Korea Festival Baguio blends food, music, taekwondo

CULTURAL SHOWCASE. Chef Nick of KPH Culinary Inc. leads a gimbap‑making demonstration during Korea Festival 2026 at SM City Baguio on May 9, part of a two‑day event featuring gugak music, calligraphy, taekwondo, and KPOP performances. (Photos courtesy of SM Supermalls)

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The 2026 Korea Festival in Baguio drew large crowds over the weekend with a mix of food, music, martial arts, and interactive cultural showcases, underscoring the city’s growing enthusiasm for Korean heritage.

Held May 9–10 at SM City Baguio, the two‑day event featured the aT Korea Agro‑Fisheries and Food Trade Corporation in partnership with the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines.

A gimbap‑making demonstration led by Chef Nick of KPH Culinary Inc. proved a highlight, attracting an average of 48 participants daily.

Visitors also explored the K‑Food Market, which offered authentic Korean products for tasting and purchase, alongside interactive booths and giveaways.

Organizers said the activities reflected strong community engagement and appreciation for Korean cuisine.

Beyond food, the festival showcased traditional and modern performances.

The Suwon Gugok Association, a cultural group from South Korea dedicated to preserving gugak, captivated audiences with dances and vocal arts accompanied by traditional instruments.

Korean media calligraphy demonstrations added a visual dimension to the program, while the Korea Taekwondo Association energized crowds with precision kicks, choreographed routines, and martial artistry.

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HERITAGE AND FLAVOR. Musicians from the Suwon Gugok Association perform traditional gugak music while visitors join interactive booths such as Hanbok fittings, K‑beauty products, and more during Korea Festival 2026 at SM City Baguio, supported by aT Korea and the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines. (Photos by Merriam del Rosario/GMB)

Experience booths offered immersive activities including a photo wall, ASEAN corner, aT Center, Hangeul pop art, K‑beauty products, Hanbok fittings, digital painting, and more.

The festival’s closing night featured KPOP Baguio performances and a lively random play dance, drawing enthusiastic participation from young audiences.

Organizers said the collaboration between KCC Philippines and aT Korea aimed to strengthen cultural ties between South Korea and the Philippines through food, education and community engagement.

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