Tara, Korea na!
South Korea’s vibrant tourism and culture will be in the spotlight as the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Manila Office is set to hold the Korea Travel Fiesta 2024.
The event, to be held to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Korea, will be on Sept. 7 and 8, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., at the Glorietta Activity Center and Palm Drive Activity Center in Makati.
The Korea Travel Fiesta 2024 will be held on Sept. 7 and 8 (KTO Manila)
With the growing popularity of K-pop and Korean dramas in the Philippines, many Filipino travelers are visiting South Korea.
According to Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, there were 3.4 million tourists who visited South Korea from January to March this year.
“Notably, half of the top 10 markets for visitors to Korea have already surpassed their visitor numbers from the same period in 2019. Taiwan (306,000 visitors, 108.8% recovery), the United States (244,000, 119.3%), Vietnam (110,000, 100.4%), Singapore (68,000, 163.3%), and the Philippines (108,000, 109.3%) have all shown recovery rates exceeding 100%,” according to the ministry’s press release in April.
The Korean Travel Fiesta 2024 will feature different activities. Visitors can try on traditional Hanbok and Korean school uniforms, write their name in Hangeul, capture fun four-cut photos, dance to popular K-Pop songs, and craft their own DIY souvenirs.
Attendees can enjoy exclusive deals on flights, tours, and promotions from partner airlines, travel agencies, banks, mobile wallets, and telecommunications companies.
In celebration of this milestone, select tour packages will feature a $75 discount.
Regional tourism organizations, agencies, tour attractions, and private companies from Korea will also showcase their offerings at the event. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage directly with these representatives to help plan their next trip to Korea. Souvenirs and giveaways will also be available at the various booths.
The Korea Travel Fiesta will kick off on Sept. 7 with a special opening ceremony featuring K-pop star Xiumin from boy band EXO, who will perform his hit singles.
Renowned Korean OST singer Punch will also entertain the audience with her popular soundtrack songs.
Other highlights include special event appearances by Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, KTO’s honorary ambassador for Korea Family Tourism in the Philippines, at the Family Travel Talk Show, and “Running Man Philippines” celebrity runners Glaiza De Castro, Kokoy De Santos, and Buboy Villar guesting at the Korea Winter Travel Talk Show.
Performances by Wolf’lo, a K-dance team from “Street Woman Fighter 2,” and Chef, a K-performance team, will take place on both days.
Attendees will also have the chance to win exciting raffle prizes, including round-trip tickets to Korea.
The festivities will conclude with a closing ceremony featuring the popular Filipino singer Maki.
Admission to the Korea Travel Fiesta 2024 is free.