SEOUL, 31 July 2014 – Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Raul S. Hernandez met with Mr. Jae-min Jeong, President of the Korean Cultural Association (KCA), during the latter’s courtesy call at the Philippine Embassy Chancery on Thursday, 31 July 2014 to introduce the cultural projects usually done with the cooperation of Seoul-based embassies.

“I wish to commend the Korea Culture Association for its tireless efforts to promote cultural exchange between Korea and their respective countries,” said Ambassador Hernandez. “Hopefully we’ll be able to understand more of each other’s culture and forge a closer relationship with each other.”

Mr. Jeong invited Ambassador Hernandez to give a lecture on an overview of the Philippines’ bilateral relations with Korea and the role and responsibilities of a diplomat before the participants to the Youth Ambassador’s Academy on 5 August 2014. This event is held during summer to inspire school children to become diplomats.

He also invited the Ambassador to take part in the KCA’s annual Global Costume Festival, where ambassadors, their spouses and family members walk down a catwalk in a unique fashion event to showcase their colorful national costumes and then to dress up in Korea's traditional hanbok (clothing).

The festival will be held this year in Ilsan City on 7 November 2014, as part of a two-day Global Culture Festival. Ambassador Hernandez agreed to join the fashion show and confirmed the Embassy’s participation in this year’s festival by setting up a booth featuring Philippine products such fruits, handicrafts and tourism materials.

Since it was established by Mr. Jeong and his spouse in 1984, KCA has played a leading role in active cultural exchanges with embassy with resident representations in Seoul. KCA organizes cultural events such as lectures, fashion show, culture festivals and tour and scholarship programs involving the diplomatic corps.