KOREA BULLETIN
The official publication of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea On behalf of the Korean Embassy, allow me to extend my warm greetings to the readers of the Korea Bulletin. I also wish to express my gratitude to each one of you for the warm welcome I received since I arrived in Manila. This year, I look forward to traveling throughout the Philippines to learn more what this charming country is all about. As we usher into this New Year, let us reflect on the many positive things that brought our two countries closer together. We stood firm with the international community in producing concrete and visible measures towards a safe and secure environment during the 2012 Seoul Nuclear Security Summit. The participation of Vice President Jejomar Binay, along with other world leaders, ensured our unwavering commitment in promoting a community free from nuclear terrorism. Not long after this, our two countries were similarly united in condemning the failed missile launch of North Korea. I would also like to highlight that we witnessed numerous high level engagements between the leaders of our two governments. The first official visit to Korea of Secretary Albert del Rosario of the Department of Foreign Affairs provided a great opportunity to reaffirm our bilateral ties and exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. Moreover, the visits to the Philippines of the representatives of Korea for various purposes further promoted our friendly relations and enhanced the mutual understanding between our two countries. Lastly, the visit of Minister Hyung Kyu Maeng of the Ministry of Public Administration and Security of Korea in November strengthened our cooperation, particularly in the field of information and communications technology. Complementing the achievements of our political relations, the economic cooperation between our two countries has also been fruitful. Our two-way trade volume has once again exceeded US$10 billion. With the support of our two governments and the increased interaction between our businessmen, I am optimistic we will be able to expand the business opportunities and contribute to the economic development of the Philippines, especially by creating more jobs for the Filipino people. In the aspect of our cultural and people-to-people exchanges, I am delighted by the fact that more than one million Korean tourists visited the Philippines last year for the first time. The continuous surge of Korean visitors in the country illustrates the strong link and the deepening friendly ties between our two peoples. While many Koreans have become interested in and fascinated with the Philippines, I hope that more Filipinos will develop the same interest in visiting Korea to learn more about it as well as to have fun. I am positive that the establishment of the Korea Tourism Organization last year will inspire many Filipinos to witness the beauty and richness of Korea and its culture. I would like to take this occasion to thank the Filipino and Korean people for their contributions in making our partnership strong and enduring. I trust on your continued support as we pursue more comprehensive bilateral ties. May this New Year bring every Filipino and Korean family peace, happiness, good health, and prosperity!
January 2013
National Day of the Republic of Korea
Palau Ambassador and Acting Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Ramon Rechebei, Department of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Laura del Rosario and Ambassador Hyuk LEE toast during the National Day Celebration last November 6 at the Ambassador’s residence.
The Embassy of the Republic of Korea celebrated its National Day and Armed Forces Day last November 6 at the Ambassador’s residence. Ambassador Hyuk LEE, who arrived in the Philippines last October 4, 2012 led the celebrations, stressing that Korea and the Philippines “are born to like each other and destined to become friends.” With the Korean War as the common ground, the relationship of the Philippines has flourished, presently making Korea the third largest source of investment of the Philippines as well as its fifth largest trading partner. The trade volume has reached an alltime high, going well over US$10 billion. Also, Korea is ranked as the top top tourists arrivals in the country, with the numbers hitting the one million mark late last year. “But our two nations still have more to achieve by working together.” Ambassador LEE noted. “I am optimistic about the future of our relations as I, together with all the Korean people, am passionate about enhancing our partnership and friendship.” Ambassador LEE is optimistic about enhancing the partnership of Philippines and Korea due to the huge potential for further prosperity through deeper cooperation and exchanges.
CONTENTS National Day of the Republic of Korea Tourism tackled on third Philippines-Korea partnership forum Korea turns over Bohol Rice Processing Complex to PHL Korea provides additional relief assistance to victims of ‘Pablo’ 30th TOPIK exams to be held in KCC Korean Hanji Doll Craft exhibit opens at the Podium Constitutional Court President of Korea visits PHL KOR, PHL sign Information and Communication MOU Korea Business Night held Living together in a modern city
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Tourism tackled on third Philippines-Korea partnership forum Issues on tourism promotions, policies and national branding were discussed during the one-day forum held last December 11 at the Intercontinental Hotel, with panelists and discussants from the government, academe and the media sharing their inputs on crucial tourism topics. The forum, organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Ateneo Initiative for Korean Studies (AIKS), was aimed at zeroing in on the potentials of the tourism industry of both the Philippines and Korea as each other’s market. Last year, Korea contributed to the largest tourist arrivals in the Philippines by nationality, reaching one million visitors. “Korea is actively pursuing development in tourism industry as this is the centerpiece of its growth. A two-way tourism is strategically important in economy as it generates employment and helps stimulate cooperation between two
Counsellor for Political Affairs Ki-hwan KWEON of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, Fr. Jose M. Cruz, SJ, DOT Usec. Daniel Corpuz, Ambassador Hyuk LEE, Minister Kyong Ho MIN of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and Director Seong Un HWANG of the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines.
governments and private sectors.” Ambassador Hyuk LEE said in his welcome address. Members of the academe, media and the government took part in the partnership forum. The first panel focused on analyzing the tourism policies and promotion strategies of the Philippines and Korea. The presenters were Hon. Daniel Corpuz, Undersecretary for Tourism, Planning and Promotions of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Mr. Sangyong Zhu, Director of the Korea Tourism Organization Manila.
