Experience South Korea through films for free from Sept. 22-26

Watch some of the finest Korean films for free as the Embassy of the Republic of Korea launched the 2023 Korean Film Festival (KFF) in the Philippines.

From September 22 to 26, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea will hold the event with the theme "Kaja!: Korea Through Films" as part of its month-long tourism promotion or the "2023-"024 Visit Korea Initiative."

Among the films lined up is a musical film titled "Life is Beautiful," which was featured during the KFF's opening night at the Director's in Mall of Asia, Pasay City.

Film enthusiasts must also watch out for award-winning films such as The Book of Fish, Bori, Director's Intention, Everglow, Gyeongju, and Jukdo Surfing Diary, which feature non-mainstream destinations that travelers can add to their itinerary for a future Korea trip.

As the Hallyu, or the Korean wave has greatly affected different ages of Filipinos, the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC) hopes that many Filipinos will get to physically experience Korea in the future.

"After a long hiatus brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is heartwarming to see all of us returning to the theaters finally to enjoy movies on big screens," said South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-Hwa who delivered the opening remarks.

:Knowing that Filipino viewers have discriminating tastes, we feel honored that Korean films and dramas are well received in the Philippines," he added.

Meanwhile, Ambassador Lee has also expressed his joy at the connection between the two countries through cinema.

He also noted the success of the Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) launch last month, which aims to provide world-class visa application services for Filipino travelers.

"We are encouraged by the growing number of Korean tourists coming to the Philippines and vice versa, more and more Filipino friends going to Korea," the Ambassador added.

Also present at the opening night are National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) chairperson Victorino Mapa Manalo, Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) chairperson & CEO Tirso Cruz III, SM Cinema representative Perkins So, The Lamp CEO Park Eunkyung and Life is beautiful Film Production Director Lee Yeonhwa.

Admission to KFF is free but will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

The schedule of film screenings at selected cinemas can be checked through KCC's social media accounts. 

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—LDF, GMA Integrated News