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Korean actor-idol Kim Myung-soo, 'Dream High' musical cast liven up Korea Travel Fiesta 2025 in PH
Korean actor-idol Kim Myung-soo, 'Dream High' musical cast liven up Korea Travel Fiesta 2025 in PH
At A Glance
- In 2024, more than 1.56 million over Koreans visited the Philippines while more than 520,000 Filipinos traveled to Korea
The Korea Travel Fiesta 2025 in the Philippines became a star-studded affair with Korean celebrities gracing the event.
Organized by the Korea Travel Organization (KTO), the Korea Travel Fiesta was held on Aug. 30 and 31 at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall.
Korean actor and K-pop idol Kim Myung-soo, aka L of Infinite, flew to Manila as a special guest at the Korea Travel Fiesta and encouraged Filipinos to take the opportunity to visit South Korea.
Also gracing the event were the "Show Musical Dream High" musical cast members Se7en, singer and actor Kim Dongjun, Lim Sejun of K-pop boy band Victon, Sunye (formerly of the Wonder Girls) and Kim Dahyun.
Joining them were K-Tigers with Ha Seongjin, the choreographer of “KPop Demon Hunters” boy group Saja Boys’ “Soda Pop” and “Your Idol,” and ARTix.
Attending the opening ceremony were Consul General Sang Seung Man of the Korean Embassy in the Philippines; Usec. Shahlimar Tamano of the Department of Tourism in the Philippines representing Sec. Christina Frasco; Richard Kim, acting executive vice president of the KTO’s Tourism Content Strategy Division; Park Younghee, KTO Manila Office director; Director Kim Myeongjin of the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in the Philippines; and Joaquin San Agustin, executive vice president for marketing at SM Supermalls.
Kim Myung-soo performed three songs at the event: “My Universe,” “Love U Like U” and “What’s Not To Love.”
“I was able to meet my Filipino fans, you guys, through this great opportunity. I really hope for the best of the tourism exchange as well as cultural exchange between the Philippines and Korea. I really, really had a great time with you guys. I really hope that we will meet again next year. I promise that I will come back next year," said Kim Myung-soo.
The stars of "Show Musical Dream High" performed several songs from the musical. K-Tigers demonstrated their taekwondo skills.
Travel deals
The Korea Travel Fiesta showcased travel deals in partnership with Korea Air, Asiana Airlines and Jeju Air to encourage Filipinos to travel to South Korea, especially during winter.
Under this, passengers from the Philippines who will buy a Philippines-Korea ticket from the three Korean airlines will enjoy a subsidy of P5,600 for a roundtrip domestic flight in Korea. The destinations include Jeju Island and Busan.
The booths at the Korea Travel Fiesta included the Korea Visa Application Center, SM Supermalls, KCC, handicraft, caricature and Hangeul writing, travel agencies, Korean resorts, Korea Experience Zone, K-Beauty Zone and Winter Photo Zone.
South Korea-Philippines ties
In his speech, KTO’s Kim said, “The tourism partnership between the Philippines and Korea continued to prosper. In 2024, over 1.56 million Koreans visited the Philippines, making Korea the largest number of foreign tourists. Meanwhile, more than 520,000 Filipinos traveled to Korea, a remarkable 15.7 percent increase from 2023. This achievement puts the Philippines as a leading Southeast Asian country in terms of inbound tourists to Korea.”
“I believe beginning next week, the Philippines will enter the 'ber' month, which starts with a joyful countdown to Christmas. Soon, we will be able to hear Christmas songs and see beautiful ‘parol’ lights everywhere. In the spirit of celebration, we invite you to consider spending this year's Christmas season in Korea with your family where winter is just as magical as the scenes we have come to love in K-dramas. We look forward to welcoming you to Korea this winter,” he said.
Consul General Sang said, “Your continued support and collaboration has been instrumental in advancing meaningful exchange between our nations. This year's Korea Travel Fiesta is more than a touristic event. It is a celebration of connection."
“To our Filipino friends, thank you for your continued passion for Korean culture. Your enthusiasm inspired us to build even stronger bridges of understanding and friendship. There is a Filipino proverb that says, ‘Kapag may itinanim, may aanihin.’ If you plant something, you will surely harvest something. This reminds us the seeds of cultural exchange and mutual respect, once planted and nurtured, grow into lasting partnership. The Korea Travel Fiesta 2025 is one such harvest, born from years of collaboration, curiosity, and care between our people. As we begin this exciting celebration, may it open doors to new adventures, lasting memories, and deeper ties between Korea and the Philippines,” he said.
In her message read by Usec. Tamano, Tourism Sec. Frasco said, “It is my honor to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Korea Tourism Organization for the successful launch of Korea Travel Fiesta 2025. This annual gathering is more than a celebration of Korea's destinations and cultural treasures. It is, above all, a bridge of friendship, a space where we deepen the enduring bond between the people of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea."
“For every Filipino who discovers the beauty of Korea, and for every Korean who chooses the Philippines as a home for leisure, language, or learning, our friendship grows stronger. Korea remains our top source of international visitors, a role which we value with the deepest gratitude. Over the years, millions of Koreans have chosen to experience the Philippines, not only for our beaches but for our dive sites, our adventure destinations, and above all, our warmth and our hospitality,” she said.
Frasco added, “At the same time, Filipinos have found joy and inspiration in Korea's vibrant culture, from food and music to film, drama, and festivals. These exchanges have enriched us both, weaving friendships that go beyond words. Direct flights from Korea to Cebu, Kalibo, Clark, Davao, and Panglao in Bohol have made travel seamless and accessible. These routes are not just about moving people from one place to another. They are pathways of cultural exchange, channels for investment, and conduits for deeper friendships between our people.”
