There is no doubt that Hallyu’s widespread K-Pop and K-Drama phenomenon has been rapidly growing in the Philippines over the years.
With the many platforms available to listen to K-Pop music and watch Korean dramas and movies, Hallyu has influenced Filipino audiences of all ages to realize Korea is a dream destination to visit as a way of getting closer to their idols, as well as to experience the culture that has made them inspired.
To jumpstart and spark interest in traveling to Korea when travel restrictions are lifted, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Manila Office will showcase Korea’s culture and tourism in its first-ever hybrid travel exhibition entitled, Korea Travel Fiesta 2021: Korea Tayo Soon on December 4 – 5, 2021 at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay Activity Center and simultaneously live streamed on KTO Manila’s Facebook Page and YouTube Channel. With its inviting and positive message, the event sends hope that traveling to Korea will definitely happen soon.
Centering on the theme Hallyu, KTO has prepared activity installations highlighting the globally-praised K-Drama, Squid Game, as well as K-Pop themed photo zones featuring Honorary Ambassadors for Korean Tourism, ITZY and Brave Girls.
Korean Air, Philippine Airlines, and Jeju Air will release airline fares for PH-KR routes onsite, while several partner travel agencies will offer 2022 travel packages to different Korean destinations.
As a bonus, visitors who will purchase during the two-day event from any participating airline or travel agency, may redeem special gifts from KTO.
Following the minimum public health standards of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and other safety measures in place, the two-day event will be headlined by a rookie K-Pop girl group, PURPLE K!SS.
The 7-member group will be gracing the fiesta through a virtual interview with fan interaction and mini-games, live from Korea via Zoom.
Live appearances from Jinho Bae and Ryan Bang will take place on the first day with Jinho Bae serenading the crowd with K-Drama OST songs, while Ryan Bang will perform a cooking demonstration.
There will also be special performances from Filipino celebrities such as CJ Navato, BINI, Kyline Alcantara, Ella Cruz, and Julian Trono.
Talks shows with Hallyu content creators, and fun interactive games will complete the two-day program line-up at the stage.
Filipino online viewers will get a chance to participate in various virtual games with prizes ranging from KTO souvenirs to round trip tickets to Korea all-throughout the event.
According to Department of Health’s data, over 35 million Filipinos are now fully vaccinated as of November 28 with Metro Manila alone having over 90 percent of its target population fully vaccinated.
In Korea, on the other hand, 80 percent of the population or 40 million are now fully vaccinated. Both countries’ increase in vaccination rates is paving the way to a safer travel in the near future, as KTO remains hopeful for the resumption of leisure travel to commence in the coming year.