Seoul, 3 – 8 June 2026 – In celebration of the 128th anniversary of the commemoration of Philippine Independence and the 77th year of the establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul in partnership with Grida K Pop Art Inc. led by its Founder, Ms. Hee Jung “Julie” Kim, organized a series of simultaneous art exhibitions in Jung-gu, Insa-dong, and Gangnam, showcasing the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Korea through artistic expression.

The exhibitions included “Philippines & Korea – Enduring Friendship Through Art” at the Philippine Showroom of the Philippine Department of Tourism (PDOT) in Seoul, and the “2026 Korea-Philippines International Art Exchange Exhibition – Across Seas, Across Hearts” held at Gallery All in Insa-dong, Seoul’s renowned cultural and arts district, and Gallery Alley in Gangnam. 

The exhibitions featured the curated collections of three Bulacan-based artists - Ernesto “Aris” C. Bagtas, Jr., Esperanza “Espie” Bagtas, Jovita F. Punzalan, five Manila-based artists - Roy C. Espinosa, Irma F. Espinosa, Roland F. Rosacay, Alfonso P. Vargas, and Pancho M. Piano and four Cebu-based artists - Celso D. Pepito, Fe M. Pepito, Ruel A. Rosello and Ritchie S. Moscoso their works highlighted the richness and diversity of modern contemporary Philippine art. 

The Philippine artists exhibited alongside Cebu-based Korean artist; Ms. Hee Jung “Julie” Kim, and fellow Korean artists Ms. Vina Choi, Ms. Jungyeon Seo, and Ms. Jimin Catherine Pak reflecting the spirit of cultural exchange and people-to-people connectivity that continues to strengthen Philippine-Korea relations.

In addition, although unable to attend the exhibitions in person, the artworks of Ariosto Dale C. Bagtas, Euri Franz Bagtas, Gabriel Airon C. Bagtas, and Pauline Allison F. Espinosa were also featured, further enriching the diversity and breadth of the Philippine artistic showcase.

During the opening ceremony of the Philippines & Korea – Enduring Friendship Through Art exhibition, members of the diplomatic corps, Korea-based Filipino artists, representatives from cultural and artistic organizations, and members of the Filipino community in Korea gathered to celebrate the enduring friendship between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea through the arts. In her remarks, Ambassador Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez expressed her appreciation to the sixteen Filipino and four Korean artists who “joined hands to share their artworks with the public, demonstrating that meaningful collaboration can flourish through art, just as it does in the many facets of the relationship between our two countries.” The Ambassador also conveyed special recognition to Aris and Espie Bagtas for their invaluable support in making the exhibition possible.

Guest of Honor, Secretary-General Kim Jae-shin, of the ASEAN-Korea Centre, congratulated the organizers and participating artists on the successful opening of the exhibition. He remarked, “my sincere appreciation also goes to the gifted Filipino and Korean artists whose remarkable creativity and talent have made this exhibition to life.” He further emphasized that, “it is through exchanges like these that the bonds between our peoples continue to grow together.”

The “Across Seas, Across Hearts” exhibitions at Gallery All in Insa-dong and Gallery Alley in Gangnam were likewise well received and patronized by art enthusiasts, members of the local community, and visitors from diverse cultural backgrounds. Guests explored the featured works with keen interest, engaging with the artists and gaining a deeper appreciation of the artistic traditions and contemporary expressions represented in the exhibition. Adding to the excitement of the event, approximately forty Korean artists exhibited their works alongside their Philippine counterparts creating an impressive and diverse collection of artworks. 

As part of the art collaboration, an enriching art workshop for Embassy personnel and community members was conducted at the Sentro Rizal of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul by renowned Bulacan artists Ernesto “Aris” C. Bagtas, Jr., Esperanza “Espie” Bagtas, and Jovita F. Punzalan. The workshop offered participants a unique opportunity to explore their personal and expressive dimensions of artistic creation, learn directly from accomplished artists, and gain deeper insights into Philippine artistic traditions, techniques, and creative processes. Through hands-on engagement and meaningful discussions, the activity fostered greater appreciation of the visual arts.

The exhibitions served as a confirmation to the enduring friendship between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, highlighting the power of art as a bridge that transcends borders, fosters mutual appreciation, and deepens cultural understanding between the two nations. END