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Manila Bulletin devider Embassies at Work devider Korea Travel Fiesta 2025: A winter wonderland experience for Filipinos

Korea Travel Fiesta 2025: A winter wonderland experience for Filipinos

Published Oct 6, 2025 02:50 pm
K-dance performance by Artix
K-dance performance by Artix
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) brought the magic of a Korean winter to life at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall with the Korea Travel Fiesta 2025. This much-anticipated event transformed the venue into a dazzling winter wonderland, immersing thousands of attendees in the beauty, excitement, and warmth of Korean culture.
Bathed in icy hues of blue and white, the Music Hall radiated festive energy as the opening ceremony commenced. Leading the celebration were Kim Nam Chun, acting executive vice president of KTO’s Tourism Content Strategy Division, Consul General Sang Seung Man of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, and Undersecretary/Chief of Staff Shahlimar Hofer Tamano of the Philippine Department of Tourism, each delivering heartfelt messages of friendship and cultural exchange.
In a symbolic moment, esteemed guests—including Director Kim Myeong Jin of the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines, Director Park Young Hee of KTO Manila Office, SM Supermalls EVP for marketing Joaquin L. San Agustin, K-Creators Club Representative Raymart Ignacio Enrico, and Hallyu icons Se7en, Kim Dong Jun, and Kim Myung Soo—joined forces to activate a glowing winter capsule, officially launching the event.
Korea Tourism Organization Acting Executive Vice President of the Tourism Content Strategy Division Kim Nam Chun delivers his opening remarks.
Korea Tourism Organization Acting Executive Vice President of the Tourism Content Strategy Division Kim Nam Chun delivers his opening remarks.
Consul General Sang Seung Man of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea delivers his congratulatory message.
Consul General Sang Seung Man of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea delivers his congratulatory message.
Philippine Department of Tourism Undersecretary/Chief of Staff Shahlimar Hofer Tamano also shares his congratulatory message for the event.
Philippine Department of Tourism Undersecretary/Chief of Staff Shahlimar Hofer Tamano also shares his congratulatory message for the event.
The stage came alive with electrifying performances from the cast of “Show Musical Dream High”, featuring Se7en, Kim Dong Jun, Sunye, Lim Sejun, and Kim Dahyun. Kim Myung Soo’s soulful serenade and engaging travel talk show drew cheers from fans at the venue.
Adding a thrilling edge, the world-famous K-Tigers taekwondo team stunned the crowd with their high-energy demonstrations, even inviting audience members to join in. Rising dance crew ARTix kept the momentum going with dynamic performances and interactive tutorials, while Filipino talents shone brightly with K-pop singers Sandra Dela Cruz and Venisse Sy, and cover dance groups Kairos and Paradigm.
Day one featured a lively K-Creators Club Talk Show, where Filipino influencers shared highlights from their K-Culture Challenge tour in Korea. On day two, Honorary Ambassador for Korea Family Tourism Melai Cantiveros-Francisco and husband Jason Francisco delighted the crowd with stories from their family’s winter adventure in Korea.
A travel talk show with Kim Myung Soo in between performances
A travel talk show with Kim Myung Soo in between performances
Powerful performances from the 'Dream High Musical' Cast
Powerful performances from the 'Dream High Musical' Cast
Director Park Younghee of KTO Manila Office , ‘Dream High Musical’ cast, actor and singer Se7en, ‘Dream High Musical’ cast, actor and singer Kim Dong Jun, K-Creators Club Representative Raymart Ignacio Enrico, SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin L. San Agustin, Undersecretary/Chief of Staff of Philippine Department of Tourism Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Acting Executive Vice President of the Tourism Content Strategy Division of Korea Tourism Organization Kim Nam Chun, Consul General Sang Seung Man of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, singer, actor, and hallyu star Kim Myung Soo, and Director Kim Myeong Jin of the Korean Cultural Center
Director Park Younghee of KTO Manila Office , ‘Dream High Musical’ cast, actor and singer Se7en, ‘Dream High Musical’ cast, actor and singer Kim Dong Jun, K-Creators Club Representative Raymart Ignacio Enrico, SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing Joaquin L. San Agustin, Undersecretary/Chief of Staff of Philippine Department of Tourism Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Acting Executive Vice President of the Tourism Content Strategy Division of Korea Tourism Organization Kim Nam Chun, Consul General Sang Seung Man of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, singer, actor, and hallyu star Kim Myung Soo, and Director Kim Myeong Jin of the Korean Cultural Center
Attendees also enjoyed hands-on cultural experiences, including a live gimbap-making demo by Chef Ara Lee and a K-Beauty makeup session led by Beauty Play artist Ryu Bomi. Each day wrapped up with a passport stamp tour raffle, awarding exciting prizes like Samsung gadgets and round-trip tickets to Korea courtesy of Jeju Air, Asiana Airlines, and Korean Air.
Beyond the performances, the venue offered a sensory journey through Korea’s winter landscapes. The highlights included a stunning LED cube with a Nami Island backdrop, DIY handicrafts and hand-drawn caricatures, hanbok and SOPA uniform try-ons, Life4Cuts-style photo booths, K-Beauty styling and Hangeul writing workshops.
KTO’s partner travel agencies and airlines rolled out exclusive discounts on tour packages and flights, while Korean ski resorts showcased enticing winter travel deals—making a snowy Korean getaway more tempting than ever.
Korea Travel Fiesta 2025 was more than an event—it was a celebration of the enduring bond between Korea and the Philippines. With thousands in attendance, it reaffirmed Korea’s place as a top travel destination for Filipinos, offering unforgettable experiences across all seasons—especially winter.
K-pop demon hunters ‘Saja Boys’ performance by Taekwondo from K-Tigers
K-pop demon hunters ‘Saja Boys’ performance by Taekwondo from K-Tigers
The Korea Travel Fiesta 2025 event venue at SM Moa Music Hall
The Korea Travel Fiesta 2025 event venue at SM Moa Music Hall
Family Winter Travel talk show with Honorary Ambassador for Korea Family Tourism in the Philippines, Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, husband Jason Francisco, and family
Family Winter Travel talk show with Honorary Ambassador for Korea Family Tourism in the Philippines, Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, husband Jason Francisco, and family
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