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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Hallyuwood devider KTO to showcase spring wonders, offer K-pop albums at Travel Tour Expo 2026

KTO to showcase spring wonders, offer K-pop albums at Travel Tour Expo 2026

Published Feb 3, 2026 03:25 pm
(Clockwise from top) Gwanghwamun, BTS and spring in Korea (KTO Manila, Big Hit Music)
(Clockwise from top) Gwanghwamun, BTS and spring in Korea (KTO Manila, Big Hit Music)

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Manila invites Filipino travelers to discover Korea in spring at the Travel Tour Expo (TTE) 2026 to be held from Feb. 6 to 8 at the SMX Convention Center Manila. 

With cherry blossoms in full bloom, vibrant cultural activities, and exciting K-pop events, including BTS’ comeback, this year’s campaign highlights April’s Holy Week as the perfect time to experience Korea’s breathtaking spring landscapes.

Spring and cherry blossom in Korea 

Korea’s cherry blossom season from March to April offers iconic attractions such as flower festivals and scenic tours in Seoul, Busan, Jinhae, and Jeju. 

For the Holy Week period, April coincides with peak blossoms, making Korea an ideal holiday getaway for Filipino families and groups.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (KTO Manila)
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (KTO Manila)
BTS (Big Hit Music)
BTS (Big Hit Music)
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Manila will participate at the Travel Tour Expo 2026 (KTO Manila)
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Manila will participate at the Travel Tour Expo 2026 (KTO Manila)

Simplified visa application 

KTO is also highlighting the simplified visa application.

The Korea Visa Application Center Manila (KVAC) accepts walk-in applicants, who can bring their requirements and apply directly. They don’t need to book for slots. 

The Korean Embassy has extended the simplification of visa application documents for another year, until Dec. 31 this year. Applicants holding eligible credit cards from BDO, BPI, RCBC, Metrobank, and PNB (including family members) are exempted from submitting bank certificates, bank statements, and ITR. 

The simplification of visa application documents is also applicable to elected politicians, government officials, and selected professional license holders.

For questions about Korean visa application, visitors can go to the Korea Tourism Pavilion and consult directly with the representatives of the KVAC Manila.

KTO also highlighted BTS’ “Arirang” World Tour that will kick off on April 9, 11 and 12 at Goyang Stadium in Gyeonggi Province. 

Those who will avail of any Korea tour products (air tickets, tour packages, land arrangements) during the three-day expo, with travel dates between April 1 and 30, 2026, and June 1 to 30, 2026, can redeem a random K-pop album. 

Spring in Korea (KTO Manila)
Spring in Korea (KTO Manila)
Spring in Korea (KTO Manila)
Spring in Korea (KTO Manila)
Lotte Tower (KTO Manila)
Lotte Tower (KTO Manila)
Gyeongbukgung (KTO Manila)
Gyeongbukgung (KTO Manila)
Spring in Korea (KTO Manila)
Spring in Korea (KTO Manila)

Korea Tourism Pavilion 

KTO’s booth will be a hub of interactive promotions and cultural immersion, designed to inspire Filipinos to book their spring trips to Korea. 

Activities

 K-Information and Stamp Tour Activity – Interact with our booth exhibitors to earn a stamp. Complete 6 stamps from various booths in the Korea Tourism Pavilion to claim a Park Bogum postcard.

Special Gift for Every Purchase of Korea Tour Products – Redeem a skincare product or a K-pop album when you purchase any Korea tour product during the Expo. 

K-Culture Activities – Hanbok wearing experience and photo zone, write your name in Hangeul, DIY handicraft making

K-Beauty Booth – Experience personal color analysis with the Korean beauty company, Beauty Play

Caricature Booth – Bring home personalized souvenirs when you visit the Korea pavilion with handmade caricature drawings

K-Style Photo Booth – Capture timeless smiles with Life Four Cuts photo booth

Mini-Stage Program – Learn more about Korea from presentations of regional tourism offices, learn how to cook Korean dishes, discover tips and hidden gems in Korea from KTO’s K-Creators Club, and unleash your game skills with Korean traditional games. Prizes await those who can complete the game challenges!

Korea’s regional tourism organizations

Discover Korea beyond the usual routes by visiting the booths of Gyeonggi, Gyeongsangbuk-do (Gyeongbuk), Jeju, and Chungcheongnam-do (Chungnam)—four vibrant regions showcasing their unique travel experiences inside the Korea Tourism Pavilion. 

From Gyeonggi’s nature escapes, to Gyeongsangbuk-do’s rich historical heritage, Jeju’s breathtaking island charm, and Chungcheongnam-do’s coastal beauty, each region offers interactive activities, exclusive souvenirs, travel tips, and insider guides to help travelers plan their next Korean adventure.

 Jeju Air walk-in deal 

Jeju Air joins the Korea Tourism Pavilion at Travel Tour Expo 2026 with an exclusive walk-in deal for expo visitors. 

Guests can avail one-way fares starting at just USD 60 between Manila (MNL) and Incheon (ICN)—no pre-booking required. Visit the Jeju Air booth to grab this limited-time offer and enjoy a budget-friendly spring getaway to Korea.

KTO has also partnered with 50 Philippine travel agency exhibitors at TTE, offering exclusive Korea tour products. KTO will assist in promoting the travel agencies’ participation and encourage visitors to book their Korea trip with them at the Expo.

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