On February 5, 2026, the Korean Cultural Festival took place at Teatro Alejandro Tapia y Rivera in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The event celebrated the historical and cultural ties between Puerto Rico and Korea, first established during the Korean War, when Puerto Rican soldiers served in the 65th Infantry Regiment, also known as the Borinqueneers. The festival provided an opportunity to reflect on that shared history while experiencing Korean culture through food, music, and dance.
Before guests entered the theater, the celebration began outside in the plaza, which transformed into a Korean street food setting. Dishes were prepared and served fresh as attendees enjoyed japchae, warm hotteok filled with brown sugar, traditional kimchi, and more.
Celebrating Puerto Rico–Korea Ties
The festival opened with a tribute to the Borinqueneers, honoring their service in Korea under challenging conditions. Through their dedication, the Borinqueneers created a bond between Puerto Rico and Korea that still lasts today. Following the tribute, the program featured a variety of traditional and musical performances. These included Buchaechum (a fan dance), Samgomu (a three-drum dance), Ganggangsullae (a traditional circle dance), Samulnori (a traditional Korean percussion performance), orchestral pieces, and vocal duets.
A Message of Unity
Dr. Ramón Barquín, President of the United Retailers Center of Puerto Rico (CUD), remarked, “You are an example of how feelings transcend borders—feelings that, at the end of the day, unite us as a people and as a community. Being able to embrace distant nations in their moments of greatest need, as was the case with Hurricanes Irma and Maria and the earthquakes in Puerto Rico, and from a land so far away in Asia, to receive not only your members there but also the communities you brought together through that mission to Puerto Rico—I believe this is an example for the Puerto Rican people.”
One day before the event, the Puerto Rico House of Representatives presented the World Mission Society Church of God with an official recognition for its outstanding service and collaboration in Puerto Rico, including organizing cultural exchange initiatives and supporting the local community. The recognition also highlighted the church’s broader contributions to humanitarian and volunteer efforts, including assistance during times of need such as Hurricane Maria, and its role in international friendship and cooperation.
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