Discover the beauty of South Korea Like Never Before as KTO Manila Kicks Off Korea Travel Fiesta 2024

In honor of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Korea, the Korean Tourism Organization (KTO) Manila Office has officially launched the Korea Travel Fiesta 2024, a two-day celebration at the Glorietta Activity Center and Palm Drive Activity Center in Makati City that invites Filipinos to witness and experience a vibrant showcase of Korean tourism and culture.

At the core of the festival were various zones that provided immersive and interactive experiences highlighting Korean culture. Attendees were able to tour the various booths and activities to learn more about what makes Korea unique.

The K-Travel Zone, which featured essential travel information for those interested in visiting Korea, the K-Activity Zone, which provided an authentic Korean experience for attendees to taste Korean cuisine, try on Hanbok, learn history, and enjoy various K-pop and K-beauty themed activities, and the Kids Zone, which featured a fun and engaging creative space for younger attendees to enjoy DIY activities such as handicraft making of K-themed keychains and hairclips.

Aside from the themed booths, the event featured exhibitors including as airlines, travel agencies, regional tourism organizations, tour attractions, telecommunication firms, and banks, all of which displayed their varied services to participants planning their next trip to Korea.

The two-day festival began with a colorful performance by KTO’s very own Kingdom Friends characters, Hojong, Mugo, and Kawoo, which set the tone for the weekend’s festivities. Guests were also treated to appearances and performances by musicians from the Philippines and Korea. Glaiza De Castro, Kokoy De Santos, and Buboy Villar, who are regulars on Running Man PH, took the stage for a chat show where they discussed their experiences on the show and their vacation to Korea.

The Korean musical CHEF performed next, with a humorous and remarkable blend of beatboxing and breakdancing inspired by Korea’s bibimbap meal. Additionally, comedian and actress Melai Cantiveros-Francisco participated in a talk show that addressed family tourism.

The event was followed by live performances by Korean artists. PUNCH, the voice of various K-drama soundtracks, serenaded guests with her sweet voice; Korean hip-hop dance team WOLF’LO treated audiences to an exhilarating performance; and EXO’s K-pop singer Xiumin shared some tips and recommendations for hopeful travelers planning to visit Korea before performing his energetic songs.

The Korea Travel Fiesta 2024 also included a variety of activities, such as demos to engage attendees, such as personal color, makeup, and hair demonstration sessions led by Korean experts, as well as challenges such as the Spicy Ramen Challenge, Blindfold Make-up Challenge, and K-pop Random Play Dance, in which attendees participated.

As Filipinos plan their holiday trips abroad, the Korea Travel Fiesta aims to promote and highlight the beauty of Korea’s wonderful winter, providing guests with an opportunity to learn more about Korean culture and society.

According to Mr. YoungChoong Seo, Acting President of the Korea Tourism Organization, since Korean culture has long been beloved by Filipinos, the Korea Travel Fiesta is our unique method of saying thank you for all of the support we have gotten over the years.

As the holiday season approaches, they’d like to invite Filipino families and groups to visit Korea for holiday trips and experience everything Korea has to offer during the beautiful winter season, from the beautiful snow-covered scenery to the various Korea winter activities and festivals.

Follow the Korean Tourism Organization Manila Office on Facebook at facebook.com/koreatourismmanila and Instagram at @ktomanila to stay up to date on Korean culture and tourism news.