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


January 22, 2026
Public Service Advisory from Pag-IBIG Fund and SSS-Seoul

The Philippine Embassy in Seoul informs the public that the Pag-IBIG Fund South Korea Member Services Desk and SSS–Seoul will be temporarily unable to accommodate walk-in clients on 25 January 2026 due to an official onsite service in Busan. Both services will resume regular operations on 26 January 2026. For urgent concerns, please contact: Pag-IBIG Fund South Korea E-mail:  vo_eastasia@pagibigfund.gov.ph SSS–SeoulE-mail: korea@sss.gov.ph  Thank you for your understanding.  

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January 22, 2026
ANNOUNCEMENT: CPR Training for OFWs/OFs in South Korea!

Be ready to save a life! The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, through the MWO and OWWA South Korea, in partnership with Yongsan-gu Health Center and Itaewon Global Village Center, invites all OFWs/OFs to join our CPR Training.

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January 16, 2026
ABISO UKOL SA DALAWANG MAGKAHIWALAY NA SUNOG SA SEOUL AT LALAWIGAN NG GYEONGGI, IKA-16 ENERO 2026

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