Strengthening PH-Korea ties
This year’s Korea National Day celebration, held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on Oct. 30, had a special significance as it marked 75 years of diplomatic ties between Korea and the Philippines.
During the event, Ambassador Sang Hwa Lee shared the highlights of the recent state visit of Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol to the Philippines.
President Yoon honored the deep historical bond between the two nations, paying tribute to the Filipino soldiers who fought in the Korean War, and sharing the vision for the future of bilateral relations through the official declaration of a “strategic partnership” between the two countries.
Korea and the Philippines are looking to strengthen practical ties in key areas such as infrastructure, trade, and energy and to enhance economic collaboration, with Korea’s investments in the Philippines expanding, particularly in the Luzon Economic Corridor.
The upcoming Korea-Philippines Free Trade Agreement is expected to drive further trade and investment, while Korea’s increasing development assistance will support the Philippines’ aspirations for economic growth.
Lee was also quick to point out that the cultural exchanges between the two countries are flourishing, with many Filipinos embracing Korean pop culture, from K-pop to Korean cuisine.
Korean tourist arrivals to the Philippines is also increasing, reflecting the growing people-to-people connection.
This deepening cultural bond reflects the strong mutual affection between the two countries and the immense potential for a future built on shared values, stability, and economic prosperity.
