KOREA BULLETIN The official publication of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea
FROM
THE
JANUARY 2016
AMBASSADOR‘S
DESK
KIM Jae-shin, Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary
First and foremost, I would like to greet you all a hopeful, peaceful, and prosperous 2016! The final quarter of 2015 was full of favorable events that are very encouraging to the future of Philippines-Korea relations. Its highlight was the 23rd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting held in Manila last November 18-19. President Park Geun-hye and President Benigno S. Aquino III were able to discuss various aspects of partnership, including trade and investment, defense, and economic cooperation and development. Mutual security cooperation is very important to Korea, especially with the enduring threat posed by North Korea’s military posturing, despite efforts by South Korea toward a peaceful reunification. Thus, President Park considers strong security as “the most fundamental basis of national development.” As part of this partnership, the first two of twelve Koreanmade FA-50 fighter jets arrived in Manila last November 28.
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They showcased Korea’s unwavering support to increase the defense capabilities of the Philippines. This close friendship can be traced back to the Korean War, when the Philippines dispatched more than 7,000 young soldiers to help in defending the freedom and sovereignty of Korea. It has become stronger through the years, and has led to a vibrant cultural exchange as well as a steady influx of investments into the local economy. Against this backdrop, the bilateral economic and cooperative relationship between the two nations is expected to become even more dynamic in the light of two important events last year. First, in the wake of its successful hosting of the APEC Summit, the Philippines joined the historic efforts to open a new era of the ASEAN Economic Community with the adoption of the AEC Blueprint 2015 by ASEAN leaders during the 27th ASEAN Summit on November 22 at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Korea welcomes the
advent of the AEC and considers this milestone truly meaningful, as it has been holding dialogues with the ASEAN for more twenty-five years. Second, as the year came to a close, the Philippines also signed the Articles of Agreement of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which made it one of the bank’s Founding Members. Hopefully, as what happened in Korea, infrastructure-driven policies will complement the economic development thrust of the Philippines. As for the economic relationship between the two countries, it is worthwhile to mention that two of the biggest banks in Korea – Shinhan Bank and the Industrial Bank of Korea –opened offices in Manila last year, on November 4 and December 8, respectively. This is a clear indication of the high confidence of the Korean banking community in the robust Philippine financial market. It is heartwarming to know that the Philippine academe has been consistently promoting Philippine-Korean relations
Korea delivers 2 FA-50 fighter jets to PH
Korean Cultural Center honors “K-Culture Friends”
Shinhan Bank, Industrial Bank of Korea opens in PH President PARK attends 2015 APEC Summit
DOTC, Busan Transport ink MRT-3 maintenance deal
through their Korean studies programs. I had the privilege to attend scholarly lectures on Korean issues at three of the country’s top universities in the last quarter of 2015 – at Ateneo de Manila University, the University of the Philippines (UP), and finally the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P). These lectures are designed so that the mostly Filipino participants will gain a better understanding of Korea. The fact that more and more young students are taking up Korean studies at UP, UA&P, and Ateneo is, indeed, very reassuring. This year is going to be dynamic for both countries because of the coming general elections, April in Korea, and May in the Philippines. However, I am optimistic that the Philippines and Korea, with their long-standing and durable relationship, will be able to adapt to whatever the future has to offer, and even thrive under an umbrella of trust and friendship. Mabuhay tayong lahat!
KCC opens 2016 classes
Ambassador KIM attends UP PKSS
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46th TOPIK application opens
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President PARK attends APEC 2015 Leader’s Summit
The leaders of APEC Economic countries pose for a photo with host, Philippine President Benigno Aquino III during the leader’s summit last November 2015.
Republic of Korea President PARK Geun-Hye arrived on Manila last November 17 to attend the 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting. She was welcomed by Philippine ambassador to Korea Raul Hernandez, Korean Ambassador to the Philippines KIM Jae-Shin and Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento. President PARK met Philippine President Benigno Aquino III for a closed-door meeting at Sofitel Philippine Plaza on November 18 to discuss the bilateral relationship between the two countries. During their meeting, Aquino thanked Korea for its support on Philippine government projects such as Jalaur River Multi-Purpose, Laguindingan Airport air navigation system and support facilities, and Samar Pacific coastal road projects. He further encouraged Korean companies to invest in shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing, food production, food processing and agribusiness, electronics, energy and renewable energy, finance and banking, infrastructure and PPP (public private partnership) projects in the Philippines. Korea is known to be the Philippines’s fifth major trading partner, sixth biggest export market and fifth biggest import supplier.
