The 2023 Philippines-Korea Cultural Exchange Festival, hosted by the United Korean Community Association (UKCA) and Manila Koreatown Association (MKA), is set to enthrall on September 30, 2023, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., at Robinsons Place Manila. This annual festival, now in its 32nd year, is in partnership with the Korean Embassy, the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC), and the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
On September 30th, Manila will pulsate with vibrant colors and rhythms, celebrating the cultural
tapestry of the Philippines and Korea. This event offers captivating experiences that underscore the enduring friendship between the two nations through immersive cultural exchange.
Joined by this year’s festival ambassador, Kim Seung-su, renowned actor famous for his role in the 2006 K-drama “Jumong”, the festival just gets better from here.
The festivities commence with a spectacular parade journeying from Robinsons Place Manila to Manila Koreatown and back. Open to all, participants don the elegant traditional attire of both nations – the Barong Tagalog and Baro’t Saya of the Philippines and the Hanbok of Korea. The grand parade, accompanied by spirited street performers, heralds a day of joy and camaraderie.
Throughout the day, attendees can engage with cultural booths honoring artistic achievements from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) hosts a Hangeul calligraphy booth, inviting participants to explore Korean writing. The National Commission for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA) presents an exhibit showcasing traditional Philippine crafts, celebrating the nation’s artistic heritage.
Along with other booths where you can experience Korean culture, ‘Kimchi Making Experience’ is also up for the first 100 pre-registered participants in the festival.
The highlight of the event is the dynamic stage performances blending traditional and modern art from Korea and the Philippines. Some of the invited performers includes SWEEP Art Company for a Korea traditional dance and Salmunori, Soprano Sung Moon Won, NCCA’s Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino, K-pop dance cover groups Illea PH, Idyllic PH, Alpha and Principium, together with P-pop groups YGIG and PLUUS. From graceful traditional dances to electrifying modern music, the stage pulsates with cultural exchange and celebration.
As the sun sets on September 30th, the 2023 Philippines-Korea Cultural Exchange Festival stands as a testament to the robust friendship between the two nations. Attendees will be immersed in a cultural extravaganza of tradition, creativity, and artistic expression, reaffirming the deep connections between Korea and the Philippines.
For more information, visit the festival’s official Facebook channel: https://www.facebook.com/PhilKorCulturalExchangeFestival
