15 October 2026, Seoul — The ASEAN-Korea Centre (AKC) continues to strengthen cultural exchange, promote tourism, and deepen regional cooperation through its FY2026 programs, including initiatives highlighting the Philippines as a destination for regenerative travel and activities showcasing the rich culinary and cultural heritage of ASEAN Member States.

As part of its bilateral collaboration with the Philippines, the AKC organized a familiarization tour in Manila and Cebu from 8 to 13 June 2026 to explore opportunities for regenerative tourism. The initiative aimed to introduce the Philippines’ tourism offerings to Korean audiences while encouraging more sustainable and meaningful travel experiences.

A key outcome of the tour was the production of promotional materials, including feature articles, photographs, and videos. Articles highlighting the Philippines were published in two Korean travel magazines, Pitch by Magazine and Travie, while photographs from the tour were uploaded to the AKC’s ASEAN Travel webpage. These materials are expected to help raise awareness of the Philippines among Korean travelers and further promote the country’s tourism destinations and experiences.

The AKC is also expanding opportunities for ASEAN cultural engagement in Korea through the establishment of ASEAN-themed public spaces and events. The Jeonju ASEAN Hall, which officially opened on 17 September 2026 at the Korea Traditional Culture Center in Jeonju, has welcomed more than 4,000 visitors as of 13 October. The facility aims to introduce ASEAN’s diverse cultures and create opportunities for cultural exchange while strengthening the Centre’s regional partnerships. Public programs, including the “ASEAN Brunch Box” and “ASEAN Cooking Class,” are being conducted from September 2026 through January 2027.

Meanwhile, the Seoul ASEAN Hall’s permanent exhibition is scheduled to launch on 13 November 2026 alongside the ASEAN Food Festa. Designed to offer an immersive and interactive experience, the exhibition will feature four thematic zones incorporating digital technologies, holograms, sound, scents, and traditional cultural elements from ASEAN Member States. The Centre is working with ASEAN embassies and other partners to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the exhibition’s content.

The ASEAN Food Festa, to be held at the Seoul Press Center Garden as part of ASEAN Week, will further showcase the region’s culinary diversity through participating restaurants, special food and beverage offerings, and collaborative programs with Korean culinary institutions and industry partners. The event will also feature activities promoting ASEAN cuisine through digital culinary competitions and academic discussions on food culture.

Through these initiatives, the ASEAN-Korea Centre reaffirms its commitment to strengthening ASEAN-Korea relations and promoting greater understanding of ASEAN’s diverse cultures, tourism destinations, and culinary traditions among the Korean public. For the Philippines, these programs provide valuable opportunities to enhance the country’s tourism visibility, foster people-to-people exchanges, and deepen cultural and tourism cooperation with the Republic of Korea.

The ASEAN-Korea Centre is an intergovernmental organization established to promote economic and socio-cultural cooperation between ASEAN Member States and the Republic of Korea, while fostering mutual understanding and friendship between their peoples. END.