What to see as Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines opens new destination for visitors

MANILA, Philippines — The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) is all set to create more "k-nnections" and "k-memories" in the Philippines with the launching of its new building in a new location in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. 

KCC recently held a virtual launch party to introduce its new home. Viewers were able to learn new dance moves via the P-Pop girl group Yara, and learn some Korean recipes with Chef Sharwin Tee at the KCC’s Kitchen. The viewers were also treated with a special performance from P-Pop group SB19 as they sang their top singles featuring the different expanded and new facilities in KCC, and a virtual number from South Korea’s K-pop idol Minzy of 2NE1 fame. 

The new KCC building showcases top-of-the-line interactive features that allow visitors to learn more about the Korean culture in a unique, fun and modern way.

A tour at the KCC's new home and you will experience some high-tech activities, such as the Digital Hanbok Experience Kiosk, which allows you to virtually wear a stylish hanbok of your choice and even print a photo of yourself wearing it. Another tour feature is the Digital Hangeul Experience Kiosk, which allows you to learn how to write your name in Korean characters, and also print a photo of yourself with your handwritten name on it. 

The KCC also launched the first kinetic media art installation in the Philippines titled, "Punghwa: Light of ASEAN," created by the Korean interactive media design group Silo Lab. This interactive room of the building highlights dreamy lights in motion dancing to some calming, rejuvenating music. This art-filled section of the KCC building makes for a perfect spot for selfies, or even for a first date. 

The building also features a dance studio, an art room for classes, a Korean kitchen, and interactive showcases of the many facets of Korean culture and arts.  

KCC also held a physical event for ribbon-cutting, wherein Korea’s Ambassador to the Philippines Kim Inchul graced the event. Other private and esteemed guests who attended were Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat; Mayor Lino Cayetano of Taguig City and Arsenio Lizaso, Chairman of the National Commission of Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

Department of Education (DepEd) Director IV for the Bureau of Curriculum Development Office Jocelyn Andaya was also spotted, as well as Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP)’s Special Projects & External Affairs Unit Manager Frank David Fabros. BGen. Miguel Villamor, President of Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea Veteran Association, was also there.

KCC celebrated its 10th anniversary last year. Since its establishment in 2011, KCC continues to create activities, events and projects in relation to its goal of expanding the understanding and appreciation of Korean culture and the promotion of an active cultural exchange between Korea and the Philippines.

For the past 10 years, KCC has actively expanded the understanding and appreciation of Korean culture in the Philippines through Pinoy Kpop Star, Korean Film Festival, Global Taste Korea and Korean Culture Caravan. And for the next 10 years, KCC plans on to expand this goal with a cultural collaboration between Korea and the Philippines, and promote Philippine culture to Korea.

KCC’s Director IM YoungA spoke about the culture collaboration of both countries in her remark, “If the past 10 years of Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines focused on introducing Korean culture to Filipinos, of course we’ll keep doing that, then, for the next 10 years, we’ll also try to introduce the Filipino culture to Koreans so we can grow together through the cultural exchange of our countries.”

She also introduced the new theme of Korean Cultural Center at its new home, “This year, with the reopening of the cultural center, we are preparing several important projects under the theme of ‘Phil-Koraboration.’ Murals involving Filipino artists, a 'Media art' showcase made by artists from both countries, will be opened to the public. There will be a 'Korean Culture Caravan' visiting our future generation, with 'Cultural Street Festival' where people can experience culture of both countries. A film industry expert workshop is also waiting to answer your questions.”

KCC is located at 59 Bayani Road, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Last March 25, KCC’s doors officially opened to the public, and there will be no reservation needed to visit. But KCC follows Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) guidelines and as thus, would require guests to present their vaccination card before entering the building and submit to a mandatory temperature check. KCC is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Monday to Friday, and every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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