A friendship woven with sampaguita: The dawn of a new era in Korea-Philippine relations

By Lee Sang-hwa

THE STATE VISIT of President Lee Jae Myung to the Philippines began with a serendipity that felt more like a calculated masterstroke of diplomacy. President Lee arrived in Manila on March 3, which fell on the exact day of the 77^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea (ROK). Against the backdrop of this historic coincidence, the two leaders shared a period of warm camaraderie, cementing a friendship befitting our Strategic Partnership. During the visit, the two sides signed 10 Memoranda of Understanding spanning defense, digital cooperation, trade, agriculture, education, and culture — an outcome that clearly demonstrates the expanding scope and depth of Korea-Philippines cooperation.

The ROK is one of only five countries with which the Philippines maintains a Strategic Partnership, a status that underscores the vast horizon of our cooperation and the profound depth of our mutual trust. Today, the Philippines stands as a vital partner in high-value industries that are shaping the future, such as shipbuilding, defense, and nuclear energy.

The Subic Shipyard, revitalized by investments from HD Hyundai, stands as a “beacon of hope” for a nation reclaiming its maritime glory during the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade. Soon, vessels built in the Agila Subic Shipyard, one of the world’s largest drydocks, will traverse global trade routes carrying “Made in the Philippines” products, symbolizing the joint industrial ambitions of Seoul and Manila.

On security matters, the ROK has become a trusted partner and a backbone of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization efforts. Building on the landmark acquisition of 12 FA-50 PH fighter jets, along with a series of deals for frigates, corvettes, and offshore patrol vessels, Korean defense systems now serve as vital pillars of Philippine maritime security.

Energy cooperation represents the next frontier. As the Philippines revisits nuclear power to secure its future energy needs, momentum is building. During the recent Korea-Philippines summit, the two leaders agreed that nuclear energy development is essential to meeting the power demands of the AI era, affirming that the ROK is the Philippines’ optimal partner in this endeavor.

Economically, the partnership has entered a golden age. With the ROK-Philippines Free Trade Agreement now on its third year, Korean investors have solidified their position in the country. This momentum was further galvanized at the Korea-Philippines Business Forum on March 4, where over 250 government and business leaders translated diplomatic goodwill into concrete industrial cooperation. The forum marked a significant milestone with the signing of seven MoUs in strategic sectors — such as nuclear energy, shipbuilding, and aerospace — while Korean and Philippine firms signed $16.4 million worth of contracts on-site. For an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, the Philippines remains a “blue ocean” of opportunity, particularly for large-scale infrastructure and maritime connectivity projects.

Yet, the true engine powering this vibrant partnership lies in the dynamic exchange between the peoples of both nations. Koreans consistently rank as the largest group of visitors to the Philippines, where tourism contributes roughly 10% of the country’s GDP. Many Koreans return home with lasting impressions on Filipinos’ warm hospitality, rich and diverse culture, and the country’s breathtaking natural beauty.

In the same vein, Korean culture — from food to K-pop and K-dramas — has gained remarkable popularity in the Philippines. Reflecting this growing affinity, Filipino visitors to Korea ranked first among Southeast Asian tourists last year. These two-way exchanges show how naturally our peoples connect with each other. Events like the Everyone’s K-pop showcase — starring Filipino singer Gwyn Dorado, whose popularity spans Korea and beyond — have deepened the connection between our peoples, building bonds through shared culture and mutual admiration.

President Lee’s state visit also carries significance beyond bilateral relations. It marks the first visit by a foreign leader since the Philippines assumed the ASEAN 2026 Chairship. As the Philippines seeks to elevate its regional role through this leadership position, the warm reception extended to President Lee reflects the importance Manila places on its partnership with the ROK. On the other hand, the visit underscores the ROK’s commitment to strengthening ties with Southeast Asia, with the Philippines serving as a key gateway to a broader Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with the ASEAN — Korea’s largest regional market for trade and investment after the United States and China.

At the state dinner, the table was adorned with 33 and 77 blossoms of the sampaguita — the Philippines’ national flower. The 33 blooms marked the significance of March 3, while the 77 others honored the 77^th anniversary of a storied diplomatic bond. Their quiet fragrance symbolized the enduring friendship between the two nations. Like a garland woven from sampaguita, the partnership between the ROK and the Philippines continues to grow stronger, promising a future in which cooperation, trust, and shared aspirations will bloom for generations.

Lee Sang-hwa is the ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Philippines.