The discussion for the second panel zeroed in on the problems and prospects of the Philippines-Korea ties in tourism. Mr. Alexander Lao, Vice-President for Commercial Planning and External Affairs of Cebu Pacific Air, discussed the emerging opportunities and challenges of the influx of Korean tourists in the country. Prof. Reil Cruz from the Asian Institute of Tourism of the University of the Philippines-Diliman, on the other hand, tackled the future of the sustainable partnership in tourism.
The other panelists and discussants included Cherry Lyn Rodolfo, a professor from the University of Asia and the Pacific, Isabel de Leon, Lifestyle Editor of Manila Bulletin, and Sangwoo Noh, Philippine Regional Manager of Asiana Airlines for the first panel. Also included in the second panel of discussants were Eun Gap Chang, President of the Korean Chamber of Commerce in the Philippines, Pamela Samaniego, Manager of DOT Team Korea and Ms. Doreen Yu, editor of the Starweek Magazine.
Korea turns over Bohol Rice Processing Complex to PHL The Republic of Korea reaffirmed its commitment in helping the Philippines achieve rice self-sufficiency in 2013 during the December 10 inauguration ceremony of the US$5-M Rice Processing Complex (RPC) in Pilar, Bohol. The ceremony was attended by Korean Ambassador Hyuk LEE, Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat, KOICA Philippine Office Resident Representative Jinoh KIM, Governor Edgar Chatto and Congressman Arthur Yap. The RPC is a “one-stop service center” equipped with state-of-the-art, post-harvest facilities and technologies that will improve the efficiency of rice production, milling, drying and storage, thereby reducing post-harvest losses and
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enhancing rice quality. The complex, with a total area of 10,000 square meters, has a drying capacity of 3,600 metric tons per year, a milling capacity of 3 MT or an equivalent of 60 cavans per hour, a milling recovery of 65% and a storage capacity of 22,000 bags.
In his message, Ambassador LEE noted his country’s active involvement in pursuing agricultural development projects in the Philippines such as rice production and agro-industrial growth. “Korea is dedicated to strengthening its contribution in support of the Philippine Govern-
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ment’s vision for a more competitive and technology-based agriculture laid down in its Development Plan for the period of 2011 to 2016,” he said. Ambassador LEE also mentioned that the Korean government’s firm commitment in the full development of a sustainable agricultural sector in the country led to an agreement to construct four RPCs in the Philippines. “In view of the benefits gained from the RPCs in Pangasinan and Iloilo, I am optimistic that RPC Bohol will reap the same. With three RPC facilities now in full operation, I am hopeful that it will further boost rice yields and contribute to the goal of the Philippine government in attaining rice self-sufficiency by next year,” he said.
Korea provides additional relief assistance to ‘Pablo’ victims Due to the extensive damage caused by Typhoon Pablo (international codename: Bopha), the Korean government has decided to provide an additional US$800,000 relief assistance to assist in the rehabilitation efforts of the Philippine government for the victims of the typhoon. The additional relief assistance, which is on top of the US$200,000 previously donated to the Department of Social Welfare and Develop-
ment (DSWD), is expected to help address the humanitarian needs of the affected families in the provinces of Davao Oriental, Compostela Valley, and Negros Oriental. In total, the assistance provided by the Korean government to the victims of Typhoon Pablo alone has reached US$ 1 million. The Korean government will continue to support and work with the Philippine government in its disaster relief efforts.
Korean Hanji Doll Craft exhibit opens at the Podium
Mr. Hans Sy, President of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. also attended the exhibit launch. With him are Ambassador Hyuk LEE, the Director of the Korean Cultural Center Seong Un Hwang and Artist Jae Hee Seo.
Constitutional Court President of Korea visits PHL
Dr. Kang-kook LEE, the former president of the Constitutional Court of Korea paid a courtesy call to Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno last January 4. Dr. LEE presented the Chief Justice a miniature replica of the Korean turtle ship.
