KOREA BULLETIN The official publication of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea
FROM
THE
JANUARY 2019
AMBASSADOR‘S
DESK
HAN Dong-man, Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary
Mabuhay! Masaganang Bagong Taon sa inyong lahat! It has been a wonderful one year since I assumed my post as Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines. And while I was caught in a flurry of activities, it has also been a truly productive and meaningful period as far as the relationship between our two countries is concerned. I managed to visit around 20 provinces all over the country, where I met members of the Korean communities, inspected ongoing projects involving Korean companies or launched new ones, and forged meaningful relations with the government officials, community leaders, and all the
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friendly Filipinos everywhere I went. In the last quarter of 2018 alone, I visited seven provinces to attend such events as the inauguration of a medical ward in Iloilo as well as a ground-breaking ceremony of the Panguil Bay Bridge Project in northern Mindanao. I also gave lectures at Negros Oriental State University, Siliman University, and University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos. And since education is dear to my heart, I appreciated participating in the 14th APEC Future Education Forum in Manila last November. It is my firm belief that educational cooperation promotes mutual understanding, inspires innovation, and makes stu-
Ambassador HAN attends Panguil Bay Bridge Project the groundbreaking
tries will be celebrating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties. As Korean Ambassador, I am very proud to be in the middle of this historic milestone. President Duterte and President Moon of Korea have announced that 2019 is a landmark year for mutual exchange. I expect that we will have many cultural events, including big-scale K-pop festivals. We will also try to invite Korean idol groups, such as Momoland, and famous actors, as well as the Korean Symphony Orchestra. I wish that 2019 will be a year of positive moments that will allow our two nations to flourish even more in the years to come. Mabuhay tayong lahat!
Korean Embassy, KCCP, AIM Awards Outstanding CSR Activities to Korean Companies in PH
Ambassador Han gives a lecture on Saemaul Undong in Iloilo Korean Government grants 5.2$M for Flood Early Warning System
Korean Embassy Launches PhilippinesKorea Society
dents globally competitive, all of which will inevitably lead to economic prosperity. These visits and lectures always give me the opportunity to hear the concerns of my fellow Koreans and encourage them to invest more in this country, as well as share with Filipinos relevant information about Korea that serve to deepen how we perceive each other and strengthen our ties. I cannot stress enough the exceptional bond that Korea and the Philippines share on account of the great and noble sacrifice made by Filipino soldiers during the Korean War. Every year since that time, we have commemorated this friendship in various ways, but this year is particularly special because our two coun-
Ambassador HAN Delivers Congratulatory Remarks at 14th APEC Future Education Forum
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Implementation of Express Visa 20K PH students experience Korean Culture Caravan 1
Korean Embassy Launches Philippines-Korea Society
The Korean Embassy hosted the Philippines-Korea Society Soft Launching Event and 2018 End of Year Celebration at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel in collaboration with the UP Korea Research Center on December 20, 2018. Ambassador HAN Dongman expressed his gratitude to the guests who attended the cel-
ebration. He mentioned that the Philippines-Korea Society hopes to provide a great venue to discuss and exchange information on Korean culture, languages and business relations. He stated that the Philippines-Korea Society Soft Launching Event is a stepping stone in strengthening the cooperation between our nations on cross-sectoral fields. He also
Korean Government grants 5.2$M for the Automation of Flood Early Warning System
The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) officially launched the Automation of Flood Early Warning System for Disaster Mitigation in Greater Metro Manila Project today, 07 December 2018, in PAGASA, Quezon City. The project intends to improve responsiveness to natural disasters and mitigate damages to residents in Tullahan and Pasig-Marikina river basins. Through this project, casualties and property damages will be minimized by securing forecast way before flooding incidents occur. Ambassador HAN Dong-
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man, the Korean envoy to the Philippines, led the ceremony together with DOST Sec. Fortunato T. de la Peña, KOICA Country Director Myung Seop Shin, and PAGASA Administrator Vicente Malano. The Korean Government through KOICA granted $5.2M for the establishment of a Command Center with state-of-theart equipment, provision, and installation of automatic water level gauges, automatic rain gauges, warning posts, CCTVs; development of 10 units of software; and setting up relay stations and wireless network for the CCTVs. “This project composed of the automation of the flood early warning system and this forecasting and warning center, are shields of our local populace that
hopes that this cooperation will promote the two countries’ economic development, and expand their communication channels. In addition, Ambassador Han said that 2019 is the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the Republic of Korea and the Philippines. He requested the support of all the guests for the various cultural events which will be held to celebrate this remarkable year. Dr. Jose Dalisay, UP Vice President for Public Affairs, made a welcome speech expressing gratitude to the Korean Embassy in the Philippines and to Ambassador Han who prepared the soft launching of the PhilippinesKorea Society. He emphasized that the partnership between the Philippines and Korea can only grow, especially with the support
of such institutions as this new society. He described the relationship between both countries by reciting the Korean poem titled ‘Flower’ by Kim, Chun-su. Mr. J. Carlitos G. Cruz, Chairman of SGV, made special remarks. In his special remarks, Mr. Carlitos expressed his honor and appreciation for being invited and asked to deliver a speech at this meaningful event. He also wished for the prosperity and the development of the PhilippineKorea Society.
