South Korea has become a popular travel destination for Filipinos in recent years, no doubt thanks in large part to the growing fanbase of Korean dramas, music, and even skin care. Still, it remains as one of the territories Philippine passport holders need a visa for.
But last Friday, the South Korean government announced that it will waive the visa requirement for Filipinos until April 2018. The news just started gaining attention in the Philippines yesterday and people are understandably excited.
But don’t start packing just yet — entry without a visa only applies to travelers who enter via the YangYang airport near Pyeongchang County, where the 2018 Winter Olympics will be held this coming February.
There are currently no direct commercial flights from the Philippines to YangYang airport, which is a more than two-hour drive from Seoul.
Yangyang currently only has direct flights from Kitakyushu in Japan and Vladivostok in Russia.
Apart from the Philippines, fellow Southeast Asian countries Indonesia and Vietnam will get the same privilege.
This was done to promote tourism in the country after a decrease in tourist due to security and political issues.
But don’t get too sad; the process of getting a South Korean visa is actually much simpler than other countries. For one, the application is free if you’re staying for 59 days or less.
The process also only takes about three to five working days. Those who have traveled to certain countries (like the United States) in the last five years also don’t need to provide their latest Income Tax Return.
Visit the Embassy of the Republic of Korea’s website for more details.
Good luck with the trip planning and enjoy that samgyeopsal for us.
