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SEOUL REPUBLIC OF KOREA

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PHILIPPINE TOURISM SECTOR DISCUSS STREAMLINING TRAVEL SERVICES FOR KOREAN TOURISTS AND HOP-ON HOP-OFF TRAVEL BY THE HUBS INITIATIVE

23 July 2024, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy in Seoul pushed for streamlining of travel services for the benefit of South Korean tourists bound for the Philippines during a meeting with the Department of Tourism-National Capital Region (DOT-NCR) led by Regional Director Sharlene Zabala-Batin and Philippine government officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Bureau of Immigration (BI), Bureau of Customs (BOC), National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), and private sector representatives from the travel operator and tourism marketing sector.

The group visited the Republic of Korea from 17 to 19 June 2024 to conduct a transit tour benchmarking activity in line with the Department of Tourism's Hop-On Hop-Off (HOHO) Travel by the Hubs Initiative. The DOT project was launched in 2023 with Manila as a pilot hub and is currently being expanded to Makati, Taguig, Quezon City and other cities to highlight the major tourist destinations within Metro Manila, and later on to Cebu and other major transit points in the country.

On 17 June 2024, Minister and Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel Jr. joined by Tourism Director Ma. Corazon Jorda-Apo, welcomed the delegation for a courtesy visit at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul. During the meeting, the officials briefed the Embassy on the current tourism promotion efforts as well as immigration and customs updates and policies in the Philippines.

The Embassy took the opportunity to raise the need to streamline processes for customs and immigration for tourists to ensure that Korean travelers have a pleasant and seamless experience from their arrival to departure from the Philippines. South Korean inbound tourist arrivals currently dominate the Philippine tourism market share at 25.99% as of June 2024.

The BI and BOC also agreed to collaborate with the Embassy for a town hall with the Filipino community in Korea to better educate OFWs/OFs, including those with Korean families, about travelers' or air passengers' rights and obligations and update them on any new developments and regulations. The town hall will also be an opportunity to raise questions and suggestions based on their travel experiences.

The Philippine Embassy continues to work with the Philippine tourism sector to ensure seamless travel and improved tourism services in the Philippines. END

Other News

December 03, 2025
PH EMBASSY IN KOREA SUPPORTS 14TH PH-ROK COAST GUARD BILATERAL MEETING, STRENGTHENING MARITIME COOPERATION

Incheon, Republic of Korea – The Philippine Embassy in Seoul participated in the 14th Bilateral Meeting between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Korea Coast Guard (KCG) held in Incheon on 26 November 2025. 

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December 02, 2025
PH AMBASSADOR DELIVERS CONCLUDING LECTURE ON DYNAMISM OF PH-ROK STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP AT BUSAN UNIVERSITY OF FOREIGN STUDIES

Busan, Republic of Korea – Ambassador-designate Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez delivered the concluding lecture of a series on Philippines–Republic of Korea (ROK) relations at the Busan University of Foreign Studies (BUFS) on 19 November 2025. The event brought together students of the Philippine Studies and International Studies programs, Filipino professors based in southern Seoul, and members of the Filipino community in Busan and surrounding areas.

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December 01, 2025
LAUNCH OF BRP RAJAH LAKANDULA HIGHLIGHTS STRONG PH-ROK DEFENSE PARTNERSHIP

Ulsan, Republic of Korea – The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, led by Ambassador-designate Bernadette Therese Fernandez, joined the official launching of the BRP Rajah Lakandula on 20 November 2025 at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, highlighting the expanding strategic and economic significance of the Philippine–Republic of Korea defense partnership, particularly in the area of defense industrial cooperation.  Representing the Philippines in the ceremony were Navy Vice Commander MGen Edwin E. Amadar, AFP Vice Chief of Staff LtGen Jimmy D. Larida, and Defense Procurement Service Chief Atty. Effie R. Agsaoay. The Ambassador-designate was also accompanied by officers of the Embassy, First Secretary and Consul Flaureen Dacanay, Third Secretary and Vice Consul Reisha Olavario, and Philippine Defense Attaché to the ROK Col. Don Templonuevo. HD HHI was led by President/COO of Naval & Medium Size Ship Building Business Unit Joo Wonho. In his remarks, Vice Commander Amadar emphasized that the vessel’s launch demonstrates the Philippine Navy’s commitment to a modern, credible, and self-reliant force capable of safeguarding national and regional stability. He also highlighted that the OPV program reflects the growing trust and cooperation between the Philippines and the ROK, built on shared values and a vision for long-term peace and security. Designed for long-range and sustained operations, the BRP Rajah Lakandula will support anti-smuggling, anti-piracy, disaster relief, and extended patrols across the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, significantly expanding Philippine maritime security coverage. Ambassador-designate Fernandez, in a ceremonial toast, reaffirmed that defense cooperation with the Republic of Korea is now an essential pillar of bilateral relations. She emphasized that naval modernization not only strengthens the Philippines’ security posture but also stimulates economic activity, facilitates technology partnerships, and supports Filipino workers in the ROK’s shipbuilding sector. In her discussions with HHI leadership, the Ambassador-designate commended the early delivery of Philippine vessels and underscored the importance of worker welfare and sustained defense industrial cooperation. The BRP Rajah Lakandula launch is a tangible example of how strategic defense partnerships can deliver both security capabilities and long-term economic value. The Philippine Embassy will continue to advance these priorities as part of its broader mandate to strengthen PH–ROK strategic partnership in the years ahead. END

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