This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Philippines bilateral relations with Korea. Korea is one of the Philippines' largest trading partners. The mutual understanding of Philippines and Korea is shown when the Armed Forces of the Philippines helped fight Korea and its allies during the Korean War better known as Philippine Expedition Forces to Korea (PEFTOK) under the United Nations command with Gen. Douglas McArthur, as commanding general.
The beginnings of Philippines-Korea relations are rooted in the commitment of both countries to freedom and democracy and in their common desire for peace and development. These values have served to sustain the friendship and cooperation which have characterized their relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties on 3 March 1949.