EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC
OF THE PHILIPPINES


SEOUL REPUBLIC OF KOREA

Announcements And Advisories

Philippine Embassy in Seoul Reiterates Warning to Filipinos Against Illegal Matchmaking Agencies


Seoul – Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Luis T. Cruz reiterated the Philippine Embassy's warning to Filipinos against agencies that act as a front for mail-order brides amidst reports that the South Korean Government is also set to crack down on interracial matchmaking agencies that violate local laws and use deceptive advertising.

The Philippine Embassy reminds the public of Philippine Republic Act 6955 or the Anti-Mail-Order Bride Law, which makes it illegal for a "person, natural or juridical, association, club or any other entity" to "establish or carry on a business which has for its purpose the matching of Filipino women for marriage to foreign nationals either on a mail-order basis or through personal introduction." The law also makes it illegal for anyone "to advertise, publish, print or distribute or cause the advertisement, publication, printing or distribution of any brochure, flier, or any propaganda material calculated to promote the prohibited acts" earlier mentioned. Further amendments included its applicability to mail-order bride schemes using "mails or websites in the Internet." While matchmaking agencies are considered legal in South Korea, Korean law requires these agencies to be registered and to be aware of issues concerning interracial marriages and ethics. Amb. Cruz notes that many Filipinos enter South Korea through marriages arranged through these matchmakers. Many are lured by promises of work or a better life. As of January 31, 2008, approximately 5,000 Filipinos married to South Koreans reside in the peninsula, some of whom met through matchmaking agencies.

Other Announcements And Advisories


October 06, 2026
ADVISORY: FRAUDULENT TELEGRAM ACCOUNT IMPERSONATING THE AMBASSADOR

05 October 2026 — The Philippine Embassy in the Republic of Korea alerts the public to a fraudulent Telegram account using the username @bernatheresef07, which falsely uses the name, photograph, and identity of Philippine Ambassador Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez.

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October 06, 2026
ADVISORY: TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF SSS SEOUL, 06-08 OCTOBER AND 13-15 OCTOBER 2026

Please be advised that the SSS Seoul office will be temporarily closed on the following dates:  06-08 October 2026 13-15 October 2026  During these periods, all over-the-counter services and in-person transactions will be unavailable.  For inquiries you may send an email to korea@sss.gov.ph  Thank you.

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October 01, 2026
NOTICE OF RERB HEARING ON 19 OCTOBER 2026

Please be notified that the Resident Election Registration Board (RERB) of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, South Korea will convene at the 3F Conference Room, Philippine Embassy on 19 October 2026 at 10:00 A.M. to hear the applications for registration, certification, reactivation, correction of entries or change of name, change of address, transfer, recapture and other types of applications filed with the Philippine Embassy from 01 July 2026 - 30 September 2026.

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