EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC
OF THE PHILIPPINES


SEOUL REPUBLIC OF KOREA

news

A common bond from fighting side-by-side


Filipino General Carlos Romulo, who was the president of the U.N. General Assembly when the Korean War broke out in 1950, staunchly advocated the international defense of South Korea. “The application of military sanctions in Korea is in itself an act of the greatest significance,” he said before the Assembly on Sept. 25, 1950, reflecting on the decision of the Security Council to take military action in the peninsula and on the need to strengthen collective action against acts of aggression.

“The Philippine Government, for its part, has given concrete proof of its support of the principle of collective security by sending troops to help the U.N. forces in Korea,” he added, referring to the first of five battalion combat teams from the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea), which rushed to Busan only six days earlier on Sept. 19, 1950. The relations between the Philippines and South Korea have always been characterized by such mutual trust and support. Bilateral relations between the two countries started on March 3, 1949 when the Philippines became the fifth country to recognize South Korea. The Philippines sent 7,420 soldiers to South Korea over a five-year period, among them former President Fidel Ramos and two former ambassadors to South Korea. Today, the Philippine Embassy commemorates their sacrifices every September at the Philippine Monument in Goyang City and in Yeoncheon County, where two memorials were erected in the 1960s to honor their courage and bravery during the Battle of Yultong. The Korean War is actually enshrined in the Philippine currency. At the back of the P500 bill (around 12,000 won) is a picture of our hero, Benigno Aquino, Jr. Aquino was a war correspondent during the Korean War, and beside his picture is one of his articles entitled “First Cavalry Knifes Through 38th Parallel.” Aquino is the father of President Benigno Aquino III, the 15th president of the Philippines. In the Philippines, two monuments about the Korean War attest to the longstanding ties between the two countries -- the PEFTOK Memorial in Manila and the Marikorea Monument in Marikina City, where our soldiers trained before deployment to South Korea. For over 60 years, the Philippines and South Korea nurtured this friendship, a partnership that began with military collaboration and lives on to this day in the form of deeper and more comprehensive cooperation in diverse areas such as trade, political-security concerns and socio-cultural exchanges. The Philippines and South Korea continue to stand side-by-side, proud of their shared history, committed to regional peace, and united by a common future of sustainable progress and stability. Luis T. Cruz Ambassador of the Philippines

Other News


March 10, 2025
PH DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM DESIGNATES ACTOR AND SINGER-SONGWRITER SEO IN GUK AS THE PHILIPPINES’ CELEBRITY TOURISM AMBASSADOR FOR SOUTH KOREA

10 March 2025, Manila, Philippines. -  The Philippine Embassy in Seoul is pleased to announce that popular South Korean actor and singer Seo In Guk has been appointed as the official Ambassador for Tourism in the Philippines. Known for his performances in well-received dramas such as "Reply 1997" and "Doom at Your Service", Seo In Guk’s charm, talent, and international fanbase make him the perfect fit to represent the vibrant tourism scene in the Philippines. This collaboration will further strengthen the cultural and tourism exchanges between the Philippines and South Korea. 

Read More
March 11, 2025
PHILIPPINE MADRIGAL SINGERS SHOWCASE ARTISTRY IN KOREA PERFORMANCES

07 March 2025 – The world-renowned and multi-awarded Philippine Madrigal Singers showcased their artistry before Korean and international audiences in several performances in Korea from 22-28 February 2025. The group, also known popularly as the MADZ, astounded audiences with their vocal mastery and intricate choral arrangements in various performances in Suwon, Ansan, Pohang, and as a special featured choir at the popular Jeju International Choral Festival.   The MADZ with their diverse repertoire of Filipino, international, spiritual, classical, popular, and ethnic music brought audiences to their feet as their performances received standing ovations from audiences.

Read More
March 08, 2025
PH AMBASSADOR REFLECTS ON GENDER EQUALITY IN LEADERSHIP

An advocate for women's rights and bridging the gender gap, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega adds her voice and shares her perspectives on the ongoing struggle for gender equality, the emerging challenges of AI-driven biases, and the crucial steps necessary to fully realize women's empowerment in today’s rapidly evolving world. Throughout her career, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega has championed women's rights, focusing on the intersection of gender equality, leadership, and international development.

Read More