The Official Website of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, Korea

STILL NUMBER ONE 1: SOUTH KOREA REMAINS TOP SOURCE OF FOREIGN ARRIVALS FOR FIRST HALF OF 2024

PR MTD 86 2024

The Philippine Embassy in Seoul is pleased to announce that South Korea remains the Philippines’ top source of foreign arrivals, delivering a solid 824,798 or 25.99 percent of the total number of visitors entering the country according to the Philippine Department of Tourism.

The Embassy, with the Philippine Department of Tourism Office in Korea, continues to work with our tourism partners and local stakeholders to ensure that Koreans who travel to the Philippines have an enjoyable experience. This includes prioritizing every traveler's security and safety, their easy access to tourism destinations, and overall wellness.

The full press release on the Philippines' vibrant tourism industry can be seen below:

MANILA, PHILIPPINES. The Philippines’ estimated visitor receipts ballooned to more than P280 billion in the first half of the year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) reported Thursday (July 11).

Based on its statistical monitoring report, tourism earnings from inbound visitors are currently pegged at PHP282.17 billion from January 1 to June 30, 2024, or approximately 32.81 percent higher than the PHP212.47 billion revenue from the same period last year.

"The significant increase in our tourism earnings to PHP282.17 billion in just the first half of 2024 is a testament to the relentless efforts of the Marcos administration in revitalizing our tourism sector. This 32.81 percent rise from last year's figures not only showcases the growing appeal of the Philippines as a premier travel destination but also underscores the tangible benefits that tourism brings to our economy and our people. The income generated through tourism directly translates to more opportunities and improved livelihoods for Filipinos, reinforcing the critical role this industry plays in our nation's progress," Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said.

Meanwhile, as of July 10, 2024, the country has welcomed 3,173,694 inbound tourists, of which 92.55 percent or 2,937,293 are foreigners while the remaining 7.45 percent or 236,401 are overseas Filipinos.

South Korea remains the Philippines’ top source of foreign arrivals, delivering a solid 824,798 or 25.99 percent of the total number of visitors entering the country. The United States of America (USA) comes second with 522,667 (16.47 percent), followed by China with 199,939 (6.30 percent), Japan with 188,805 (5.95 percent), and Australia with 137,391 (4.33 percent).

Taiwan, Canada, the United Kingdom, and neighboring Southeast Asian nations, Singapore and Malaysia, are the sixth to tenth source markets, respectively.

“In the second half of the year, we anticipate these numbers to increase, not only the revenue generated but most importantly, the number of Filipinos employed in tourism-related industries. Many projects aimed at improving the country's connectivity and enhancing our visitors' convenience are also in the pipeline to sustain the good work we have started," the Secretary added.

The tourism chief is optimistic about furthering the gains of the industry as the 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) forecasts a “record-breaking” year for the Philippines’ travel and tourism industry in terms of economic contribution, employment, and visitor spending.

According to the important global private sector group, the tourism sector’s contribution to the national economy is expected to reach PHP5.4 trillion this year, or around 25 percent year-on-year growth, surpassing the record-breaking achievement in 2019 by 7.1 percent.

Employment in tourism is also projected to surpass 9.5 million jobs, translating to 20 percent of the national workforce.

The WTTC also forecasts that both international and domestic visitor spending is also set to break records this year, pegged at PHP715.6 billion and PHP3.7 trillion, respectively, exceeding 2019 levels by 5.7 percent and 1.8 percent, respectively.

“This growth is testament to the government’s efforts in enhancing tourism infrastructure, with efforts underway to upgrade regional airports to alleviate congestion at Manila's main airport and make travel more accessible,” WTTC said in its report. END

PHL EMBASSY DISCUSSES COOPERATION WITH THE OVERSEAS KOREAN AGENCY

PR MTD 85 2024

3 July 2024, Incheon. The Philippine Embassy, led by Consul General Romulo Victor M. Israel, Jr., met with representatives of the Overseas Korean Agency (OKA), led by Deputy Director General Samju Kwak on 3 July 2024 to discuss important topics on overseas national concerns, including ROK’s e-Apostille system, emergency preparedness and protection of overseas nationals, and potential areas of collaboration. Also present in the meeting was Third Secretary and Vice Consul Jill De Dumo-Cornista and Second Secretary Ernest P. Diga from the Philippine Embassy, and Director Hyunkyoung Lee, and Deputy Director Sooyoun Kim from the OKA. END

