Korea-Philippines lantern display celebrates culture and holiday cheer
Thinking of a way to light up the most festive time of the year?
Experience the glowing beauty of lanterns through ‘Light the Season: A Korea-Philippines Lantern Display,’ proudly presented by the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)!
The display, which started on December 2, 2025, will run until January 6, 2026, at the facade and lobby of the NCCA building in Intramuros and at the ground floor of the KCC in Taguig. Honoring iconic Christmas traditions of the Philippines, this vibrant display of parol and Jinju silk lanterns showcases the beautiful crafts and cultural heritage that both countries share.
Last May to July this year, the KCC held its ‘Lights of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns’ exhibition, giving inspiration to the ongoing showcase as it once again demonstrates the remarkable artistry of lanterns made from fine Korean silk that originated from Jinju in Gyeongsangnam-do Province.
Offering a charming combination of light, color, and tradition, each display piece represents the timelessness of Korea’s lantern-making heritage. To complement these, the distinctive parol serves as a memorable symbol of Christmas for Filipinos.
Known as an iconic decoration for homes, streets, and communities across the country during the holiday season, the parol expresses the festive warmth of the Filipino people with its traditional star shape, bright colors, intricate patterns, and handcrafted details.
To officially launch the lantern display, an opening ceremony was conducted last December 1 at the NCCA building lobby. “Christmas holds significant meaning in the Philippines, and it is an honor to display Jinju silk lanterns with the Filipino symbol of Christmas, parol,” KCC Director Kim Myeongjin said.
NCCA Deputy Executive Director for Operations Bernan Joseph Corpuz also shared that “the idea of collaborating the Jinju silk lantern with parol now came to life, and it truly offers us a glimpse of continued partnership between Korea and the Philippines.” The ceremony was held in a festive atmosphere, made notable by a Pansori (Korean traditional singing) and Gayageum (Korean traditional string instrument) performance featuring traditional Korean pieces and a Christmas song.
Furthermore, there was also a special workshop to increase appreciation of the lantern traditions of both countries. After joining an informative lecture about Jinju silk lanterns, participants engaged in a hands-on parol-making activity with invited artist Harvey San Miguel, allowing them to directly experience the craft in a meaningful and creative way.
Aside from its visual aesthetic, this first-ever combination of Jinju silk lanterns with the Filipino parol offers a quality of storytelling that highlights the creativity and lasting friendship between Korea and the Philippines.
Everyone is invited to witness this display at the NCCA Building in Intramuros, Manila, from Mondays to Thursdays, 9AM to 8PM*, and at the KCC in Taguig City from Mondays to Saturdays, 9AM to 4PM. *NCCA lobby display runs from 9AM to 5:30PM, facade display runs from 5:45PM to 8PM
Feel free to bring your family and friends to this immersive cultural experience for a bright and joyful holiday season!
Source: PR from KCC
