South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will be in the Philippines from Oct. 6 to 7 for a state visit that is expected to bolster an already robust relationship between Manila and Seoul.
The Korean Embassy in the Philippines made the announcement on Thursday, Oct. 3, saying that Yoon's upcoming visit is his first to the Philippines as the president of Korea and the first for a Korean president in 13 years.
He will be welcomed by President Marcos and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos in a ceremony at the Malacañan Palace on October 7, according to Malacañang.
"The visit marks a pivotal moment in the 75-year diplomatic relationship between Korea and the Philippines and symbolizes our strong bond and close connection of our leaders," the embassy said.
Yoon is expected to engage in talks that will strengthen cooperation between the two countries in various areas such as political ties, security, economy, development cooperation, culture, and people-to-people exchange.
Both sides are also expected to exchange views on regional and international issues, and reaffirm the vibrant and dynamic relations between the two countries, Malacañang said.
"President Yoon's State Visit epitomizes not only a celebration of past achievements but a forging of even greater partnership and opportunities," the embassy said.
In a gathering mid-September, Seoul's envoy in Manila, Lee Sang-hwa, said that South Korea and the Philippines are now "closer than ever."
"From K-pop and K-drama to cosmetics and cuisine, we’ve built strong bonds not just through diplomacy but through shared passion and culture," Lee said.
South Korea is also strengthening its relations with the Philippines amid a region that is turning volatile.
Seoul is Manila's ally in fighting for its sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea and in upholding the international rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.
The Korean government has issued its position on the West Philippine Sea at least 10 times since 2023 to reiterate the importance of upholding freedom of navigation and overflight, as well as rules-based order in accordance with international law.
The Philippines is also the only Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) country that Korea holds bilateral maritime dialogue with on a regular basis.