KOREA FOUNDATION

This year, the ASEAN Culture House (ACH) is celebrating the second anniversary of its foundation. Opened on September 1, 2017, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the 2017 ASEAN-ROK Cultural Exchange Year, the ACH has been working tirelessly to create opportunities for the general public in Korea and international visitors to learn more about the cultures of ASEAN member countries. So far, 55,000 Korean citizens and foreign residents in Korea have participated in ACH projects to increase the public’s awareness on ASEAN culture.

Last year, the ACH held a number of cultural exchange events, including the “Playful ASEAN” exhibition, a performance of “The Rite of Passage” by the Dance Ensemble Singapore, regular film screenings as part of the “Easy Access ASEAN” series, and more. Each month, the “Easy Access ASEAN” series presents in-depth knowledge and activities related to one of the ASEAN member countries. In addition, ASEAN language courses have been launched to complement the ACH’s educational programs. Along with these programs and events, the ACH also organized personal exchange programs, including “ASEAN-Korea Futurist” and the “ASEAN Korean Wave Fans Invitation Program.” The ACH could not have established itself in such a short period of time without the support and assistance from Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the embassies of the 10 ASEAN member states in Korea, Busan Metropolitan City, and various arts and cultural institutions in Korea and around the world.

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the commencement of Korea-ASEAN diplomatic relations, and the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit, the ACH will be hosting a range of even more diversified events. By expanding the reach of ASEAN-themed cultural exchange events, including exhibitions, lectures, and more, to the rest of the country, such as Seoul and Jeju Island, the ACH is striving to become ever closer to the general public. This month, in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Korean-Philippine relations, we will host the “Easy Access Philippines” program and the “Philippines Film Festival” to promote an in-depth understanding of the Philippines.

The ACH will continue working closely with various Korean and international institutions as well as the 10 ASEAN member countries. Our venue acts as an international exchange platform through which people from Korea and the ASEAN countries can learn more about each other and become friends, and we will continue our efforts as the central hub of Korean-ASEAN cultural exchange.

We look forward to the continued interest and participation from those of you who love and support the ACH.

Director-General of the ASEAN Culture House
Ham Seung-hoon