PHILIPPINE EMBASSY IN KOREA RECEIVES 2024 BEST ORGANIZATION AWARD

The Philippine Embassy in Korea is honored to receive the 2024 Best Organization Award conferred by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Center: Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega holds the award which cites the Philippine Embassy’s exceptional achievements in advancing Philippines-Republic of Korea relations.

Seoul, 15 July 2024 - The Philippine Embassy in Korea is honored to receive the 2024 Best Organization Award conferred by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The award was received by Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega during the Commemoration of the 126th Anniversary of the Founding of the Department of Foreign Affairs on 05 July 2024 in Manila. Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo congratulated the Philippine Embassy in Korea for this accomplishment during a milestone year commemorating the 75^th anniversary of Philippines-Korea diplomatic relations.

The Philippine Embassy in Korea was recognized for its steadfast dedication and remarkable achievements in advancing Philippine - Korean relations, fostering various facets of bilateral cooperation, and skillfully managing the affairs of the embassy, embodying excellence in diplomacy and collaboration.

The Best Organization Award celebrates the significant and exceptional contributions of organizations under the Department of Foreign Affairs in furthering Philippine foreign policy objectives and strengthening relationships on the global stage.

The Philippine Embassy in Korea shares this award with all our stakeholders and partners and the Filipino community in South Korea as their support and meaningful collaboration have made this recognition possible. END

Left: H.E. Ambassador Theresa Dizon-De Vega and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo during the awarding ceremony. Right: The Philippine Embassy in Seoul is recognized for its exceptional achievements in fostering Philippine – Korean relations, creating strategic partnerships and multi-stakeholder engagements through an innovative future-proofing approach.

FROM SOIL TO SEOUL: CHOCOLATE QUEEN OF CEBU SWEETENS SOUTH KOREA WITH THE FILIPINO CHOCOLATE EXPERIENCE

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul invited the Chocolate Queen of Cebu Raquel T. Choa, and the members of the Chocolate Chamber of Cebu to share the rich heritage and tradition of the Filipino Chocolate Experience with the South Korean community from 7 - 9 July 2024.

11 July 2024 Seoul, South Korea -- In celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea and World Chocolate Day, the Philippine Embassy in Seoul invited the Chocolate Queen of Cebu Raquel T. Choa, and the members of the Chocolate Chamber of Cebu Inc. (TCC) to share the rich heritage and tradition of the Filipino Chocolate Experience in South Korean from 7 - 9 July 2024.

The Philippine Embassy in Seoul held these events in recognition of the essential role of food and gastronomy in shaping the Philippines’ sustainable tourism landscape. “We are proud to bring the Philippine Cacao Tradition to the South Korean Community, introduced by the Chocolate Queen herself. Our shared values in food and culture strengthens the close connection between both our nations,” Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega said.

The advocacy of Chocolate Queen Raquel T. Choa is special as the TCC promotes sustainable tourism and farming practices while upholding the Filipino identity in gastronomy. The Chamber continues to expand by partnering with cacao farmers in the region to grow the best quality cacao beans for their products and trains Filipino MSMEs as well as cacao farming communities in other Southeast Asian countries to develop beans into delectable chocolate in different forms, making the chocolate journey an immersive experience from soil to soul.

On 7 July, the Chocolate Chamber served over 150 members of the Filipino and Korean communities three kinds of chocolate drinks through a Filipino Tsokolate pop-up celebrating World Chocolate Day at the new Philippine Experience Center in the Philippine Embassy in Seoul. The Chocolate Queen of Cebu also shared the heritage story of Filipino cacao and the rich chocolate-making tradition of Filipino sikwate with members of the Korean media and culture and travel influencers at Rakkojae, a traditional Hanok complex in Bukchon Village, Seoul.

