When it comes to warmth, hospitality and love for the arts, the Philippines always shines bright. It illuminates even more with lanterns from Jinju.
A city in South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, Jinju is famous not just for its beauty, but for its long history of sericulture or silk farming, a tradition that has been lovingly passed down through generations.
“The lanterns are more than just decorations. Each one is handcrafted, a delicate blend of artistry and tradition, with a touch of Korean imagination and soul. They illuminate space, as well as shed light on the resilience and creativity of Korean culture. In a way, they remind us that even in darkness, there is beauty to be found and shared,” Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang Hwa said.
Just like Jinju, the Philippines has a rich tradition of handwoven creations that are likewise steeped in meaning. There are varying textiles from Aklan, the Ilocos region and from the T’boli people in Mindanao. Like Jinju silk, these Filipino creations are painstakingly handcrafted, symbolic of identity and storytelling, and treasured as part of an intangible cultural heritage.
The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines and the Jinju City Government lit up another breathtaking sea of lanterns and tradition with The Light of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns, an exhibit that runs until 31 July at the KCC exhibition hall.
What started as humble festival of lanterns in Jinju has blossomed into a celebrated art form that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Now, for the first time, this unique piece of Korean tradition is making its debut in the Philippines, offering visitors a rare chance to step into a world where art meets light, and tradition meets imagination.
The touring exhibition is being conducted as part of the “2025 Touring K-Arts Program” by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange.
The Light of Korea: Jinju Silk Lanterns will continue its journey across Southeast Asia, including stops in Indonesia and Vietnam.
“I hope that as you walk through the exhibit, you will not only enjoy the visual feast, but also gain a deeper appreciation for Korean heritage, including its textures, its stories, and its spirit. More importantly, I hope this exhibit becomes part of a larger cultural conversation, a dialogue between Korea and the Philippines, and our neighbors in Southeast Asia. Because every time we share our culture, we build bridges — bridges of friendship, understanding, and shared creativity,” the Ambassador ended.