KOREA BULLETIN The official publication of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea
FROM
THE
APRIL 2018
AMBASSADOR‘S
DESK
HAN Dong-man, Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary
Before anything else, I would like to greet all readers of the Korea Bulletin, and I hope to share with you my take on recent events in Korea-Philippine relations. I am proud to report that the recently concluded Winter Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in PyeongChang was a resounding success. A record-breaking 2,925 athletes from 92 countries – including two athletes from the Philippines – participated in the Winter Olympics to compete for 102 medals in 15 sports events. And even before the opening of the Games on February 9th, around 7,500 runners already joined the 101-day Olympic Torch Relay. Korea has thus become the world’s eighth country to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics after the U.S., Japan, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, and Canada. It joins France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and Russia as the sixth country to host the FIFA World Cup, World Championships in Athletics, and the Summer and Winter Olympics. The PyeongChang Winter Olympics has also been hailed as the “most tech-centric Olympics ever.” The organizers
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exerted great effort to provide all visitors a total “ICT Experience” by showcasing 5G wireless networks, AI translation robots, and self-driving buses. 5G wireless connectivity is considered as cellular network’s next generation, which Korea expects to launch globally by 2020. More importantly, the PyeongChang Olympics lived up to its vision of being a vehicle for international peace with the participation of a North Korean delegation – including the attendance of Kim Yo-jong, younger sister of Kim Jungun, the North Korean leader. Indeed, the Games provided a rare opportunity for cross-border reconciliation and has led to further talks between the two Koreas. Since then, special envoys of President Moon Jae-in visited North Korea on March 5 to relay President Moon’s hopes for nuclear disarmament and permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula. For his part, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un expressed his desire to “write a new history of national reunification” and looked forward to a summit between the North and the South. In preparation for the sum-
mit, the first in more than a decade, which is scheduled to take place on April 27 on the South Korean side of the joint security area (JSA), also known as Panmunjom, officials of both Koreas held meetings on March 29, April 5 and 7 at the proposed venue for the summit. The summit carries with it spring’s promise of new beginnings. I hope our Filipino friends share this optimism. After all, with a deep history of partnership and cooperation between Korea and the Philippines, regional peace is evidently a common aspiration. In fact, our two countries have shared experiences that reinforce the long history of friendship between our peoples. One of the latest examples of such close relationship is when the Korean government donated $200,000 in support of relief operations by the Philippine National Red Cross (PRC) in Albay, Bicol province, where the recent activity of Mayon Volcano wreaked havoc on. PRC Chairman Richard Gordon, in appreciation of the Korean Embassy’s continuous support of easing the suffering of vulnerable communities, said that “This timely donation will not only augment the
Philippines-Korea Investment Forum on Infrastructure and Energy held
Kepco to hire 5,000 workers for coal power-plant project
“Korean Arrivals in Cebu may have reached 1M in 2017” – DOT Korea Marine Chief in PH
Korea Provides P10M Aid for Mayon Victims Ambassador HAN Graces SFA Semicon Phase 2 Facility Opening
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PRC’s capacity but is also a great contribution in providing hope to thousands of families affected by Mayon’s volcanic activities.” Another demonstration of this special link between Korea and the Philippines is the vibrant people-to-people exchange. Even as Koreans continue to occupy the top spot among sources foreign visitors to the Philippines, with some 1.6 million tourist arrivals last year, I hope to see this number rise to 2 million. It may be springtime in Korea but here in the Philippines, we are already feeling the heat of summer. This may explain, to some extent, the rise in the number of Filipino applications for Korean visas. Spring is certainly one of the best seasons to visit Korea. Its wonderfully cool weather, with blooming flowers transforming icy landscapes into picturesque gardens, offers a welcome respite for Filipinos wishing to escape the tropical heat With the onset of summer, I hope that the sunny disposition of Filipinos will continue to outshine the harshness of the heat and that relations between Filipinos and Koreans will always be filled with warmth.
New Additional Visa Requirement for First Time Korea Travelers Traditional Korean Liquors on Exhibit at KCC
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Philippines-Korea Investment Forum on Infrastructure and Energy held
From left: Ambassador HAN Dong-man, DTI Undersecretary Rowel Barba, AKC Secretary General Kim Young-Sun and Philippine Ambassador to Korea Raul S. Hernandez at the Opening of the Philippines-Korea Investment Forum on Infrastructure and Energy last January 30 2018 at Sofitel Philippine Plaza. (Photo from DFA)
TWELVE companies from Korea visited the Philippines last January 29 to 31 for a highlevel investment mission that looked into possible business prospects in the Philippine infrastructure section. Representatives from Korea’s major companies engaged in infrastructure development, energy generation, and waterworks, participated in the mission.