enable them to better prepare for this type of hazard,” says Sec. de la Peña. AAdministrator Malano also added that the EWS 3 project funded by KOICA is PAGASA’s answer to the people’s need to be warned beforehand so that the risk of getting caught in the middle of a severe flood will significantly reduce. “We are building the preparedness of our people, we are promoting proactiveness by pushing them to go beyond the usual level or preparedness through this improved flood early warning system that will
be managed by this center that we are inaugurating today,” says Administrator Malano. The project will also cover dispatch of Korean experts to share their technical know-how, and enhance the capacity of PAGASA personnel to respond to natural disasters in order to reduce more human casualties. Capacity Building/Training programs in Korea for PAGASA officials and other stakeholders as well as Workshops for LGUs and their residents are also included in the project.
Ambassador Han gives a lecture on Saemaul Undong in Iloilo
Ambassador HAN Dong-Man on December 6, was invited by the Provincial Government of Iloilo to gave a lecture on Saemaul Undong. Around 200 people attended the lecture including Hon. Arthur Defensor, Governor of Iloilo; City Mayors and officials of Iloilo prov-
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ince; and students. Saemaul Undong or “New Village Movement” is a political and social reform initiative introduced by then President Park Chung-Hee in 1970 which helped the war-torn South Korea become a highly-urbanized country.
Ambassador HAN attends Panguil Bay Korean Embassy, KCCP, AIM Confer Bridge Project the groundbreaking Awards to Outstanding CSR Activities
by Korean Companies in PH
(President Rodrigo Duterte lays in the time capsule as he leads the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Panguil Bay Bridge on November 28, 2018. SIMEON CELI JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO)
Ambassador Han attended the ground-breaking ceremony of the Panguil Bay Bridge Project, which is supported by the Korean Government through the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) on 28 November. In his remarks, Ambassador HAN said $400 million dollars of the $1 billion EDCF basic agreement signed between Korea and the Philippines may be used for the project. He added that he is pleased that this longest bridge (3.7km) in the Philippines will be constructed in Mindanao, especially because he had promised that Korea would continue to make an effort to support Mindanao’s development. President Rodrigo Duterte, DPWH Secretary Villar, Defense Secretary Lorenzana, Lanao del Norte Governor Dimaporo, and Misamis Occidental Governor
Ramiro led the ceremony. Ambassador Han said that when the bridge is completed, travel time between Lanao del Norte and Misamis Occidental will be remarkably reduced from 2.5 hours to 7 minutes, and he expected the local economy to be more active with lower logistics costs. Secretary Villar said this is a monumental project of the Philippine government and demonstrates the outstanding work of Korean companies, and he expects it to be the cornerstone of cooperative relations between the two countries. He emphasized that cooperation in the infrastructure sector is important for the co-prosperity of the two countries and he hoped that more Korean companies would invest in this field.
Ambassador Han attended the 14th APEC Future Education Forum, the biggest knowledge forum in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) education section, to gave a congratulatory message, and met with Secretary Leonor Briones of the Department of Education.
The event, themed “Future Education for Harnessing Inclusive Opportunities in the Digital Age,” was co-hosted by the Republic of the Philippines through the Department of Education (DepEd) and by the Republic of Korea through its Ministry of Education (MOE).
Ambassador HAN Delivers Congratulatory Remarks at 14th APEC Future Education Forum
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Korean Chamber of Commerce Philippines (KCCP), and Asian Institute of Management (AIM) hosted the 2018 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Awards for Korean Companies in the Philippines on 24 October 2018 at Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City. This event aims to honor and recognize Korean companies in the Philippines for their outstanding CSR activities in local communities. Korean Ambassador to the Philippines HAN Dong-man opened the ceremony, highlighting the close relations between Korea and the Philippines and encouraging Korean companies to pursue more CSR activities to contribute more to national development and improve the daily life of Filipinos. Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar, Presidential Advisor for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion, Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) Director General Charito Plaza, and AIM Dean Dr. Jikyeong Kang graced the occasion and emphasized the private sector’s role in contributing to
sustainable development and coprosperity of the Philippines. 13 Korean companies were given awards during the night: (Platinum Award) Samsung Electronics Philippines Corporation, KEPCO Philippines Corporation, and Hyundai Engineering & Construction; (Gold Award) PepsiCola Products Philippines, Inc., Hyundai Rotem Manila Branch, and LG Electronics Philippines, Inc.; (Silver Award) KEB Hana Bank Manila Branch and Samsung Electro-Mechanics Philippines Corporation; (Certificates of Recognition) DOOSAN Heavy Industries, Shinhan Bank Manila Branch, ILSUNG Construction Co. Ltd., Asiana Philippines GSA Inc., and POSCO Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. They have been awarded for their various CSR activities such as building smart classrooms, supporting local people near plants with building homes and offering scholarships, and donating humanitarian assistance for the damaged areas and victims in the battle of Marawi, and natural disasters such as typhoon Mangkhut, and many other activities.