South Korean chocolatiers, members of the Food and Beverage Industry, and prospective buyers and partners from tourism, agriculture, and trade councils were invited by the Philippine Embassy to a separate Chocolate Appreciation session where the Chocolate Chamber highlighted the various flavors and uses of Filipino chocolate, as well as cacao growing practices on 8 July 2024. A Filipino food course provided by Spatula by Haevichi experimental kitchen complemented the in-depth masterclass on growing and enjoying Filipino chocolate.

On 9 July 2024, Ambassador Dizon-de Vega invited heads of missions of cacao growing countries, ASEAN Ambassadors and Korean cultural institutions and partners to a Cacao to Beverage 101 session, highlighting the old-fashioned way of making Filipino tablea (small traditionally home-made tablets of pure ground roasted cacao beans) while weaving the story of the Philippines’ deeply connected history in chocolate making through the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade.

The children of the chocolate queen Angelie, AJ, and JP Choa, formed part of the TCC team in Seoul, as the chamber encourages cultural preservation of Filipino chocolate making by involving the younger generation. Ms. Angelie Choa, the CCC Batidores (chocolate version of a coffee barista) made over 350 cups of Filipino tsokolate for the community to enjoy. Mr. JP Choa, a young and upcoming artist who paints Filipino landscapes using cacao, also held a live painting demonstration showcasing the sustainable use of cacao in art during the events.

This project was realized under the Philippine Embassy in Seoul’s flagship Philippine Food and Culture Promotions Program in South Korea (FOCUS Philippines). A joint initiative of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, in collaboration with the Philippine Department of Tourism in Korea, the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Seoul, the Philippine Agriculture Office in Seoul, and the Migrant Workers’ Office. FOCUS Philippines promotes Filipino food, food products, and agricultural products in South Korea, emphasizing gastrodiplomacy as an essential component of the Philippine government’s thrust towards highlighting Filipino heritage and sustainable development.

As of July 2024, South Korea remains the top source of the Philippines’ tourist market with a total of 824,798 South Korean visitors (25.99% of overall international tourist arrivals) entering the Philippines. The Philippine Embassy is proud of this accomplishment and will continue to work on actively promoting Filipino tourism, culture, and heritage to the South Korean community. END

The Chocolate Chamber of Cebu served over 150 members of the Filipino and Korean community three kinds of chocolate drinks (Sikwate or Traditional Filipino Tsokolate, Spanish Tsokolate in sweet style, Mexican Tsokolate with spices) through a Filipino Tsokolate pop-up celebrating World Chocolate Day at the Philippine Experience Center in the Philippine Embassy in Seoul.

The Chocolate Queen of Cebu also shared the heritage story of Filipino cacao and the rich chocolate-making tradition of Filipino sikwate with members of the Korean media and culture and travel influencers at the traditional Hanok house in Bukchon Village, Seoul.

South Korean chocolatiers, members of the Food and Beverage Industry, and prospective buyers and partners from tourism, agriculture, and trade councils were invited by the Philippine Embassy to a Chocolate Appreciation session where the Chocolate Chamber of Cebu highlighted the various flavors and uses of Filipino chocolate, as well as cacao growing practices on 8 July 2024.

On 9 July 2024, Ambassador Dizon-de Vega invited heads of missions of cacao growing countries, ASEAN Ambassador in Seoul, and government partners to learn from the Chocolate Chamber team through their cacao to beverage 101, highlighting the old-fashioned way of making Filipino tablea (small traditionally home-made tablets of pure ground roasted cacao beans) while weaving the story of the Philippines’ deeply connected history in chocolate making through the Manila-Acapulco Galleon trade.

The Chocolate Chamber of Cebu brought proudly Filipino chocolate in many forms, including Tsokolate drinks, chocolate bars in different concentrations of cacao, flavored chocolate, chocolate truffles and pralines, and chocolate products such as chocolate chip cookies with cacao nibs which all guests enjoyed. Several invitees also expressed interest in bringing these items to Seoul for commercial or recipe-development use.