The visit was organized by the ASEAN Korea Center (AKC) in coordination with the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC), DTIBoard of Investments and the Philippine Embassy in Korea in view of the Korean business community’s tremendous interest to invest in the Philippines’ thriving economy. The mission commenced with a visit to the Clark Free-
Cebu City or the “Queen City of the South” is slowly earning the name, “Seoul of the Philippines,” as it welcomes an increasing number of Korean tourists in the region. Department of Tourism (DOT) officials attributed the influx of Koreans to Cebu’s tourist attractions, including world-class beach resorts, cultural festivities, Spanish historical sites and Filipino cuisine. DOT-Region 7 Director Shalihmar Hofer Tamano also credits the peace and order situation, improved connectivity and the renowned Filipino hospitality for the Cebu tourism’s boom. “Like what Secretary Wanda Teo says, more than anything else, it’s the unique and genuine Filipino hospitality and the Cebuano charm that attract Koreans, Japanese and Chinese visitors to the region,” said Tamano. During the meeting with
Korean Consul-General in Cebu OH Sung-Yong, Tamano assured of constant coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the military authorities to ensure the safety of Korean visitors in the area, particularly in the provincial capital Cebu City. Tamano also acknowledged the efforts of DOT-Seoul Office in promoting Cebu and other Philippine destinations, particularly at the annual Korea Travel Fair (KOTFA). In 2016, Tamano said over 840,000 tourists from South Korea arrived in the region. The DOT director said there is a possibility that Korean arrivals in the province might have reached one million in 2017, even as data are still being carefully collated. “I wouldn’t be surprised if Cebu would soon be known as Seoul of the Philippines, Koreans’ home away from home,” he added. (DOT)
“Korean Arrivals in Cebu may have reached 1M in 2017” – DOT
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port and Special Economic Zone on 29 January. Philippine Ambassador to Korea Raul Hernandez invited the members of the mission to “join the Philippines in achieving greater growth and prosperity” and expressed optimism that “with Korea’s advancements in the infrastructure sector, there would be vast possibilities for partnership and cooperation for continued sustainable development in the Philippines.” The mission culminated in a “Philippines-Korea Investment Forum on Infrastructure and Energy” convened on January 30 at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza. Present at the Opening Ceremony included DTI Undersecretary Rowel Barba, AKC Secretary General KIM Young-Sun, Ambassador HAN Dong-man, Ambassador Hernandez, and Commercial Counsellor Emmanuel Ang, Head of the PTIC in Seoul. During the Forum, Ambassador Hernandez invited the Korean companies to partici-
pate in Philippine infrastructure projects, either as EPC contractors or equity investors, underscoring that Philippine infrastructure and construction companies are eager to partner with Korean companies who have expertise in the development of large-scale infrastructures such as airports, roads, bridges, power, water, and related utilities. Ambassador Hernandez also pledged the full support of the DTI and Philippine Embassy in Korea in facilitating business matching and the implementation of infrastructure projects between the Philippines and Korea. The Forum provided an opportunity for the members of the mission to be apprised of investment opportunities in the Philippines’ infrastructure sector, to be informed of the Philippine government’s policies for potential foreign investors and to network with government officials and business counterparts. (DFA)
Korea Marines Chief in PH for Goodwill Visit
Marine Commandant from Korea Lt. Gen. Jun Jin Goo arrived in the Philippines last March 21 for a goodwill visit to Philippine Marine Corps. Philippine Marine Corps Deputy Commandant Brig. Gen. Martin Villasan personally received Lt. Gen GOO to discuss possible development of military cooperation between the two countries. After a wreath-laying ceremony for the honor of fallen Marine brothers of Corps, a briefing on both sides was held to discuss the enhancement of bilateral relations between the two Marine Corps. “This mainly discusses foundation where the foundation where the two forces share interest and cooperation, conduct of Subject Matter Expert Exchanges and doctrines most especially on Assault Amphibious Vehicles (AAV) which will be delivered to the PMC
