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Manila Bulletin devider Drive devider No passport needed: Live your K-drama dreams in Angeles City Korea Town

No passport needed: Live your K-drama dreams in Angeles City Korea Town

And it's only two hours away

Published Sep 21, 2023 01:48 pm

At A Glance

  • Welcome to Angeles City Korea Town, where your K-drama dreams can come to life, no passport required.
  •  

By Jellyn Gueco

After a night of binge-watching the latest Korean drama drop, you're probably yearning to teleport yourself to the vibrant streets of Gangnam or the eclectic neighborhoods of Itaewon. The only thing stopping you? The hassle of visa applications, expensive flights, and hotel bookings. But what if we told you there's a way to get a quick fix of all things Korean without leaving the country?


Welcome to Angeles City Korea Town, where your K-drama dreams can come to life, no passport required. Situated just right outside Clark International Airport in the heart of Pampanga, this slice of Korea is only a two-hour drive from Metro Manila.


So if you're ready to go on a day trip, we've mapped out the perfect itinerary to make sure you get to feel like a true K-Drama star.

coffee bay www.facebook.comcoffeebaypampanga.jpg
Coffee Bay (Facebook)

Stop 1 - Kick off your day at an aesthetic café
Start your trip at Coffee Bay and experience the same vibes that were featured in Something In The Rain and Tale of the Nine-Tailed. Sip an Iced Americano and feel like being transported right into the scenes of your favorite series! Another coffee joint to check out is Cafe D Reserve where you can take Insta-worthy snaps of the cafe's chic interiors.
 

Cafe D Reserve.jpg
Cafe D Reserve (Facebook)

 

Stop 2 - Go Korean supermarket hopping

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Sing Sing HiMart (Facebook)


Time to stock up on your favorite Korean treats, skincare, soju, and snacks for your next K-drama marathon. Korea Town has a wide array of supermarkets where you can find all kinds of goodies imaginable. And the best part? You can get your hands on these items at budget-friendly prices.
 

im mart.jpg
IM Mart (Facebook)

Stop 3 - Feast on premium Korean BBQ

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Donenoo Premium Korean Beef Restaurant
(Facebook / Traveloriie)


There's no shortage of unlimited samgyeopsal restaurants around the Philippines, but if you want the best of the best, you can find it here in Angeles City. Two places we can recommend are Donenoo Restaurant in Korea Town and Grill Seoul inside Clark Freeport. While the price tag at these à la carte restaurants is a little bit heftier than the usual all-you-can-eat joints, you'll get your money's worth in terms of quality and taste.
 

Grill Seoul.jpg
Grill Seoul (Facebook)

Stop #4 - Spend an afternoon at the spa

Ye Spa2.jpg
Ye Spa (Facebook)


After that big meal, time to take a break and relax with a spa treatment that will make you feel like a VIP. At La Vie Massage, you can enjoy a one-hour full body massage at their stylish spa for only ₱600. But if you’re game to splurge with a special someone, Ye Spa offers the full Jacuzzi experience for ₱5,000 per couple.
 

La Vie Massage.jpg
La Vie Massage (Facebook)

Stop 4 - Get a hair makeover from a Korean stylist

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Moon’s Beauty Salon main branch (Facebook)


Want to get a legit Noona or Oppa hairstyle? What better way to do that than by going to an Ajumma with loads of Korean hair styling experience? Get your locks snipped by Mrs. Mi Young Moon at Moon's Beauty Salon for that perfect Hallyu-inspired look. This salon is very popular with Koreans and locals so make sure to book a slot ahead of time.
 

 

Stop 6 - Enjoy Korean fried chicken and beer

Omo Chicken & Beer.jpg
Omo Chicken & Beer (Facebook)

No K-Drama day trip is complete without a hearty chicken-and-beer combo. This is a staple for after-work gatherings in Korea and luckily, you can enjoy the best Korean fried chicken and your favorite brews in Angeles City.
 

Boom Chicken Janette Villanueva.jpg
Boom Chicken (Facebook)

Stop 7 - Karaoke until the early hours

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Rainbow KTV (Facebook)

Cap off your adventure with a karaoke session at a family KTV bar. Belt out your favorite K-pop tunes in one of the private rooms at Blue Moon or drive a few minutes outside Korea Town to Fields Avenue for the Hello Kitty-themed rooms at Rainbow KTV.
 

Blue Moon Dining Pub & Family KTV.jpg
Blue Moon Dining Pub & Family KTV (Facebook)

While there's no replacing the experience of traveling to Korea itself, a quick trip to Angeles City can give you a taste of what it's like to live out your K-drama fantasies. So for the next long weekend, skip the immigration lines at the airport and drive to Korea Town instead!

 

Related Tags

Philippine Panorama Jellyn Gueco Korea Town Angeles City
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