Seoul – The ASEAN-Korea Day 2025 celebrations formed a central highlight of the week-long ASEAN-Korea Week 2025, held from 11 to 16 November across Seoul, Jeju Island, and Ilsan.
Organised by the ASEAN-Korea Centre, the event underscored the growing partnership between ASEAN and South Korea, focusing on cultural exchange, economic collaboration, and media cooperation.
The programme was launched following the recent ASEAN-ROK Summit, where leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a comprehensive strategic partnership.
ASEAN-Korea Day served as a symbolic occasion to showcase the depth of bilateral ties and the shared vision for regional cooperation.
Key highlights included the ASEAN Trade Fair in Ilsan, featuring over 80 food and beverage companies from ASEAN Member States.
Products such as specialty coffee, kaya jam, and tropical fruits were showcased to Korean buyers, strengthening business-to-business connections and promoting ASEAN’s diverse culinary heritage.
On Jeju Island, cultural activities took centre stage. A notable feature was the unveiling of 10 commemorative benches along the Jeju Olle Trail, each representing one ASEAN Member State.
This initiative aimed to promote tourism and people-to-people exchange, symbolising friendship and inclusivity.
The celebrations also included a media forum attended by journalists from ASEAN and Korea, fostering dialogue on responsible reporting and regional cooperation in the information age.
The forum emphasised the role of media in bridging communities and enhancing mutual understanding.
Earlier in the week, the ASEAN-Korea Innovative Culture Forum was held in Singapore, focusing on the role of inclusive AI in cultural sustainability.
Experts and creative professionals from ASEAN and Korea discussed how technology could support cultural diversity and innovation.
Entertainment was also a major attraction, with the ASEAN-Korea Music Concert in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, hosted by Girls’ Generation’s Sooyoung.
The concert brought together artists from ASEAN and Korea, energising youth audiences and reinforcing cultural bonds.
Observers noted that ASEAN–Korea Day 2025 reflects the broader trajectory of ASEAN–Korea relations, which have expanded beyond traditional diplomacy into trade, culture, tourism, and media cooperation.
With ASEAN’s growing economic influence and Korea’s technological expertise, the partnership is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping regional development.
The ASEAN-Korea Centre confirmed that ASEAN-Korea Day will continue to serve as a flagship event, reinforcing the spirit of cooperation and friendship between the two regions.
Sources: ASEAN Secretariat News, Malaysia Sun, Korea Herald
