Korea Travel Fiesta 2025 highlights winter, family trips

Looking for your next snow day adventure?

Korea Travel Fiesta 2025, which highlights winter and family travel for Filipinos looking for their next holiday destination, was formally launched by the Korean Tourism Organization (KTO) on Saturday.

“The event aims to showcase the diverse charms of Korean tourism and, in particular, to boost demand for winter travel to Korea ahead of the peak holiday season in the Philippines… As the Philippines enters the Christmas season, known locally as the ‘ber-months,’ this event has been designed to let you experience the charms of Korean tourism in advance,” said KTO Acting Vice President of Tourism Content Strategy Division Kim Nam Chun.

At SM Mall of Asia Music Hall, visitors can look forward to several travel deals from airlines and travel agencies, as well as packages for ski resorts accessible from Seoul.

Visitors who book their flights during the event can also take advantage of the "1+1 promotion," which offers free tickets to other Korean destinations like Jeju Island or Busan to those who purchase roundtrip tickets to Korea.

Other experiences include wearing a hanbok, having a skin or color analysis done, and being cartoonized by Korean artists.

"We hope that through these programs, you will be inspired to plan a memorable Christmas holiday with your family in Korea... Through this event, we hope you will enjoy the richness of Korea's cultural and tourism content while also gaining up-to-date information and exclusive benefits on destinations and travel products," Kim said.

According to Kim, the number of Filipino visitors to South Korea increased by 51% in 2024 compared to 2023.

“Tourism exchange between Korea and the Philippines has continued to grow steadily. In 2024, the number of Filipino tourists visiting Korea reached 520,000, marking a 51% increase from the previous year and the largest volume among Southeast Asian countries… Tourism exchange is expected to become even more active in the future,” he said.

Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco also urged Filipinos to explore the wonders of South Korea and Koreans to continue visiting the Philippines.

“I invite our Filipino friends to explore the wonders of Korea, and I welcome our Korean friends to continue discovering the beauty and warmth of the Philippines. The Department of Tourism stands firmly committed to nurturing this partnership, ensuring that tourism remains our shared wish for understanding, prosperity, and peace,” she said through Undersecretary Shahlimar Hofer Tamano.

She cited both countries' commitments to sustainable tourism and the new direct flights between South Korea and Cebu, Clark, Davao, Panglao, and Kalibo that made travel easier.

During the program, the Korean cast of “Dream High” the musical (ZE:A’s Kim Dongjun, VICTON’s Lim Sejun, Wonder Girls’ Sunye, and South Korean singers SE7EN and Kim Dahyun) performed several songs from the production, including the series’ iconic theme song, “Dream High.”

Martial arts group K-Tigers also made a heart-stopping performance of taekwondo moves, ending with a performance of “Soda Pop,” “How It’s Done,” and “Your Idol” from hit Netflix film “K-Pop Demon Hunters” with the choreographer who created the moves for the Saja Boys.

Lastly, Infinite’s Kim Myungsoo also delighted fans with performances of “What’s Not To Love” and “My Universe,” among others.

Korea Travel Fiesta 2025 will run until Sunday, August 31. —VBL, GMA Integrated News