On September 10 and 11, 2022, the Glorietta Activity Center and Palm Drive Activity Center in Makati City will host the “2022 Korea Festival,” an event hosted by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, and the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the opening of the KTO’s Manila Office. It is hoped that a massive Korea Travel Fair at the 2022 Korea Festival will pique Filipinos’ interest in visiting Korea and highlight the country’s rich cultural history. This event marks the first time the Embassy, the KTO, and the KCC have together celebrated Chuseok, the Korean national Thanksgiving holiday.

The Embassy, the Korea Tourism Organization, and the Korea Cultural Center have joined forces to host a two-day celebration of Korean culture and tourism. Wearing Hanbok, or Korean traditional clothes, playing Korean traditional games like ddakji, dalgona sweets, and jegichagi, and studying Hangeul, or Korean calligraphy, are all options for participants interested in showcasing tradition and Korea’s historically rich culture. Given that it is also Chuseok in Korea, it would be remiss of us not to mention the annual tradition of creating and eating Songpyeon, or half-moon-shaped rice cakes, which is a staple of the Korean Chuseok celebration. Meanwhile, up-to-date pursuits include busking and picnicking like you’re in Hongdae or along the Han River.

As of June 1, 2022, Filipinos will once again be able to visit Korea as tourists. By August of 2022, the number of Filipinos visiting Korea had increased by almost 60% year over year. The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is teaming up with seven (7) airlines and five (5) local travel agencies to offer exclusive promo fares and installment deals for this weekend’s Korea Travel Fair, in the hopes of rekindling Filipinos’ interest in traveling abroad and encouraging them to make Korea their first international destination after the pandemic. Korean Air, Jeju Air, Asiana Airlines, Fly Gangwon, Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Air Asia make up the other seven airlines. BPI credit and debit cardholders will have access to a variety of convenient payment choices and flexible financing plans at participating travel agencies such Ark Travel Express, Horizon Travel & Tours, Pan Pacific Travel Corporation, Rakso Air Travel & Tours, and Travel Specialist Ventures. During the promotional time, visitors who make purchases from the participating partners can redeem unique gifts from KTO.

The K-pop soloist and ex-member of SISTAR, SOYOU, will fly all the way from Korea to play for Filipino fans on September 11, 2022, as part of the festivities. She will perform several of her most well-known songs, such as “I Miss You” from the Korean drama Goblin, “Rain” with EXO’s Baekhyun, and the international smash hit “Some” with Junggigo. Artists of Korean origin such as Painters and Superstick will also be in attendance at the Manila show. The two-day stage program will feature live musical performances, a travel quiz and conversation show, entertaining games, and a blend of modern and traditional activities.