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He also hoped that Korea will consider the amendments of the Social Security Agreement between the two countries to maximize the benefits of the citizens of both countries. For President PARK, she advocated for greater cooperation in medicine, medical technology, tele-medicine, and public health projects and as well as in transportation and infrastructure development. She said Korea is also keen on improving social security program involving the two countries. In terms of military modernization programs of the Philippines, President PARK reaffirmed Korea’s support during her meeting with Aquino. She also hoped that more Korean companies would support the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Modernization Program. Aquino showed also his gratitude on Korea’s donation of a patrol combat corvette, a landing craft utility and 16 rubber boats that helped improve the Philippine military’s humanitarian assistance & disaster response capabilities. He has also assured President PARK that the Philippine government places great importance on ensuring the safety and protection of all Korean nationals visiting and residing in the Philippines. Korea is one of the members of the 21 APEC countries.
Korea delivers 2 FA-50 fighter jets to PH
Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) recently delivered the first two of the 12 fighter jets that the Philippines ordered for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) modernization last November 27 at Clark Field in Pampanga. Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces chief Gen. Hernando Iriberri witnessed the arrival of the two FA-50s. Under a government-togovernment contract, KAI sold 12 FA-50s to the Philippines for P18.9 billion following the signing of a defense procurement contract on 2014. The acquisition of the 12 FA-50 is the biggest in the Philippine government’s military upgrade efforts, funded under the Revised Armed Forces Modernization Program of the Philippines. It is the country’s first supersonic
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combat aircraft since 2005. Weapons that include bombs and rockets for the FA-50s will be purchased later. After a series of acceptance flights following its arrival, the assets are officially turned over to the Air Defense Wing of the Philippine Air Force responsible for territorial defense on December 8. Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, who just arrived from his state visit in Italy, lead the turnover and blessing of the assets with the pouring of champagne over the nose of the two FA-50s. The fighter jets serve as trainer jets and multi-role combat aircraft. It will be deployed for search and rescue, disaster response and combat operations. It will also be deployed to secure land, airspace and maritime territory.
Shinhan Bank and the Industrial Bank of Korea opens offices in PH
financial services for Korean citizens and companies as well as local and multinational firms located in the city. Present on its opening ceremony last November 4 are Shinhan’s chief CHO Yong-Byoung, BSP’s Governor Amando Maglalang Tetangco and Department of Finance Secretary Cesar V. Purisima. Shinhan Bank’s Manila branch office is located at Bonifacio Global City in Taguig. Korea’s state-run IBK also
held the opening ceremony of its Manila branch on December 8. Among the attendees were IBK Chief KWON Seon-Joo, Ambassador KIM Jae-Shin and BSP Deputy Governor Nestor Espenilla. The bank obtained final approval of BSP to open the brand in October and began its operation last November 2015. IBK aims to support small and medium-sized Korean companies that ventured in the Philippines.
Industrial Bank of Korea’s opening ceremony last December 2015. IBK started its operation in the Philippines last November 2015. (Photo from IBK)
Two of the largest banks in Korea, Shinhan Bank and staterun Industrial Bank of Korea (IBK) opened its Philippine Branch last November and December 2015, respectively. Last year, Shinhan and IBK both gained the approval of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
(BSP) to operate in the Philippines. The entrance of the two banks are said to be part of their efforts to expand business overseas. Shinhan’s Philippine branch is its 78th branch to be opened overseas. The Manila branch is set to offer diverse range of
DOTC, Busan Transport ink MRT-3 maintenance deal
Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) signed a P3.81-billion maintenance deal for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) system with Busan Transportation Corp. The maintenance deal is a joint venture of Busan Transport Corp. with Edison Devel-
opment Construction, Tramat Mercantile Inc., TMI Corp. Inc. and Castan Corp. Under the three-year maintenance deal, the Busan-lead group will undertake maintenance works of the rolling stock and signaling system starting January 2016. DOTC said that the group is already carrying
Opening Ceremony of the Shinhan Bank Philippine Branch last November 4, 2015. The Manila Branch is located at Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City (Photo from Korea IT Times)
out the necessary activities for transition and system assessment. The P3.81-billion contract also covers the overhaul of 43 MRT coaches; and the total replacement of the signaling system within two years. In his statement DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said that the deal is “one step closer
to having a safer and more reliable MRT 3 system” with entry of its new rail maintenance service provider. “With the operator of the Busan railway network in South Korea sharing their technical expertise, the riding public can expect an increase in the number of running trains and the efficiency of operations,” Abaya said.
