The magic of storytelling transcended borders as the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines and the Quezon City Public Library came together for “Once Upon Our Lands: Phil-Kor Puppet Show,” a recent, special cultural event celebrating the timeless folktales of Korea and the Philippines.

The event brought young learners on a shared journey through the vibrant stories of both nations — igniting their imaginations and deepening their appreciation of each other’s cultures.

Held at the Quezon City Public Library, the event welcomed children and families for an engaging storytelling session that spotlighted beloved tales from Korea and the Philippines — “Myth of Dangun” and “Malakas and Maganda.”

With eyes wide and smiles bright, kids listened intently as the stories unfolded — learning, laughing and discovering the heartwarming values embedded in both cultures’ literary traditions.

The experience didn’t end with storytelling. Participants explored their creativity through hands-on activities inspired by the tales. Children delighted in coloring pages drawn from story motifs, while others expressed themselves through a fun craft activity where they designed their very own hanbok keyrings — a nod to Korea’s traditional attire. The interactive session helped bring the stories to life and offered a unique way for children to connect with the cultural elements they had just discovered.

Adding lasting value to the day, the KCC officially opened its ‘Mini KCC Library’ (Korean Corner) at the Quezon City Public Library, marking a meaningful milestone in expanding access to Korean literature in the Philippines. The corner will house various Korean books — from children’s books, to non-fiction and fiction novels — making Korean stories more accessible to the Filipino public and encouraging a deeper literary and cultural exchange between the two countries.

“Once Upon Our Lands: Phil-Kor Puppet Show” is part of the KCC’s continuing effort to foster understanding and friendship through education, creativity and cultural sharing. Events like this provide children with a glimpse into Korea’s rich heritage and underscore the importance of libraries as welcoming spaces for cross-cultural connection.