The Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) Manila opened on Thursday, Aug. 31, to address the growing demand for travel between South Korea and the Philippines.
"The Korean government has designated 2023-2024 as 'Visit Korea Year,' making the opening of KVAC a perfect fit to the tourism campaign," said Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-Hwa at the opening ceremony of the KVAC.
(Front row from left) Philippine Korean Trade Association Chairman Chun Joohwan, Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano, former Senate president and House speaker Manny Villar, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary, Jesus Domingo, Senator Cynthia Villar, Ambassador Lee Sang-Hwa, Hana Tour CEO Song Misun and Senator Mark Villar. (Back row from left) Korea Tourism Organization Director Kim Hyungjoon, Deputy House Speaker Camille Villar, United Korean Community Association president Sim Jae Shin and Korea Visa Application Center Director Ahn Kyuseok (Photo from KCC)
Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-Hwa (Photo from KCC)
The KVAC is located on the ninth floor of the Brittany Hotel BGC at 6 Mckinley Parkway in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
"There have been concerns that the visa application process has been too difficult for Korea, but expectations are high that it will be improved by the opening of KVAC," Lee promised.
He added, “Following the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic relations of the Philippines and Korea in 2024, I hope that the people-to-people exchanges will become more active, and that the friendship and partnership between the two countries will deepen."
The opening ceremony was attended by Senator Mark Villar, Senator Cynthia Villar, Deputy House Speaker Camille Villar, former Senate president and House speaker Manny Villar, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jesus Domingo, Tourism Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso, and Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano.
The number of people-to-people exchanges between South Korea and the Philippines reached 2.54 million in 2019 but was suspended due to Covid-19.
From January to July this year, the number reached one million and is expected to reach the pre-Covid-19 level.
The KVAC will receive visa applications from Filipinos who want to visit Korea, and release issued visas and passports that have been reviewed by the Korean Embassy.
The embassy's window services will be performed by the KVAC, and the embassy will focus on the screening of the visa applications that will make the visa application process quick and effective.
In addition, the KVAC also provides free text notification services for visa applicants, and offers facilities such as nursing rooms, kids' playrooms, computers, and printers.
The Embassy opened the KVAC to improve the convenience of visa applicants, remove the online reservation system, and simplify the application process to ensure efficient visa processing.
Lee said, "The Korean Embassy will continue to make efforts to promote people-to-people exchanges. We will make efforts to allow more people enjoy the beauty and culture of Korea, and to enhance the deep friendship and partnership between the Philippines and Korea."
Visa application hours are: Individual - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. / agency - 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Release times are: Individual - 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. / agency - 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.