EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC
OF THE PHILIPPINES


SEOUL REPUBLIC OF KOREA

news

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


March 25, 2026
PH AMBASSADOR MEETS GREEN CLIMATE FUND OFFICIALS IN SONGDO

19 March 2026, Songdo - Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez met with senior officials of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) led by Mr. Hemant Mandal, Director of the Asia and the Pacific Region, at their headquarters in Songdo, Incheon for cordial exchange on the Philippines’ cooperation with the Fund and shared efforts to advance climate resilience and sustainable development. The meeting underscored the importance of continued collaboration in supporting climate action and strengthening access to climate finance for vulnerable and developing countries, including the Philippines. The meeting with GCF officials also highlighted the productive partnership between the Philippines and the Fund. Prior to the meeting, Ambassador Fernandez also met with Filipino professionals working in the GCF. The Philippine Embassy in Korea is proud to note that Filipinos serving in the GCF continue to make valuable contributions across the institution. Widely recognized for their professionalism, technical expertise, dedication, and collegiality, Filipino professionals have helped support the Fund’s work in meaningful ways and remain a source of pride for the Filipino community in the Republic of Korea. Their strong presence in the GCF reflects the high regard for Filipino talent in international organizations and the important role they play in advancing global climate and development initiatives. The Philippine Embassy in Korea looks forward to the continued strengthening of this cooperation and reaffirms its support for initiatives that promote resilience, sustainable growth, and inclusive development for communities most affected by climate change. END

Read More
March 24, 2026
PH AMBASSADOR MEETS UN HUMAN RIGHTS REPRESENTATIVE

17 March 2026, Seoul - Ambassador Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez received Mr. James Heenan, Country Representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Seoul on 17 March 2026 at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul for an introductory call and exchange of views on regional issues, including developments on the Korean Peninsula, human rights concerns, and the work of international mechanisms in Seoul. The discussion underscored the Philippines’ constructive engagement in multilateral processes and its role as ASEAN Chair in supporting dialogue, regional cooperation, and stability. Ambassador Fernandez reaffirmed the Philippines’ support for peaceful and constructive approaches that uphold human dignity, foster mutual understanding, and contribute to regional peace and stability. END

Read More
March 23, 2026
PHILIPPINE PCSO CHORALE WINS GRAND PRIX AT THE 2026 KOREA INTERNATIONAL CHOIR COMPETITION

SEOUL, 15 March 2026 – The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) Chorale brought pride and honor to the Philippines after being named Grand Prix Champion at the 2026 Korea International Choir Competition (KICC), held from 26 February to 2 March 2026 in Songdo, Incheon, Republic of Korea.

Read More