupe will bring Philippine heritage to life, and the Korea Taekwondo Association Demonstration Team will wow audiences with power-packed martial arts routines.

More than just a spectacle, the 2025 Korea Festival On the Go offers a chance for Cagay-anons to celebrate friendship, connection, and shared cultural appreciation. This September, CDO transforms into a K-Wave hub you won’t want to miss.

Happening from July 4 to 6, 2025, this three-day program brings Gwang Jin to multiple venues in Metro Manila, where he will share his journey — from crafting the original webtoon to seeing it adapted into the blockbuster K-drama that resonated with audiences worldwide for its themes of resilience, diversity, and fighting for one’s dreams. Specifically, his workshop at The M includes a drawing session, during which he will demonstrate how his story unfolds through the strokes of his pen.

Building on the success of KCC’s ‘Meet the Mentor’ series — which has previously featured webtoon artists, literature authors, film experts, and other cultural figures — this event continues KCC’s commitment to connecting Filipino audiences with Korea’s thriving creative industries.

Alongside the talk shows, KCC is making its debut as an exhibitor at the Philippine International Comics Festival 2025 (PICOF)! A dedicated space on Korean Webtoon featuring its growth and notable works with hands-on experience will allow visitors to scroll themselves into the world of Webtoon. 

‘Meet the Mentor: The Creator of Itaewon Class’ is hosted by the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, in partnership with the Philippine International Comics Festival 2025 (PICOF), Komiket, De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, and the Metropolitan Museum of Manila.

South Korea’s emerging cultural economy, also known as the “Korean Wave” (Hallyu), continuously flourishes globally including in the Philippines. Beyond binge-watching Korean dramas (K-dramas), supporting your bias toward K-pop groups or artists, or trying out new Korean food in the metro, there is always something more to discover in Korean culture. 

Starting the year 2024 with cultural exploration, the collaboration of the National Museum of Korea and the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines brings Korea closer to the Philippines through immersive exhibits. The Endless Landscape: Digitally Reimagined Korean Art not only promotes The Republic of Korea’s (ROK) art and design in the Philippines but also celebrates the 75 long years of cordial diplomatic relations with the country.

A celebration of Korean-Philippine arts, culture, and friendship

In his opening remarks, Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa, underscored that this tapestry of Korean culture, through the Hallyu wave is now being enjoyed in the mainstream, a testament that proves to be appreciated in the form of arts, music, and storytelling. 

“I hope that it will showcase Korea’s rich tradition and substantiate its position as a digital powerful that can further strengthen our bilateral partnership [with the Philippines],” stated H.E. Lee Sang-hwa. 

To continuously promote mutual exchange between Korea and the Philippines, a  series of events celebrating this diplomatic juncture will be celebrated in many forms at KCC, including a Korea Festival and K-drama OST concert. 

The Opening Ceremony was kicked off with a vicinity filled with harmony brought by Ju Bora (Gayageum performer) – strings instrument as well as Kim Insoo (Janggu performer) – percussion instrument. Afterward, a touch of Filipino was showcased through the Bayanihan, The National Dance Company of the Philippines with their folk dance performances. 

Meanwhile, Ms. Chorong Shim from the Exhibition Division at the National Museum of Korea introduced the four immersive videos to the visitors, which were also produced by Chuncheon National Museum. 

• Pillars of Divinity, Chongseok Rocks (4:30 minutes)

Located in the Tongcheon, Gangwondo Province, the Chongseok Rocks are considered a spectacular landscape attraction that inspired a myriad of artists — ranging from writers and painters. Crafted in 1920 by calligrapher and painter Kim Gyujin, he was commissioned by Sunjong of the Korean Empire, and the 8.8-meter-long painting was displayed in his office in Changdeokgung Palace. This artwork has a stunning view of hexagonal rock pillars along the coast, bringing the divinity to be witnessed by many. 

• Peonies in Bloom (2:34 minutes)

Indeed, this exhibition of Korean culture in the Philippines also manifests as a springboard to endless possibilities of continued trust, friendship, and mutual respect. 

Discover more of Korean art reimagined in a virtual immersive experience (from 9 AM to 4 PM) until June 29, 2024, located on the 5th floor, Multipurpose Hall, Korean Cultural Center, 59 Bayani Road, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. 

Happy 75 years of friendship, Korea and the Philippines! 

감사합니다 / Gamsahamnida / Thank you

***This exhibition has been organized by the National Museum of Korea as part of the NMK Overseas Korean Galleries Support Program.***

Despite changing the manner to celebrate the PHILKOR Festival 2020 due to the pandemic, it is elating to note that the much-anticipated event was a resounding success even if it was held online for the first time. This is manifested in how the rabid fans of K Pop, K Drama, and other K Culture reacted by registering a combined live viewer of over 110K on YouTube and Facebook.

While the first salvo of its digital version, the 2020 Philippines-Korea Cultural Exchange Festival online last October 31, 2020, has been a huge success. Filipino fans endlessly thanking the performers, Korean band, World Music ID, Celso Espejo Rondalla, K-pop Dance Diva, Dasuri Choi, Star Hunt Academy Trainees, Asia’s Soul Supreme KZ Tandingan and phenomenal P-Pop group SB19.

For his part, South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines His Excellency Dong-man HAN speaking to THEPHILBIZNEWS said, “The Phil-Kor Cultural Exchange Festival is already in the 29th year and this year, is my third time to be part of it as a Korean ambassador.”

“Due to the pandemic, we had no choice but to have an online festival this year. I was initially worried about doing it online, but the result left me in awe as we are able to give the opportunity to a lot more people to join the festival. About 110K viewers are recorded. I’m glad that this festival has contributed to strengthening our bonds. Also, thanks to NCCA and UKCA, we were able to showcase more vibrant and talented people on stage for all the viewers,” South Korean Ambassador HAN added.

