Decrease in Korean tourist arrival has been observed in the first four months of 2025.

Based on data from the Department of Tourism (DOT), Korean tourist arrival reached 1,989,322 in 2019 (pre-pandemic) from a total of 1,624,251 in 2018.

During post-pandemic, upon the opening of the country to foreign tourists, Korean nationals have remained to be on top of the list of international travelers to the country.

However, in the first four months of 2025, the decline in Korean visitors is apparent based on the -18.03 (negative) percent based on DOT data.

A Korean national identified only as “Lee,” 34 years old, has been in Cebu for 15 years already operating a grocery store.

She said that she arrived in Cebu in 2010 as a student learning English as a Second Language (ESL). Later, she married in Cebu and engaged in entrepreneurship.

Lee said that through the years she has observed the apparent decline in the number of Korean guests coming to Cebu despite local tourism bouncing back from the ill effects of the pandemic.

According to Lee, the decline has a direct impact on businesses, such as one the store she has put up.

Based on their Korean community group chat, Lee said, there are compatriots who have already sold their condominium units and folded up business joints such as dive shops and island hopping businesses, especially in Lapu-Lapu City.

Lee pointed out that in the last 15 years, tourism offerings have been limited only to beach resorts, water sports, and a few historical sites especially in Cebu.

She added that the issue on peace order has also affected Korean stores in Lapu-Lapu City reported to have been struck by members of “Salisi Gang," and other crimes committed against Koreans in other places in the country.

Lee, in fact, said she has also contemplated on relocating where her business could thrive in the next years.

The issue has already reached the Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Office.

Garry Lao, city tourism officer, said that the situation is deemed alarming, but he gives the assurance that the tourism office will look for ways to deal with the concern.

Lao said that officials of the Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Office went to China for the signing of a sisterhood agreement with Zibo City in Central Shandong Province, and that a delegation was sent to Japan for the Osaka World Exposition.

Lao said the city government trusts that the  two major events would invite additional tourists from China and Japan to visit Lapu-Lapu City and the rest of Cebu.

Meanwhile, in an official statement released by DOT on June 2, 2025, the South Korean community is assured of stringent safety measures for their continued protection.

The said statement also cited South Korea as a top source market that posted a total of of 1,574,152 Korean visitors in 2024 who contributed approximately 2.3 billion US dollars to the national coffers.