Korean actor Kim Seung-su, known for the drama “Jumong,” will be gracing the 2023 Philippines-Korea Cultural Exchange Festival.
The festival is hosted by the United Korean Community Association (UKCA) and Manila Koreatown Association (MKA and will be held on Sept. 30 at Robinson’s Place Manila.
Now on its 32nd year, the festival, which underscores the friendship between Korea and the Philippines, is in partnership with the Korean Embassy, the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines, and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
Korean actor Kim Seung-su will attend the festival in the Philippines (Instagram)
Kim Seung-su will attend the event as this year’s festival ambassador
The festivities commence with a spectacular parade from Robinson’s Place Manila to Manila Koreatown and back.
Open to all, participants will don 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 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
KCC Philippines will host a Hangeul calligraphy booth, inviting participants to explore Korean writing. The NCCA will have an exhibit showcasing traditional Philippine crafts, celebrating the nation's artistic heritage.
Along with other booths where one 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 stage performances blending traditional and modern art from Korea and the Philippines.
Some of the invited performers includes SWEEP Art Company for a Korean 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.