Korea Town in Manila in the offing

MANILA, Philippines—South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-man on Tuesday bared plans for the development of a “Korea Town” in Malate, Manila.

Speaking at “The Virtual Presser” hosted by Presidential Communications Operations Office Global Media Affairs, Han said they are now working on the planned establishment of the hub in coordination with the city government.

“In Manila, particularly in Malate area, there are many Korean restaurants and there are many Korean tourists visiting there so we are envisioning to make that area as ‘Korea Town’,” Han said.

While there’s no specific timeline for the project, Han said he has already met with the Korean Business Association of the Philippines and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno regarding the proposal.

The two countries are celebrating the 70th anniversary of their bilateral relations.

Bilateral relations between South Korea and the Philippines were established on 1949 upon the recognition of Republic of Korea as a sovereign state by the Philippines.

The Philippines was first Asean country to establish relations with South Korea.