Ambassador KIM attends UP Philippine Korean Studies Symposium
The University of the Philippines Center for International Studies with the Korea Foundation recently held the fourth UP Philippine Korean Studies Symposium (UP PKSS) at the UP NISMED Auditorium, University of the Philippines - Diliman last November 10 to 11. The UP PKSS is an international conference that aims to promote Korean language education and Korean studies in the Philippines. It also aims to raise the interest among Filipino scholars and university students regarding Korea-related topics, and encourage the establish-
ment of a Korean Studies program in the country. The symposium also serves as a meeting place of Filipino and Korean researchers and academics. It provides a venue for the sharing of research findings and hopes to create a community of scholars in Korean studies. Present at the event were Dean of UP College of Sciences and Philosophy Grace Ramos Aguiling-Dalisay, UP Program Development Associate for International Linkages Grace Ramos and Director Designate of UP Korea Research Center
Ambassador KIM Jae-Shin delivers his speech during the UP Philippine Korean Studies Symposium at UP Diliman, Quezon City.
Eduardo Gonzalez. Ambassador KIM Jae-Shin delivered his congratulatory remarks to the guests, students and scholars
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who attended the event. A series of lectures and discussions regarding Korean culture and history followed after.
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Korean Cultural Center honors “K-Culture Friends”
The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) recently held the launching ceremony of “K-Culture Friends” at the Manila Hotel last December 18. The K-Culture Friends is
a partnership project that aims to invite people from different institutions who will help the center to spread the knowledge of Korean Culture to the Filipinos. KCC wanted to set a higher goal in promoting the Korean
KCC opens 2016 classes
The Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines will be opening its first term of classes on January 18. For the past four years of its operations, KCC has been providing a diverse range of programs which include class offerings in the Korean language, and cultural classes such as Korean traditional dance and Taekwondo. Apart from its regular language and traditional classes, KCC also now offers classes for traditional Korean instruments such as Gayageum and Nanta on Wednesdays and Mondays. K-Pop fans who are interested to learn the grooves of their favorite Korean idols may enroll in KCC’s K-Pop Dance and Singing lessons. Hansik or Korean cooking classes is
also offered as a session-based course every Tuesday from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm, and 2:30 to 5:00 pm. The Korean Language Classes is divided into three levels, Basic Korean, Elementary, and Intermediate. Elementary and intermediate languages classes are divided into two levels. A 144-hour Intensive Korean Language classes for Spouse Visa Applications is also offered to Filipinos with Korean spouses. Students who pass the examinations will get a certificate needed for Spouse Visa requirements at Korean Embassy. The online registration was scheduled on January 8. The 2016 first term of classes will officialy start on January 18.
art & culture Culture with the help of people who can encourage the public to take an interest in its culture. For the past four years since it opened, KCC has been actively promoting the Culture of Korea to Filipinos. KCC partnered with different academic, private and government institutions to make its events successful and meaningful. In his speech, OH ChoongSuk, Director of KCC, envisions that with the help of this project, people will be more enticed to know more about Korean Culture. Among the members of the K-Culture Friends who attended the Ceremony were Aldrin Lee of University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, Roberto Dimayuga of Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK), Tarra Quismundo of Philippine Daily Inquirer, Patricia Esteves of Philippine Star, Kring Elenzano of The Philippine Kpop Convention,
KCC and National Gugak Center offered special classes in Fan dance and Samulnori
Korean Cultural Center recently completed its special cultural classes in Korean traditional Fan Dance and Samulnori. From November 2 to 14, several partcipants join the special classes supervised by Pro-
46th TOPIK application opens The Korean Cultural Center will be opening the application for the 46th Test of Proficiency on Korean (TOPIK) on January 18 and will run until February 17. The examination is on April 17 and release of the test results are on May 26. TOPIK, a Korean language test both for foreigners and overseas Koreans studying Korean, is generally used as a measure of proficiency in the
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Inc., and Sr. Maruja S. Padre Juan of Adamson University. KCC also arranged Korean Cultural Performances of inhouse KCC teams, Samulnori and Traditional dance team at the ceremony. Also, 2015 Pinoy K-Pop Star dancing competitions winners Se-Eon and Sheeny, singing competition winners, Hergie Manlucot and Val John Librea wowed the crowd with their presentations. KCC’s Art Specialist Jung Minji performed Nanta with her students and played using gayageum with the members of the Pansori team. Artist and KCC dance teacher Dasuri Choi showed her expertise in dancing with her K-pop dance performance. Aside from the launching of K-Culture friends, KCC also honoured the volunteer members of the center, “The Krew” for their notable service during KCC’s events and projects.
said language by those whose native language is not Korean. On the other hand, the EPSTOPIK (Employment Permit System), administered by the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA), is for the employment of the skilled workers in the manufacturing industry. The forms and guidelines may be downloaded from the KCC website (http://koreanculture.ph/).
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fessional Instructors from National Gugak Center in Korea. Fan Dance instructor KIM Hye-Ja also visited the University of the Philippines Diliman Campus to teach interested students of the Korean traditional dance.