Photo shows Filipinos watching and enjoying one of the many cultural presentations under the auspices of Korean Cultural Center Philippines to strengthen Filipino-Koreans relations through various cultural activities (Photo from THEPHILBIZNEWS/Monsi A. Serrano
By Alithea De Jesus
As travel restrictions have been relaxed and South Korea gears up to open its doors to Filipino tourists, Korea Tourism Organization woos Filipino tourists through the two-day grand travel fest.
Well how doesn’t miss South Korea, the land of kimchi? And Filipinos have become so in love with K-pop, K-dramas, ginseng, Korean barbecue, and of course, dancing the famous Gangnam Style and more?
More than these, Korea has so much to offer and the country is so rich with an impressive culture and awe-inspiring history. The mouthwatering food that will certainly whet one’s appetite is something that any tourist would love to try.
Photo from Monsi A. Serrano
Knowing how Filipinos are itching to travel to Korea when travel restrictions are lifted, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Manila Office will showcase Korea’s culture and tourism in its first-ever hybrid travel exhibition entitled, Korea Travel Fiesta 2021: Korea Tayo Soon on December 4 – 5, 2021 at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay Activity Center and simultaneously live streamed on KTO Manila’s Facebook Page and YouTube Channel. With its inviting and positive message, the event sends hope that traveling to Korea will definitely happen soon.
There is no doubt that Hallyu’s widespread K-Pop and K-Drama phenomenon has been rapidly growing in the Philippines over the years. With the many platforms available to listen to K-Pop music and watch Korean dramas and movies, Hallyu has influenced Filipino audiences of all ages to realize Korea is a dream destination to visit as a way of getting closer to their idols, as well as to experience the culture that has made them inspired.
Centering on the theme Hallyu, KTO has prepared activity installations highlighting the globally-praised K-Drama, Squid Game, as well as K-Pop themed photo zones featuring Honorary Ambassadors for Korean Tourism, ITZY and Brave Girls.
Korean Air, Philippine Airlines, and Jeju Air will release airline fares for PH-KR routes onsite, while several partner travel agencies will offer 2022 travel packages to different Korean destinations. As a bonus, visitors who will purchase during the two-day event from any participating airline or travel agency, may redeem special gifts from KTO.
Following the IATF’s minimum health standards and other safety measures in place, the two-day event will be headlined by a rookie K-Pop girl group, PURPLE K!SS. The 7-member group will be gracing the fiesta through a virtual interview with fan interaction and mini-games, live from Korea via Zoom. Live appearances from Jinho Bae and Ryan Bang will take place on the first day with Jinho Bae serenading the crowd with K-Drama OST songs, while Ryan Bang will perform a cooking demonstration. There will also be special performances from Filipino celebrities such as CJ Navato, BINI, Kyline Alcantara, Ella Cruz, and Julian Trono. Talk shows with Hallyu content creators, and fun interactive games will complete the two-day program line-up at the stage. Filipino online viewers will get a chance to participate in various virtual games with prizes ranging from KTO souvenirs to round trip tickets to Korea all-throughout the event.
According to DOH’s data, over 35M Filipinos are now fully vaccinated as of November 28 with Metro Manila alone having over 90% of its target population fully vaccinated. It can be noted that the Philippines’ cases of infection have continued to decrease since September. In Korea, on the other hand, 80% of the population or 40M are now fully vaccinated. Both countries’ increase in vaccination rates is paving the way to safer travel in the near future, as KTO remains hopeful for the resumption of leisure travel to commence in the coming year.
The Philippines has been one of the top 10 visitors in Korea, while Korea has been the country’s top market in terms of visitor arrivals since 2010.