30th TOPIK exams to be held at KCC The Korean Cultural Center will be hosting the upcoming 30th TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean Language) on April 21. Application period is from January 21 to February 21. For more information, visit www.koreanculture.ph or call 555-1711. The Korean Cultural Center, in cooperation with The Podium, launched the Hanji Doll Craft Exhibit last January 10 as part of its efforts to promote Korean culture to the Filipinos. The Hanji Doll Craft Exhibit highlighted Korea’s traditional art form as derived from the use of the Korean traditional paper or Hanji. The Hanji craft has long been a creative tradition in the Korean folk culture. The Hanji, on the other hand, is Korea’s durable paper made from the bark of the mulberry tree and is said to last a thousand years. “The Hanji Doll Craft Exhibit comes at an opportune time, especially now that Korean culture continues to gain the appreciation of many Filipinos,” Ambassador Dr. Kang-kook LEE, former president of the Constitutional Court of Korea, paid a courtesy call to Philippine Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno last January 4. He was accompanied by Ambassador Hyuk LEE. Dr. LEE, whose term ended last January 21, stopped by Manila as part of his fourcountry visit to the members of the Association of Asian Constitutional Courts and Equivalent Instutiions. He was here to discuss ways to promote mutual cooperation and
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Hyuk LEE said in his message. “As we widen our cultural interaction, I hope that many of you will develop greater interest in Korea’s traditional artistic heritage, which comes in varied art forms such as hanji doll craft, and extend the same support, the same way you did to our KPop and Koreanovelas.” The exhibit features the works of artist Jae Hee SEO as well as those of her students from the Korean Cultural Center. The exhibit ran until January 14 at the Atrium. The Hanji doll craft is an art form made with Korean traditional materials, and is largely similar with the western papier-mâché as it also uses paper and paste to create a three-dimensional object. partnership. The Constitutional Court of Korea, an independent and specialized court currently housed in Seoul, was established in September 1988. It was taken after a European model and is tasked to protect the people’s fundamental rights as well as to check governmental powers. The current Constitution ascribes all jurisdictions regarding the Constitution to the Constitutional Court.
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Korea, Phl sign Information and Communication MOU
Minister Hyung-kyu MAENG of the Ministry of Public Administration and Security was in the Philippines for an ICT Memorandum signing with Secretary Mario Montejo of the Department of Science and Technology.
The Republic of Korea and the Philippines, through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), signed a memorandum of agreement last November 19 in DOST, Taguig. It was facilitated between Public Administration and Security Minister Hyungkyu MAENG of Korea and DOST Secretary Mario Montejo during the former’s visit to the Philippines. The MOU formalizes a five-year partnership with Korea’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
ICT covers the fields of telecommunications and computer systems that enable people and organizations to access, manage and transmit information. Korea will be extending aid in enhancing the country’s ICT master plan and policies to answer the needs of the local government units. The MOU will also help in technical and personnel exchanges for capacity building. Korea and the Philippines had earlier signed an MOU in May 2012.
Korea Business Night held
(Left photo) Ambassador Hyuk LEE delivers his message during the Korea Business Night held at the Manila Hotel last November 20. (Right photo) Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary for Industry and Investments Group Cristino Panlilio, Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) Regional Representative Johwan CHOI, and PHILKOREC President Elton Tan See raise their glasses in a toast during the Korea Business Night. The Korea Business Night was organized by Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA), Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) and the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines.
Through the years, the Hanok has evolved to refer to the Korean traditional houses and for many non-Koreans, it has been more commonly known as the setting for the well-loved Koreanovelas that have pervaded the local scene such as Dae Jang Geum, Sungkyunkwan Scandal and Dong Yi. With the onset of modernization and the growing preference for Western-style houses, numerous hanok houses were destroyed. Hanok gradually died out and people clamored for the preservation and restoration of heritage treasures. An emerging movement to modify the Hanok to fit the modern lifestyle has seen numerous innovations in terms of techniques and spatial development. Not only would hanok be a testament of the
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Living together in a modern city
years past, but it will also be a livable space fit for the present times. To address this, the Korean Cultural Center launched an exhibit on contemporary Hanok last November 16 to highlight the possibility of modifications and expansion of Hanok within a modern
city while preserving its indigenous value. The exhibit, entitled ‘Contemporary Hanok’ is an extended show of the Clayarch Gimhae Museum of Korea and features several modernday hanok forms tackling the revitalized interest of the Korean people in Hanok amidst
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the continued modernization of Korea’s residential spaces. The Hanok are considered to be a testament of Korea’s regard for nature to fully make use of the available resources for dwelling purposes. The traditional houses also highlight the unity of aesthetics, principles of prevalent philosophies and science. The Hanok are also equipped with the ondol system, an under-floor heating system designed specifically for the Korean dwelling. Artist-architects Jung Gu CHO, Doo Jin HWANG, Yon Mi KIM, Jong Heon KIM and photographer Jun Hwan YOON are the participating artists whose extensive work portfolios have tried to make modernity and tradition thrive in a single space of residence. The exhibit will run until February 15, 2013.