EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC
OF THE PHILIPPINES

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

March 26, 2026
SCENTING SUCCESS: PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN SEOUL EMPOWERS OFWS WITH PERFUME & DIFFUSER TRAINING FOR WOMEN’S MONTH

8 March 2026, Seoul. The Philippine Embassy in Seoul, through the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) South Korea, successfully conducted a Perfume and Diffuser Making Training on 8 March 2026, as part of its continuing efforts to empower Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and other Filipinos in the Republic of Korea.

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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

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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

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