Cebuano K-pop fans compete in the search for Cebu K-pop Stars during the 4th Korean Cultural Festival at SM City Cebu. (CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO)
Tour buses disgorging Korean tourists at malls and resorts. Korean students hanging out with their Filipino classmates and friends in cafes and tea houses. Korean telenovelas that draw loyal viewers. Grocery stores and eateries, salons that cater to the needs of people from the Land of the Morning Calm.
These familiar sights indicate how Cebu has warmed up to their presence and how many Koreans consider the place their second home.
A two-day Korean cultural festival opened yesterday mounted by the Cebu City government, the Consulate of the Republic of Korea and SM City Cebu.
All things Korean, from food to film, cultural exhibits and the wildly popular K-pop contests are on display.
“We really love to stay here in the Philippines because Filipinos are smiling, kind, friendly and know how to speak English,” said Miriam Kim, president of the Korean Women’s Association in Cebu.
Eight kiosks offering Korean dishes and delicacies opened at the mall.
Traditional delicacies like kimchi, rice cakes, julpo, and beondegi are offered at affordable prices.
Cebuanos have developed a taste for kimchi or fermented vegetables, usually napa cabbage steeped in a brine of ginger, garlic, scallions and chili pepper.
Among the highlights of the celebration is the free screening of Korean films until Sunday at SM Cinema One featuring movies Company Man, All About My Wife, Man on the Edge.
Arts and crafts exhibits can be found at the third level of the mall.
Last night, Cebuano and Korean singers and dancers performed at the Korean Day Cultural Show at the Northwing Atrium
“We moved to Cebu because we are more relaxed here. Koreans are workaholic people,” said Kim, who has been living in the country for 25 years.