Don't look now, but the City of Manila has opened Manila Koreatown which will become the center of Korean activities related to entertainment and culture.
"The Manila Koreatown is meant to showcase Korean culture right in the nation's capital. This will also strengthen our relationship with Korea. And I am pretty sure that this project will be supported by both the Filipino and Korean communities. Thank you to the Manila City Council and to our Mayor Isko Moreno who approved this ordinance," said 2nd District Manila Councilor Uno Lim and the Principal Author of Manila Koreatown. It was signed in February 2021.
Located in Malate, Manila Koreatown will be the first and official sanctioned Korean community with activities lined-up such as the Korean food and drinks festival. Korean artists and celebrities will also grace the place soon.
Who knows? Korean superstars Blackpink, BTS, Korean heartthrob Lee Min Ho and "Crash Landing On You" stars Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin could hold meet-and-greet events for their Filipino fans at Manila Koreatown during their visit to the Philippines.
Recently, Manila Koreatown hosted a community pantry sponsored by the Korean community. Another community pantry will take place at Remedios Circle on July 10.
Other activities lined-up at Manila Koreatown include Danoje Festival, an intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO; a sculpture design competition; and Mr. and Miss Manila Koreatown pageant. The project is done in partnership with the South Korean Embassy.