The Korean Embassy will be implementing the express visa processing for temporary visitor’s visa starting Nov. 12, 2018. (Not applicable for the spouse visa, working visa, study abroad, etc.) Express visa should be applied at the time of visa application. Processing is within 2 working days excluding the date of application. Express visa application should be submitted at the time
of visa application at the designated travel agencies when applying for a visa through designated travel agencies. Express visa processing fee is $20 (PHP 1,000). The express fee will not be returned in case visa application is denied. Visit the Korean Embassy website to download the application form. Website: at http://overseas. mofa.go.kr/ph-en/index.do
Implementation of Express Visa
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art & culture 20K PH students experience Korean Culture Caravan
(Director LEE Jincheol gives a lecture to the public high school students during the Korean Culture Caravan.)
Students of the Pasay City Science National High School watch K-pop performances of the 2018 Pinoy K-pop Star Vocal and Performance winners.
Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC), with the aim of expanding the Filipinos understanding on Korea and Korean culture, visited seven public high schools that are currently and will soon implement Department of Education’s Special Program in Foreign Language-Korea (DepEd SPFL-Korea) for a Korean Culture Caravan. The Korean Culture Caravan is organized to bring the Korean culture to institutions to generate awareness on Korea’s rich culture through events and activities. In the caravan, KCC prepared several activities such as film and documentary screenings, Korean
traditional painting class (Sagunja & Mooninhwa), K-pop Dance class and cooking demonstrations for the participants. A Hanbok or the Korean traditional clothes wearing experience booth is available for the students and faculty members to try. To know more about Korea and Korean culture, KCC Director LEE Jincheol prepared a short lecture about Korea for the students. Aside from this, KCC also invited several K-pop cover singers and dancers to entertain the crowd. The performers are the winners of KCC’s annual K-pop talent search “2018 Pinoy K-pop Star” and ShowBT’s Filipino K-pop idol group SB19.
“It’s very important to showcase both Filipino and Korean cultures in this caravan. We hope that through this caravan, Filipino youth will also be inspired to create events that will showcase their own culture also,” said Director LEE. During the main program, students of each SPFL-Korea schools showcase Filipino traditional performances and songs. Since 2012, KCC has visited 38 institutions to help spread awareness of the Korean culture here in the Philippines. It is the first time for the KCC to host a Korean Culture Caravan in public high schools. This project is made possible through the implementation of the SPFL-Korea
program. A total of 20,000 students participated in the different activities that KCC offered during the caravan in SPFL-Korea public high schools. From September 21 to December 7, Korean Culture Caravan visited the Kalayaan National High School (September 21), Las Piñas National High School (October 12), Boot National High School (October 19), Tanza National Comprehensive High School (November 9), Pasay City National Science High School (November 16), Gov. Feliciano Leviste Memorial National High School (November 23) and Maligaya High School (December 7).
The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines will hosted the “2018 Guerilla K-Night” on December 19 6 PM at Sunlife Amphitheatre, BGC, Taguig City. A first-of-its-kind event in the country, KCC brought together both Filipino and Korean acts on one stage to perform a special collaboration that best
represents each other’s culture. Traditional Contemporary Performer from Korea “UHEE,” Arena 2018 International Urban Dance Experience Champion “Aftermath,” and 2018 Pinoy K-pop Star vocal category 2nd Prize Winner Paul Manuel and performance category Grand Prize Winner “MIX’IN” exciteme the crowd with their
amazing performances. UHEE is composed of six young and promising artists in Korea. They are known for their reinterpretation of the Korean traditional percussion music and plays with creative musical techniques to better suit for modern ears. The group was awarded as the best Gugak performance for vitalization of
Gugak by Seoul City and 2015’s best performance for “Travelling Korean Arts” by the Korean Cultural Center that led them to tour around Spain and the Philippines for several performances. Aside from the performances, free food, freebies, and Raffle Prizes were given away to the lucky attendees of the event.
KCC Hosted the Merriest Performances at Guerilla K-Night
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