By Marinel E. Peroy
Top tourist arrivals prove that 75 years of friendship between South Korea and the Philippines has become stronger, South Korea’s Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa said Wednesday night.
“Since the Korea Visa Application Center opened in Manila last year, it has been receiving an average of 800 visa applications. During the peak season, the number doubled to around 1,500 per day. So the connection shows the overwhelming knowledge and support for one another and the immense potential of a future partnership between the two nations,” Ambassador Lee said at the reception of their national day.
Aside from these people-to-people interactions, he said the growing strategic partnership of both countries is showcased in the recent state visit of President Yoon Suk Yeol, economic-to-infrastructure partnerships, and other various bilateral engagements.
South Korea has ranked first among foreign travelers to the Philippines with nearly 26% of the international tourist arrivals, said Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Bilateral Relations and Asean Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro.
The Filipino diplomat added that Filipinos are now ranked among the top Asian visitors to Korea.
“The Philippines looks forward to continue working with the Republic of Korea and to promote regional peace and security, deepen our economic cooperation, and further strengthen the bonds that unite our people,” she said.
Beyond cultural and people-to-people connectivity
The state visit of President Yoon Suk Yeol to the Philippines marked a significant milestone in the 75-year bilateral relationship between the two countries. He paid tribute to 7,420 Filipino soldiers who fought in the Korean War.
The chief executive of South Korea said the partnership between the two countries has stood as a beacon of stability amidst regional tensions—with a reaffirmed commitment to having a shared vision for a peaceful, secure, and denuclearized Korean Peninsula.
At the same time, the two countries’ key areas of cooperation are in infrastructure, energy, supply chains, and agriculture, among others, Ambassador Lee said.
South Korea is actively investing in the Luzon Economic Corridor, and the Korea-Philippines Free Trade Agreement, which will further facilitate investments. It has also increased its official development assistance to $4.5 billion, with the Philippines as one of its top beneficiaries.
Ambassador Lee also shared a conversation he had with his wife on the latest hit song of K-Pop Blackpink’s ROSÉ and Bruno Mars—APT. He said the song is a testament to how the Hallyu (Korean wave) continues to thrive.
“As ambassador to the Philippines, I find it truly rewarding to see many Filipinos embracing Korean culture in its various forms — K-pop, K-drama, Korean food, and cosmetics. Our culture and people-to-people connectivity has never been more robust,” he said.