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in 2019, training opportunities for jungle warfare, 155 howitzer and missile defense system and management of ROKMC reserve components,” Capt. Maria Rowena Dalmacio of Marine Public Affairs Office said. The two parties also discuss the relationship in the organizational structure of ROKMC and ROK Navy, wherein the ROKMC performs and operates as a distinct and autonomous branch of ROK Armed Forces. The Philippine Marine Corps is independent of the Navy although complementing in naval operations and amphibious operations. If Senate Bill 1731 or the Philippine Marine Corps Act will be passed by Congress, it will transform the Philippine Marines into the fourth service branch of the AFP. (Philippine Star)
Korea Provides P10M Humanitarian Aid for Mayon Victims
(Republic of Korea Ambassador HAN Dong-man presents the deed of donation to Philippine Red Cross Chair and CEO, Senator Richard Gordon)
On behalf of the Republic of Korea, H.E. Ambassador HAN Dong-man handed over humanitarian aid worth 200, 000 US Dollars (Php10 million) to the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Wednesday, 7 February 2018, to assist relief operations to affected communities by the eruption of Mayon Volcano in Albay Province. The 200,000 US Dollar donation will be spent in the delivery of emergency relief assistance such as water, hygiene kits, medical aid, sanita-
tion facilities, and other relief items to more than 20,000 families displaced from the 8-kilometer danger zone of Mayon Volcano. The Korean Government is committed to providing the necessary assistance to the Philippines in this time of need. Korean residents and tourists within the affected area are advised to exercise caution and to be constantly aware of announcements by local officials on the Mayon volcanic activity.
AT LEAST 5,000 local workers are needed by the Korean Electric Power Corp. (Kepco) for the construction of its coal-fired power plant in Sual, Pangasinan. The job opening was announced by Kepco, which is currently finalizing negotiations with municipal officials for the planned power plant designed to generate 1,000 megawatts (MW) more of energy supply to Luzon. Kepco is investing $2 billion in the project. It is expected to hire more than 300 regular employees for the plant’s operation. According to Mayor Roberto Arcinue, most of the workers and employees will come from Sual, as mandated by an
ordinance that requires investors to recruit local residents for their manpower needs. Aside from job benefits, Arcinue said P800 million in real-property taxes could be collected annually from the proposed power plant, which shall be shared by the province the municipality of Sual and Barangay Baquioen, where the plant would be constructed. The proposed plant’s generating capacity will help boost and stabilize the power supply for the Luzon. For its Sual power plant, Kepco would be using the ultrasupercritical technology that is the latest in coal power generation. (Business Mirror)
Kepco to hire 5,000 workers for Pangasinan coal power-plant project
Ambassador HAN Graces SFA Semicon Phase 2 Facility Opening
From Left: Welcron Hantec Chairman LEE Youngkyu, SFA Semicon President Byunggil Go, Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Ambassador HAN Dong-man, SFA Engineering Vice Chairman Won Jin, SFA Semicon Korea’s Chief Operations Officer LEE Byeongchun and Clark Development Corporation President Noel Manankil (Photo from SFA Semicon)
SFA Semicon Philippines Corporation (SSPC) recently opened its second manufacturing facility in its Clark Freeport complex last February 27, 2018. Ambassador HAN Dongman led the ribbon-cutting ceremony together with Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade that showcased the SSPC’s commitment to invest in the industrial expansion of
the Philippines. “The Phase 2 project is the first step in the SFA Group’s strategy to develop SSPC as the conglomerate’s manufacturing center in the region,” SFA Semicon Korea’s Chief Operations Officer LEE Byeongchun said. The SFA Group owns SFA Semicon Korea which has manufacturing facilities in Korea and in China.
New Additional Visa Requirement for First Time Travelers to Korea Announced
From March 26, 2018 applicants on Windows 1 and 2, who are first-time travelers and who have not traveled as a tourist to OECD member countries within the last 5 years, are required to submit 2316 form if employed with corresponding COMPANY ALPHALIST (Form 1604 CF with BIR received stamp). Applicants must highlight their name in the company alpha list. Information of employees other than the visa applicant may be concealed if preferred.
