Seoul and Chuncheon, May 2026 - The Philippine Embassy in Seoul participated in back-to-back cultural festivals in the Republic of Korea, further strengthening the Philippines’ cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges through literature, tourism, and cultural promotion.

2026 SEOUL FRIENDSHIP FESTIVAL

On 09 to 10 May 2026, the Philippine Embassy, in collaboration with the Philippine Department of Tourism – Korea (PDOT-Korea), participated in the 2026 Seoul Friendship Festival (SFF) held at Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Seoul and organized by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. The SFF offered both residents and visitors a unique opportunity to experience diverse cultural performances, international exhibitions, and global cuisines in one venue, highlighting Seoul’s commitment to multicultural exchange and global friendship.

The Philippine Embassy participated in several key festival zones, including the Embassy Cultural Zone, Video and Photo Exhibition Zone, and World Costume Zone, showcasing Philippine culture, tourism, and heritage to festival goers. In the Embassy Cultural Zone, visitors enthusiastically participated in interactive activities such as the traditional Filipino game “Jack en Poy,” free caricature drawing, and the Philippine tourism roulette game, which drew strong public interest and engagement throughout the event.

The Video and Photo Exhibition Zone featured popular travel destinations in the Philippines, including major cities, renowned beaches, and world-class dive sites, while also promoting the country’s rich natural scenery and breathtaking landscapes. Through vibrant visual presentations, festival goers were introduced to the diverse tourism offerings and natural attractions of the Philippines. Meanwhile, the World Costume Zone became one of the festival’s popular attractions, with many visitors enjoying the opportunity to try on traditional Filipino attire and take commemorative photos.

Ambassador Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez attended the Seoul Friendship Festival 2026 Welcome Ceremony together with members of the diplomatic corps and officials from the Seoul Metropolitan Government, reaffirming the Philippines’ commitment to fostering friendship and cultural cooperation with the Republic of Korea and the international community in Seoul. 

NAMI ISLAND INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL

During the same weekend, the Philippines also participated in the 2026 Nami Island International Children’s Book Festival held at Nami Island, Chuncheon the two-day international cultural event aimed to provide a platform for cultural exchange through literature and picture books from around the world in an engaging and natural setting.

The Philippine Embassy joined other international participants in promoting cultural understanding through an exhibition booth and storytelling and children’s literature while encouraging greater curiosity and appreciation for the cultures and literary traditions of participating countries.

Representing the Philippines at the festival were Ms. Anne Campos, who read the book, “Sayaw ng mga Kamay”, written by Ms. Joanna Que and Ms. Charina Marquez and illustrated by Ms. Fran Alvarez, the book is an uplifting story about a friendship overcoming disability barriers with Filipino sign language. Ms. Campos is the Area Coordinator for the National Book Development Board (NBDB) - Book Nook South Korea, a Primary SEN Teacher and Charity Committee Leader at Dulwich College Seoul and the Educational Director of Open Arms Korea a Korean NGO. She is also the Founder and Vice-President of Ylang-Ylang Readspark and Starthub Association an NGO based in the Philippines focused on literacy. 

Ms. Nerissa Angeles, author of the children’s book “Biyaya ng Bundok Arayat”, which has been translated into Korean and Tagalog, highlights the natural beauty, rich ecology, and food bounty of Mount Arayat, captivated young audiences through interactive storytelling sessions during the festival. Children also participated in an abaca plate weaving activity inspired by Filipino culture and traditions. Ms. Angeles, who also serves as a Philippine representative instructor at Asian Hub Co., Ltd.’s Multicultural Education Department, conducted engaging children’s reading and storytelling sessions throughout the event. 

Through participatory reading activities and creative storytelling, Ms. Campos and Ms. Angeles introduced children and their families to Filipino stories, values, and cultural traditions in an enjoyable and meaningful way.

The Embassy cultural promotion booth was attended by Deputy Head of Mission and Consul General Edwin Gil Mendoza and Cultural Officer Anthony Z. Cornista, who expressed appreciation to our hosts the Nambook International Committee and organize Mr. Albert Kwon, Director, Nami Island Children’s Book Festival, Nami Island Arts & Education, Inc. for providing a meaningful venue for international literary and cultural exchange. END