I’d been putting off visiting the Korean Cultural Center of the Philippines but finally decided to go when I found that they are selling K-pop merch here. As a K-culture enthusiast and devoted ARMY, the chance to browse BTS merch without dealing with international shipping was too good to pass up. 💜

If you’re looking for more fun K-pop themed stops in Manila after your visit, you have to check out our guide to the BTS-Themed Cafe in the Philippines.

Inside the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines

The Korean Cultural Center is a five-story building located at 59 Bayani Rd, Taguig, 1630. It is dedicated to sharing South Korea’s rich heritage with Filipino visitors. Best part? Admission is completely free.

Visitors can explore three main areas: the Ground Floor (Museum & Shop), 2nd Floor (Library), and 5th Floor (Exhibition Space). Here’s what each floor offer.

Ground Floor: Where Culture Meets K-Pop

The ground floor is a dynamic space that perfectly combines traditional and modern South Korea. It houses both a cultural museum and a retail shop—and honestly, this is what drew me here in the first place! The museum section beautifully showcases Korean cultural heritage through curated exhibits covering traditional clothing and historical artifacts. Right next to it is the retail shop, which sells various items from Korean skincare, K-pop merchandise (including BTS, of course!), and some Korean snacks. The prices in the shop were reasonable, and if you’ve been wanting to buy some of these BTS merch, this is your sign!

2nd Floor: A Reader’s Korean Paradise

After exploring the ground floor, we headed to the second-floor library. If you’re a bookworm or media enthusiast, prepare to lose track of time here.

The library features an impressive collection:

• Korean Drama Materials: Scripts and materials from famous Korean dramas, giving fans a deeper look into their beloved shows.
• K-Pop Album Collection: You can browse through actual K-pop albums, flip through photo books, and admire the packaging design. It’s like visiting a friend’s well-curated collection.
• Literature Section: From contemporary Korean fiction to translated classics, the library offers a window into Korean storytelling. They showcase must-read books including Almond by Son Won-pyung—one of RM’s favorite books. Seeing it on the shelf felt like a small connection to his reading recommendations.

Everything is free to read. Grab a book, find a comfortable spot, and immerse yourself in Korean literature without spending a won.

5th Floor: Behind the K-Drama Magic

The fifth floor currently features “Production Design: Scene Architects Build On Screen Worlds”—a fascinating look at how Korean movies and dramas are made.

As someone who’s watched countless K-dramas wondering “how did they create that incredible set?”, this exhibition was enlightening. You’ll discover:

• How production designers conceptualize and build sets
• The creative process behind iconic scenes
• Technical aspects of set construction
• Real examples from popular Korean productions

You’ll gain new appreciation for Korean entertainment after seeing the meticulous work behind those beautiful worlds we see on screen.

Note: Exhibitions rotate, so check their social media to see what’s currently featured.

Free Korean Classes & Programs

Beyond the exhibits, the Korean Cultural Center is a hub for learning! They offer free classes throughout the year, including:

• Korean language courses (beginner to advanced)
• Traditional cooking classes
• K-pop dance workshops
• Korean calligraphy and traditional arts
• Film screenings and cultural discussions

Follow the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines on social media to catch class announcements. Spots fill up quickly!

The Freebies!

The KCC makes the visit even more fun by offering three distinct opportunities for small gifts or prizes. First, upon registering at the front desk, visitors are asked to follow their social media accounts to enter a raffle for prizes (we weren’t lucky here!). Then, while browsing the merch at the Korean Goods section, the staff offered us the chance to join a second raffle by filling out a quick survey form—and this time, my sister won a BT21 photocard holder! Finally, after exploring, you can fill out a separate short visitor survey to receive a complimentary freebie, such as the Korean skincare samples we received. While these fun bonuses are not the main reason to visit, they certainly add to the excitement!

A Taste of Korea in Manila

What started as a mission to browse BTS merchandise turned into an afternoon of genuine cultural discovery. The thoughtful museum exhibits, comprehensive library collection, and fascinating production design exhibition all met my expectations and satisfied my curiosity.

Whether you’re a K-pop fan, K-drama addict, Korean language learner, or simply curious about Korean culture, the Korean Cultural Center offers an authentic taste of South Korea right here in Manila. So grab your ID and experience Korea without the airfare—you might just discover something that deepens your appreciation for the culture you already love.

KCC Quick Facts (Know Before You Go)

• Location: Korean Cultural Center Philippines (59 Bayani Rd, Taguig, 1630)
• Admission: FREE
• Plan Your Time: Allow at least 2 to 3 hours to explore comfortably.
• Tip: Follow their social media for updates on classes, events, and exhibitions.

Detailed Guide: How to Get to the Korean Cultural Center (Taguig)

The KCC is located at 59 Bayani Rd, Taguig, 1630. While ride-share services (Grab) are often the easiest option, commuting is highly accessible. Use this detailed guide to plan your stress-free trip:

Have you visited the Korean Cultural Center? Share your experience in the comments!