By Honorary Reporter John Axel Orencia from Philippines
Photos = John Axel Orencia

The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippine city of Taguig near the nation's capital from May 4-5 hosted Culture Next Door: 2024 Korea Festival at the SM Mall of Asia's Music Hall to mark the 75th anniversary of bilateral ties. 

Attendees included KCC Director Kim Myeong-jin; Kim Hyung-joon, director of the Korea Tourism Organization's Manila office; Ambassador to Manila Lee Sang-hwa; and representatives from the Philippine National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

As a volunteer with the KCC's volunteer group Krew, I helped out at the two-day event on May 4. 

The Hangeul booth offered a hands-on opportunity to trace one's name in the Korean alphabet. By meticulously following the curves and strokes of their Hangeul names, participants saw the detail and precision of each character.

Hangeul experience at the festival 

The Hanbok booth allowed visitors to try on the traditional attire and take photos in the photo booth. People could freely choose what to wear, from the most basic outfit to more grandiose versions from the Joseon Dynasty.

Hanbok experience at the festival 

The traditional games booth was open to children and adults and featured games of both countries that are similarities such as sabangchigi (hopscotch) in Korean (piko in Filipino) and jegichagi (kicking a shuttlecock), or sipa in Filipino, as well as the Korean board game yunnori.

Traditional game experience at the festival 

The K-pop station saw visitors dance to their favorite tracks with a Dance 2Kpop machine. The tutorial and step-by-step instructions gave visitors the chance to record their own dancing using the machine.

Visiting K-pop booth 

A Korean food booth gave out free samples of ramyeon (instant noodles) and beverages. The thrilling Spicy Noodle Challenge had contestants testing their tolerance for spiciness.

Exploring Korean food at the K-food booth  

The Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency took part by showing beauty items made by small and medium Korean companies. Such assistance allowed these smaller businesses to gain exposure on the global market and broaden their reach outside Korea.

As a volunteer for the KCC, I was excited over this event. The center even gave volunteers T-shirts to wear, and this made me feel like an essential part of the festival.

I saw thousands of Filipinos with a deep appreciation for Korean culture at the booths and met numerous Honorary Reporters and K-influencers.

Among the many great memories I had there, I befriended Korean event organizers and volunteers as well as Philippine enthusiasts of Hallyu like me. Moreover, I brought home Korea-related gifts from booths that reminded me of my wonderful experience.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.