Celebrating 50 Years of Korea–Singapore Relations: Events You Won’t Want to Miss

Hi Huneybees,

Image credit: Embassy of the Republic of Korea to the Republic of Singapore

2025 marks a golden milestone in the long-standing friendship between Singapore and South Korea as both nations celebrate 50 years of diplomatic ties. To commemorate this meaningful anniversary, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Singapore has curated a year-long celebration filled with exciting events, cultural experiences, and opportunities for connection.

Over 30 events will be taking place across the island, offering a vibrant mix of arts, performances, food, and entertainment. These activities are designed to highlight the unique cultures of both countries while fostering deeper appreciation and friendship among their people. Whether you’re a culture lover, foodie, or just looking to explore something new, there’s something special in store for everyone.

Beyond the celebrations, there will also be meaningful initiatives focused on children and youth. Through cultural, academic, and literary exchanges, the programme aims to inspire a stronger bond between future generations of Singaporeans and Koreans. This golden jubilee not only celebrates past achievements but also looks ahead to continued partnership and collaboration for years to come.

List of full events - https://sgp.mofa.go.kr/sg-en/brd/m_2435/view.do?seq=761535

A Year of Korean Culture in Singapore

The celebrations began with an awe-inspiring performance of Jongmyo Jeryeak – a traditional Korean royal court music piece – held at the Esplanade on April 4. This sacred musical showcase was part of the Esplanade’s series on spiritual traditions and attended by culture ministry representatives from both countries.

Here’s a look at what’s coming up:

• April 4–5: Jongmyo Jeryeak Performance
  Experience the grandeur of Korean royal court music from the Joseon dynasty, traditionally performed during ancestral rituals. This showcase is part of the Esplanade's A Tapestry of Sacred Music festival.
  
  
• April 17: 7th Korea-Singapore Forum
  A high-level gathering of academics and senior government officials from both nations to reflect on bilateral achievements and explore deeper collaboration in areas such as diplomacy, economy, and culture.
  
  
• May 16–18: Korea Travel Fair 2025
  Discover the best of Korean culture at Plaza Singapura! From beauty and fashion to Hallyu content and live performances, this fair promotes Korean tourism and lifestyle experiences to Singaporeans.
  
  
• May 19–24: Korean Language Week
  Celebrate the Korean language with engaging activities, including a one-day class, the Korean Speech Contest, and the Singapore preliminaries for Quiz on Korea.
  
  
• July (TBC): Jazz in July 
  A unique musical performance bridging Korea and Singapore, presented through a collaboration between the Esplanade’s Jazz in July series and Korea’s iconic Jarasum Jazz Festival.
  
  
• July 19: Changwon K-pop World Festival – Singapore Preliminaries
  Organised in partnership with *SCAPE, this competition invites young talents to compete for a chance to represent Singapore in the global K-pop finals held in Korea.
  
  
• August 18–30: Korea Traditional Arts & Culture Week
  Immerse yourself in the beauty of Korean heritage with hands-on experiences in folk painting, decorative knot-making, and traditional musical instruments.
  
  
• End of September: Korean Art Symposium
  A curated showcase of works by emerging Korean visual artists and creatives, highlighting contemporary perspectives and cross-cultural exchange.
  
  
• September 26 – October 12: Korean Lantern Exhibition
  Wander through Gardens by the Bay and admire glowing artworks crafted from hanji (traditional Korean paper), as part of the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations.
  
  
• October 6–10: Korea Food Street Festival
  Held along Tanjong Pagar Road, this lively festival features cultural performances and exclusive deals at participating Korean restaurants, with attendance by dignitaries and the public alike.
  
  
• October 11: Korea-Singapore Sharing Festival
  In partnership with Willing Hearts, this heartwarming event offers traditional Korean cultural experiences and craft workshops for children from low-income, single-parent Singaporean families.
  
  
• October 16–26: Korea Film Festival
  A celebration of Korean cinema showcasing a wide array of genres, from documentaries to indie films, screened at the National Gallery Singapore and GV Suntec City.
  
  
• October 27 – November 1: Korea Cuisine Week
  Learn to make authentic Korean dishes in themed workshops that bring together Singaporeans and Koreans through the love of food.
  
  
• October 31: Baek Gun-woo Concert
  World-renowned pianist Baek Gun-woo joins the Orchestra of the Music Makers Singapore (OMM) for an evening of classical excellence at the Esplanade.
  
  
• November 28: SKIS Philharmonic Orchestra Concert
  Enjoy a charming repertoire of Korean and Singaporean music performed by the Singapore Korean International School’s talented orchestra.
  
  
• End of November: My Happy Family Workshop
  An art therapy and networking session designed for overseas Korean and multicultural families, focused on building community bonds and emotional well-being.
  
  
• December 2–5: Korea Showcase at Asia TV Forum (ATF)
  Korea’s top broadcasting and animation studios take center stage at ATF with a joint exhibition booth, presenting the latest in K-content to a global audience.
  
  

Looking to the Future, Celebrating the Past

This series of events goes beyond celebration – it’s also about deepening the bonds between the people of both nations. Earlier this year, a joint logo was unveiled in Seoul to mark this special 50th anniversary, featuring symbolic elements from both countries’ national flags.

“With this year marking the establishment of the Korea-Singapore Strategic Partnership as well as the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations amid rising geopolitical tensions, I will do my best to ensure that Korea and Singapore continue to strengthen their partnership through various practical cooperation and the deepening of the friendship between the people of the two countries.” --- Ambassador Hong Jin-wook

In addition, Singapore’s National Museum and the National Folk Museum of Korea will sign a three-year agreement to collaborate on heritage and cultural initiatives, including the use of technology in the arts.

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The commemorative logo marking 50 years of friendship between Singapore and South Korea features symbolic elements and colors drawn from both national flags. Thoughtfully integrated with the number '50', the design reflects the enduring partnership and shared spirit of collaboration between the two nations.

From humble beginnings in 1975, when Singapore and South Korea first established diplomatic relations on August 8, the two countries have grown a strong and dynamic partnership across trade, technology, and culture. This year’s celebrations are not just about looking back – they’re a joyful look forward to what lies ahead.

So whether you're a fan of K-culture, a curious foodie, or someone who simply loves a good festival, 2025 is the perfect time to explore all things Korean – right here in Singapore!

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