If the applicant cannot submit company alpha list, submit a letter of explanation. However, there may be a disadvantage in visa approval for those who fail to submit. All self-employed applicants for Windows 1 and 2, on the other hand, should submit BIR FORM with corresponding PAYMENT RECEIPT from BIR authorized bank. For inquiries, please email the consular section at ph04@mofa.go.kr
Due to the increased number of temporary visitor’s visa applicants, in the near future, Korean Embassy in the Philippines will no longer accept walk-in applicants and only designated travel agencies will be allowed to file temporary visitor’s visa application. The 10 agencies which were
already selected for the group visa are automatically included as a designated travel agency. The embassy announced that other travel agencies who are interested to be part of the designated agencies may submit the necessary requirements at the Korean embassy office on or before March 28, 2018.
Korean Embassy to Designate Travel Agencies for Temporary Visitor’s Visa
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Traditional Korean Liquors on Exhibit at KCC
(Jisung Chun, Korean rice liquor sommelier and curator of the exhibit explains the Korean traditional drinking setting to the guests)
Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) opened its first exhibition for 2018 “Korean Sool” on February 8 at KCC Exhibit Hall in Taguig City. The exhibition features the history of Korean liquor – its origin, brewing process, drinking etiquette, and proper table setting. Varieties of Korean traditional liquors are also on display for the visitors to discover. “Sool” or alcohol in the Korean language plays a significant role in Korean drinking and food culture. Korea has a long tradition of consuming liquors to celebrate holidays, ancestral rites and exchange goodwill with coworkers and friends. Jisung Chun, Korean rice liquor sommelier and founder of Soy and Rice, curated the ‘Korean Sool” exhibition. “There are more than 2,000 kinds of Korean traditional drinks in Korea. Each drink has its unique story and flavor. Through the “Korean Sool” exhibition, I hope to spread the
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charm of Korean drinks and start the ‘Korean sool wave’ in the Philippines,” said Chun. The opening ceremony of the exhibition hosted a Korean traditional snack (hangwa) making workshop, free tasting session, makgeolli (rice wine) making workshop and other programs to provide the best experience of the culture. “This exhibition is a good opportunity for the Filipinos to understand further the other aspects of Korean Culture, as our Filipino friends are showing a great interest in knowing our culture. Here we will discover the other varieties of Korean traditional drinks aside from makgeolli and soju and build more understanding of Korean food and drinking culture,” said LEE Jincheol, Director of KCC. “Korean Sool” exhibition is open to the public for free from 9 AM to 5 PM Monday to Saturday at the KCC Exhibition Hall starting February 8, 2018. For more information, contact (02) 555-1711 or email curator@koreanculture.ph
art & culture
Free Screening of Olympicthemed Movies held at KCC The Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) offered free film screenings of “Take-Off” and “Run-Off” last February 9 at the KCC Wave Hall, Taguig City to celebrate the opening of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics in Korea. “Take Off” depicts the story of how the first Korean national ski jump team was formed. In 1997, Korea bids to host the 2002 Winter Olympics. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) judges wonder how Korea, without having its own national ski jump team, could host the Winter Olympics. A national ski jump team then was hastily put together as
part of Korea’s bid to host the Winter Olympic Games. Its spin-off movie “RunOff” tells the story of Korea’s first women’s ice hockey team composed of a North Korean defector, a troublesome short track skater, middle-aged former field hockey player, former figure skater and a high school student. The team had early setbacks such as having a lazy drunkard coach, no proper support from the organization and constantly fighting members. But over time, all members are able to find common ground, and eventually qualified for the Winter Games. Aside from the free film screenings, prizes were given away to lucky event attendees.
Korean Embassy Hosts Special event for 2018 Winter Olympics Opening
(Jisung Chun, Korean rice liquor sommelier and curator of the exhibit explains the Korean traditional drinking setting to the guests)
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines held a special event on February 1 at the Korean Embassy, Taguig City to celebrate the opening of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics in the Republic of Korea. The event was headed by Korean ambassador HAN Dong-nan and Honorary Member of the International Olympic Committee Francisco Jose Elizalde. The 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics took place on February 9 to 25 at PyeongChang, Korea. PyeongChang was selected as the host city of the 2018 Olympic
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Winter Games after receiving a majority vote at the 123rd IOC Session on July 6, 2011, after three consecutive bids. The 23rd Olympic Winter Games was held in Korea for the first time in 30 years after the Seoul Olympic Games in 1988. PyeongChang hosted the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and most snow sports. 17-year old Asa Miller and 21-year-old Michael Martinez, Philippines’ representative Olympians this year will be competing in the slalom ski event and figure skating, respectively.