President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Proclamation No. 1495 declaring 2009 as the Philippines-Korea Friendship Year and March 3, 2009 as the Philippines-Korea Friendship Day to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea.

The embassy of the Republic of Korea hosted several events to celebrate the 60 years of hearty and robust friendship between the two nations. there was the Philippines-Korea Economic Forums (Once in Manila, Once in Seoul), and  the Philippines-Korea Development Forum. The Korean embassy sponsored the Philippines-Korea Friendship Night of the 34th International Bamboo Organ Festival last February 24 at the Las Piñas Church, and hosted Korean Food Festival and Fireworks Display at the Manila Hotel last March 3, and Korean Film Festival from September 23-October 6.

The two naval ships of the Republic of Korea Navy Cruise Training Flotilla, Choi Young and Dai Chung, recently had a four-day goodwill visit to the Philippines.

To culminate the yearlong celebration of the 60th Anniversary, the Embassy will be staging a Korean Cultural Festival from November 25-27 at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The festival will feature performances of Korean traditional dances, and drum exhibitions.

Capping off the cultural festival is a KPop Concert at 5 p.m. on Nov. 27. The concert will feature performances by famous Korean pop groups SHINee, Mighty Mouth and Winterplay.