With a theme of We Rise Together, it is undeniable that the timeless partnership of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines, the Korean Cultural Center (KCC), United Korean Community Association together with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), as well as, the success of PhilKor Festival will surely bring more events of the same magnitude that would enable Filipinos to actively participate in the cultural exchange between the Philippines and Korea.

As early as November 2019, Ambassador HAN revealed that there would be more collaboration between the Philippines and South Korea in terms of arts and culture, tourism, education, and more. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the events will be done virtually for the time being.

The theme “We Rise Together” was a very timely theme for the event as both countries are currently facing the challenges of today’s pandemic. But together, and hand-in-hand, these two countries through various cultural events such as PhilKor Festival, will definitely get over all the challenges and uncertainties of these days.

Aside from the astonishing performances of the above-mentioned guests, one of the main highlights of the event was the awarding of the online talent contest winners. The winners likewise performed their amazing pieces and shared warm messages of inspiration for all the audience. Bagging P30,000 each was Mariz Mitra and Neverglow who won the Vocal and Dance categories respectively, while acapella group Iskollas took home P50,000 as the Grand Prize winner.

The event officially closed with a special collaboration performance of ‘Ikako’ by SB19, as the trending boy group sang with, Mona Gonzales, Ann Sandig, Wave Lee, Dasuri Choi, Celso Espejo Rondalla, and World Music Band ID.

The performances served as an inspiration and a source of energy and happiness through the trying times, especially for the brave frontliners of both countries. Through the good, the bad, and everything in between, the Philippines and Korea will further their beautiful friendship and deep cultural exchange so that we can rise together through any adversities.

Read related stories:

https://thephilbiznews.com/rich-korean-culture-now-accessible-through-korea-at-home/

https://thephilbiznews.com/korea-sees-more-collaboration-cultural-activities-in-ph/

https://thephilbiznews.com/korean-envoy-commits-2m-tourists-to-president-duterte-for-2020/

https://thephilbiznews.com/korean-contemporary-artists-to-hold-their-first-philippine-exhibit/

K-Pop fans are in for a huge treat this October, until November, as KCC will be giving free energetic and thematic dance tutorials courtesy of Dasuri featuring six of the most popular K-Pop groups of this generation.

Divided into five themes namely: Boy Crush, Femme Fatale, Energy Pop, Legendary Idols and K-Pop Rookies, the K-Dance Party, K-Dance Party will feature the songs of idol groups’ BTS, Hwasa, Oh My Girl, Seventeen, Super Junior, and Itzy, which will surely light up the home dance floors and lead even non-dancers to bop into different grooves.

After mastering the dance tutorials, K-Pop fans can also win K-Pop albums and other exclusive K-Pop merch and KCC goodies, when they join the K-Dance Party! Cover Dance Challenge segment. By simply uploading their creative dance covers of their chosen songs on SNS, 6 winners, or one each theme, will be chosen by KCC based on Movement Accuracy, Facial Expression, and Creativity & Style.

Submission of entries for K-Dance Party Cover Dance Challenge starts this November 1, 2020 and the deadline for entries is on November 13, 2020.

K-Dance Party! Cover Dance Challenge is still part of KCC’s ongoing Korea At Home Campaign, which aims to bring a holistic Korean culture experience into the Filipino homes during his pandemic.

Catch K-Dance Party exclusively on KCC Philippines’ YouTube Channel every Friday and Sundays at 5pm starting this October 16, 2020 until November 1, 2020.

Follow Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KoreanCulturalCenterPH/ and @kccphil on Instagram and Twitter for more updates about the K-Dance Party! Cover Dance Challenge and other KCC events and activities.

Since Korean culture has captured the hearts of the Filipinos, the usual activities launched by the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines in the past years would not be possible for the time being due to coronavirus. But don’t despair, given the fact that everyone is forced to stay at home, the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines has made the K-Culture more accessible by utilizing the internet to serve vibrant, unique, and diverse cultural experiences through “Korea at Home.”

In place of the crowded and physical events, “Korea at Home” will be bringing the musical performances, food, arts, pop culture, movies, museum exhibits, and tours right on the screens of the K-Culture enthusiasts for them to enjoy anytime, anywhere, and while staying safe at home.

Launched last June 16 on KCC’s Facebook Page, “Korea at Home” has been living up to the promise of offering various options for those interested and loyal to the Korean culture. The live-streamed events follow the regular programming composed of Arts, Music, Performance, Food and Museum and Exhibitions.

“Korea at Home’s” Music and Performance have already shown stellar performances from Korea National Opera, National Gugak Center, and Korean National Ballet this June, along with captivating and delicious recipes of Guksu Bibim, Sengbogeo-eumjeok, and Semyeon. Meanwhile, the Exhibition Tour of The Modern and Contemporary Korean Writing courtesy of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Korea and the 360° VR Tour of the Changdeok Palace has also piqued the curiosity of many during the weekends. A unique Exhibition Tour of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art Korea’s Collection also happened last  July 4.

July is also set to be bigger and brighter for “Korea at Home” as K-Culture enthusiasts can look forward to “Parasite’s” highly-acclaimed director Bong Joon-ho’s most favorite films courtesy of Korea Film Archives. Meanwhile, additional categories featuring K-Pop, Quiz Bees, Contests, and various video tutorials are set to be included under “Korea at Home” this August. All those would definitely bring out the knowledge and artistry of those watching at home.

As the world heals from the pandemic, KCC will continue to reinvent and adapt to the times through “Korea at Home” and other online events in order to ensure that K-Culture would continuously shine bright and sow seeds of hope and inspiration through information and entertainment.