KOREA FOUNDATION

CULTURE NEWS

Sunday in Hyehwa-dong: A Journey through Memories of the Philippines

From 10 am through 4 pm every Sunday, the main rotary in Seoul’s Hyehwa-dong district turns into a “Little Philippines.” If you walk from exit 1 of Hyehwa Station in the direction of Hyehwa Catholic Church, you’ll see an outdoor market full of knick-knacks that are inspired by or come from the Philippines. The mini-market has everything you could possibly imagine, including everyday items, clothing, accessories, seasonings, vegetables and fruit. One eye-catching snack that’s popular with all ages is chicharon, or fried pork rinds. Halo halo, a sweet summertime dessert that tops shaved ice with fruit and condensed milk, and bibingka and suman, Filipino rice cakes, are also frequently sought by Korean customers.

If you’re still hungry, there are many other foods to choose from, including mouth-watering skewers, fried foods, and dishes that are made from a combination of meat, seafood, and vegetables. There are stalls that sell rice and assorted side dishes on one tray at very wallet-friendly prices? usually no more than KRW 6,000.

The “Filipino market” began due to Hyehwa Catholic Church offering mass in Filipino. The mass, which is held at 1 pm every Sunday, is well-attended by Seoul’s Filipino population. Given that most of the population of the Philippines is Catholic, attending church services held in one’s native language is no doubt a special opportunity. The mass led to Filipino residents coming into contact with one another, and the small gatherings that occurred after mass eventually resulted in the formation of the market.

Today, Hyehwa-dong is a place where Filipinos can experience the language and culture of their home country, and Koreans can relive fond memories of travels to the Philippines. If you wish to visit the market, it’s best to check in advance whether it will be held, as COVID-19 sanitation measures may sometimes interrupt regular operation. (Please direct inquiries about the Filipino market to KakaoTalk ID “shinreo.”)