By Honorary Reporter John Paul Serraon from Philippines

"Light the Season: A Korea–Philippines Lantern Celebration" opened on Dec. 1 at the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in the historical walled area Intramuros in the capital of Manila, celebrating the craftsmanship and cultural heritage of both countries.

I attended the opening ceremony hosted by the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in Taguig and the commission. University students made their own parols, or Philippine star-shaped ornamental lanterns, while learning about Korea's centuries-old lantern tradition in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do Province.

Workshops and displays featured parols and Jinju silk lanterns. At the ceremony, KCC Director Kim Myeongjin called the venue a warm immersive space for experiencing Korean culture during the holidays, adding that Jinju lanterns were designed to welcome all.

Bernan Joseph R. Corpus, the commission's deputy director for operations, said joint initiatives such as this event not only marked shared creativity but also deepened cultural understanding.

KCC Director Kim Myeong-jin (left) and Bernan Joseph C. Corpus, deputy director for operations at National Commission for Culture and the Arts (John Paul Serraon)

Parols appear as early as September in the Philippines as the country starts its Christmas celebration early, while Jinju lanterns date back to the Japanese invasions of the Korean Peninsula in the late 16th century, aka the Imjin Waeran, when lanterns along Jinju's Namgang River were used as defensive signals against invaders.

The parol symbolizes hope, faith and light's triumph over darkness as a fixture during the Christmas season. In Korea, the Jinju lanterns were also used to communicate with relatives separated by the Namgang in addition to detecting enemy movement across the river.

Philippine visitor Sherwin Nasol shows his handmade star-shaped lantern. (Sherwin Nasol)

Philippine visitor Sherwin Nasol called the activity meaningful and calming, saying it deepened his appreciation for the lanterns' artistry and cultural history.

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.