MANILA – The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) announces that the “K-Culture Next Door: 2024 Korea Festival is heading to Cebu.
Experience the best of Korea with a free two-day event, slated on June 15 to 16, 2024 from 10am to 8pm at the Sky Hall of SM Seaside City Cebu, KCC mentioned in a statement.
According to KCC, the event is in line with the celebration of 75 years of friendship between Korea and the Philippines, with the theme “K-Culture Next Door”, signifying the close bond between the two countries.
“Like neighbours, who are just a ‘doorbell’ away, Korea and the Philippines have influenced and supported each other through cultural exchange and interactions over the years,” KCC said.
“Next Door” Performances and Experiences
KCC mentioned that this year is also a celebration of the friendship between two island cities of both nations – Jeju and Cebu.
“This is why we are proud to bring Jeju Island's unique history, culture, and traditions, which will be highlighted by the Jeju Special Self-Governing Provincial Dance Company at the festival's opening ceremony, held at Sky Hall on June 15 at 2:00 PM,” KCC stated.
According to KCC, the dance company, established in 1989, acts as the “cultural envoy” of the island, with a repertoire of works representing Jeju Island’s distinct cultural and historical characteristics.
The group has also performed around the world, from the United States, down to Africa, and different parts of Asia, and has led many diplomatic ties and cultural celebrations, KCC added.
KCC also revealed that the University of Cebu Dance Company will be performing during the event to further celebrate the friendship between the two islands. The group won the “Best Folkloric Dance Troupe” at the 2012 Korean World Travel Fair and Expo.
Aside from dance performances, Korea’s pop taekwondo group K-Tigers will also be in attendance to showcase “an exhilarating K-fusion taekwondo performance”. According to KCC, the group currently has more than 1.4 million YouTube subscribers.
Alongside the performances will be a K-pop cover dance competition entitled “Everyone’s KPOP: Cebu”, to showcase the dancing prowess of Cebuanos.
Meanwhile, participants will still be able to traditional elements of Korean traditional culture during the event such as Hangeul (alphabet), Hanbok (costume), and Jeontongnori (traditional games), as well as contemporary experiences including Korean food tasting, KCC stated.
The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) is the cultural arm of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines, with the aim of “providing diverse cultural programs and events that will deepen understanding and appreciation of Korean culture.”
