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PH DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM DESIGNATES ACTOR AND SINGER-SONGWRITER SEO IN GUK AS THE PHILIPPINES’ CELEBRITY TOURISM AMBASSADOR FOR SOUTH KOREA


[Above photo]. Seo In Guk joins Department of Tourism Secretary Christina G. Frasco in a photo with the signature hand gesture for "Love the Philippines." [Below photo]. Seo In Guk delivered his message during the occasion of his appointment as the Philippines’ Celebrity Tourism Ambassador for South Korea on 21 February 2025 at the DOT Head Office.

Seo In Guk with Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Theresa Dizon De Vega in June 2024.Prior to his appointment as Tourism Ambassador, Mr. Seo was a guest of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul during its National Day celebration in 2024 where he expressed his deep connection and affinity with the Philippines and its people.
10 March 2025, Manila, Philippines. -  The Philippine Embassy in Seoul is pleased to announce that popular South Korean actor and singer Seo In Guk has been appointed as the official Ambassador for Tourism in the Philippines. Known for his performances in well-received dramas such as "Reply 1997" and "Doom at Your Service", Seo In Guk’s charm, talent, and international fanbase make him the perfect fit to represent the vibrant tourism scene in the Philippines. This collaboration will further strengthen the cultural and tourism exchanges between the Philippines and South Korea. 

In a partnership that promises to bring exciting opportunities, Seo In Guk will help highlight the diverse culture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes of the Philippines to the global stage. The actor's role will include participating in promotional campaigns, social media engagements, and travel projects that showcase the Philippines’ prime travel destinations like Boracay, Cebu and Manila to South Koreans and worldwide.  He will also take part in official activities of the DOT in the Philippines and South Korea, share his experiences in social media and attend press engagements.

Prior to his appointment, Mr. Seo was a guest of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul during its National Day celebration in 2024 where he expressed his deep connection and affinity with the Philippines and its people. The Philippine Department of Tourism – Korea Office (PDOT-Korea) has also been instrumental in coordinating this initiative with Seo In Guk’s management. 

Embracing his new role, Seo In Guk visited for the first time the beautiful island of Boracay from 21 to 23 February 2025, where he tried the famous crystal kayak, played golf at the Fairways and Bluewater Resort Golf and Country Club, enjoyed the sunset breeze aboard a yacht, and greeted his Filipino fans during boat tours. He also indulged in local culinary delights like signature Filipino dishes sinigang and sisig. On his official Youtube channel, he also shared his scuba diving, parasailing, and speed boating experience during his recent visit to Cebu. 

 Last year Korea remained the top source of foreign tourist arrivals to the Philippines with 1,569,071 Korean visitors. In 2025 PDOT-Korea aims to further intensify its tourism promotion activities to entice more Koreans to experience the stunning beaches, vibrant cities, culture, and warm hospitality of the Philippines. END 


Other News


June 12, 2026
PHILIPPINES AND KOREA FOSTER ENDURING FRIENDSHIP THROUGH ARTISTIC COLLABORATION

Seoul, 3 – 8 June 2026 – In celebration of the 128th anniversary of the commemoration of Philippine Independence and the 77th year of the establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the Republic of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul in partnership with Grida K Pop Art Inc. led by its Founder, Ms. Hee Jung “Julie” Kim, organized a series of simultaneous art exhibitions in Jung-gu, Insa-dong, and Gangnam, showcasing the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Korea through artistic expression.

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June 12, 2026
PHILIPPINES SPOTLIGHTS PRISTINE NATURAL WONDERS AT SEOUL INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL FAIR

Seoul, 04 June 2026 – The Tourism Promotions Board - Philippines (TPB PHL) and the Philippine Department of Tourism-Korea Office (PDOT-Korea) led the Philippines participation in the 41st Seoul International Travel Fair (SITF) held from 4-7 June 2026 at the Convention and Exhibition Center (COEX) Seoul, Republic of Korea. DOT in partnership with Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, Radisson Hotel Group, Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark, Marriott International Philippines, Nustar Resort & Casino, and Pinatubo Mountainero Travel and Tours mounted the Philippine booth at the 41st SITF showcasing the Philippines dynamic culture, pristine nature, and premium resort destinations to domestic travelers and industry professionals. In addition, the Puerto Princesa City Government conducted a product presentation promoting Palawan to Korean travelers. Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, H.E. Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez attended the opening ceremony of the 41st SITF on 04 June 2026. Ambassador Fernandez visited the Philippine booth and expressed the Embassy’s full support to the Philippine delegation emphasizing that “The event serves as a meaningful opportunity to directly showcase the diverse and rich charms of the Philippines to Korean travelers, with whom the Philippines has maintained a close and long-standing partnership.” The Philippine pavilion drew crowd attention as participating companies hosted special presentations with highly coveted prizes including complimentary luxury hotel accommodation vouchers and round-trip airline tickets given to lucky winners. Since 1986, the SITF has grown into Korea’s leading international travel fair, becoming an important avenue for exchange and cooperation within the global tourism industry. Along with Korea’s regional destinations, there are over 300 organizations and businesses from 40 countries participating at this year’s edition of the SITF. For the Philippines, the ROK remains as one of the most vital and valued tourism markets and its participation in major travel and tourism exhibitions such as the SITF will further intensify initiatives to attract Korean travelers to visit the Philippines. END

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June 11, 2026
MWO-OWWA HOLDS ON-THE-SPOT SLOGAN AND POSTER MAKING CONTESTS FOR 31ST MIGRANT WORKERS DAY

Seoul, 7 June 2026 - As part of the pre-celebration activities for the 31st Migrant Workers Day, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), successfully conducted the On-the-Spot Slogan Making Contest and On-the-Spot Poster Making Contest on 7 June 2026 at Sentro Rizal, Philippine Embassy in Seoul. Six participants competed in the slogan-making contest, while ten participants showcased their artistic talents in the poster-making contest. The contestants consisted of EPS Workers, Caregivers, and Professors all coming from different parts of Korea like Seoul, Gimpo, Hwaseong, Ansan, and Paju. The program also featured the special Migrant Workers Day messages of Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac and OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan, who recognized the invaluable contributions of OFWs and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to their welfare and protection.

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