As the Philippines ushers in its most festive time of the year, the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines (KCC), in partnership with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), presents Light the Season: A Korea–Philippines Lantern Display. Open to the public from 2 December 2025 to 6 January 2026, the exhibition features lanterns at the façade and lobby of the NCCA Building in Intramuros, Manila, and at the ground floor of the KCC in Taguig City.

The display celebrates Philippine Christmas traditions through a luminous interplay of Filipino parol (Christmas lanterns) and Jinju silk lanterns from Korea, highlighting the craftsmanship and cultural heritage of both countries.

Light the Season recalls the enchantment of the earlier exhibition Lights of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns, which ran from May to July this year at the KCC. Once again on view are lanterns crafted from fine Korean silk originating from Jinju, in the province of Gyeongsangnam. Each piece reflects a delicate balance of light, color, and tradition, offering a glimpse into the enduring beauty of Korea’s lantern-making heritage.

Complementing these are iconic Filipino parol, a cherished symbol of Christmas in the Philippines. Traditionally star-shaped, the parol adorns homes, streets, and communities throughout the country during the holiday season. Its vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and handcrafted details embody the warmth, hope, and festivity of the Filipino spirit.

An opening ceremony was held on 1 December at the NCCA building lobby to officially light up the lantern display. KCC director Kim Myeongjin emphasized that “Christmas holds significant meaning in the Philippines, and it is an honor to display Jinju silk lanterns alongside the Filipino symbol of Christmas, the parol.” NCCA deputy executive director for Operations Bernan Joseph Corpuz noted that “the idea of bringing together Jinju silk lanterns and the parol has now come to life, offering a glimpse of the continuing partnership between Korea and the Philippines.”

The event featured performances of pansori (Korean traditional singing) and gayageum (Korean traditional string instrument), presenting traditional Korean pieces alongside a Christmas song, and setting a warm and festive atmosphere.

A workshop was also organized to deepen appreciation of the lantern traditions of both countries. Participants attended an informative lecture on Jinju silk lanterns and took part in a parol-making session led by Pampanga-based lantern maker Harvey San Miguel, allowing them to experience the craft firsthand.

Beyond their illuminating beauty, this first pairing of Jinju silk lanterns and the Filipino parol tells a story of shared creativity, cultural exchange, and the enduring friendship between Korea and the Philippines.