MANILA, Philippines – The Korean Tourism Organization Manila Office recently staged the Korea Travel Fiesta 2024 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Korea. The two-day event showcased Korean tourism, culture, beauty, and music at the Glorietta Activity Center and Palm Drive Activity Center, in Makati City last September 7 and 8, 2024.
From left: Korea Tourism Organization Manila Office Director, HyungJoon Kim; EXO’s Xiumin; Honorary Ambassador for Korea Family Tourism in the Philippines, Melai Cantiveros-Francisco; Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines, H.E. Sang-Hwa Lee; Korea Tourism Organization Acting President, YoungChoong Seo; Department of Tourism Undersecretary for Administration and Finance, Atty. Shereen Gail C. Yu-Pamintuan; Republic of Korea’s Ambassador for Cultural Cooperation, Jie Ae Sohn; South Korean singer PUNCH; and Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines Director, MyeongJin Kim
The Korea Travel Fiesta 2024 opening ceremony was graced by esteemed guests who performed a ceremonial gesture symbolizing the magical experience of Korea’s first snow. Present at the opening ceremony are the Korea Tourism Organization’s Acting President, Mr. Young Choong Seo, who welcomed the guests and the public at this year’s Korea Travel Fiesta saying,
Filipinos have always loved Korean culture so the Korea Travel Fiesta is our special way to show our appreciation for the support we have received over the years. We’d like to invite Filipino families and groups to visit Korea for their holiday trips and experience everything Korea has to offer during the beautiful winter season.
The Republic of Korea Ambassador for Cultural Cooperation, Ms. Jie Ae Sohn, offered a congratulatory message in celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Korea. Running Man Philippines cast members Glaiza De Castro, Kokoy De Santos, and Buboy Villar shared their experiences in the second season of the show in South Korea. Korean musical act CHEF showcased an explosive fusion of beatboxing, dancing, and cooking with their performance, while Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, who is the Honorary Ambassador for Korean Family Tourism in the Philippines talked about the different tourist spots she visited with her family in Korea.
South Korean singer PUNCH brought back the K-drama feels to life as she sang the hit K-OSTs such as “Stay With Me” from “Goblin”, “Say Yes” from “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart”, and “Everytime” from “Descendants of the Sun”. The crowd sang along with her which made her smile. EXO-Ls (EXO’s fans) were filled with joy as the multi-talented singer Xiumin returned to the Philippines. Xiumin shared his travel tips for those who want to travel and make fun memories in Korea. He also performed “Serenity”, “Brand New”, and san a snippet from EXO’s hit tracks “Miracles in December”, and “Don’t Go”.
Hip-hop dance group WOLF’LO from Street Woman Fighter Season 2 ends the ceremony with a fiery showcase of Korean street culture, dancing to popular dance crazes and moving with freestyle steps that got the crowd screaming and dancing to the beat.
The Korea Travel Fiesta 2024 was filled with fun activities such as hair and make-up sessions, challenges such as spicy ramen challenge, blindfold makeup challenge, and K-pop dance challenge. Attendees also got a chance to write their names in Hangul at the Korean Cultural Center Booth, take pictures at Seoul’s iconic landmarks, wear Korea’s traditional Hanboks, and more. Attendees could also enjoy exclusive airfare and tour deals, as well as promotions from partner airlines, travel agencies, banks, mobile wallets, and telecommunications companies.
This year’s Korea Travel Fiesta attracted a large number of attendees who wanted to travel to Korea, experience the vibrant culture, and make wonderful memories with their loved ones. In celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Korea, Filipinos can discover more of what South Korea can offer.
