In celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and South Korea, the Korean Tourism Organization (KTO) Manila Office hosted the Korean Travel Fiesta 2024, and let me tell you—it was such a treat! Held over two days at Glorietta Activity Center and Palm Drive in Makati, the event invited Filipinos to immerse themselves in all things Korea, especially in preparation for experiencing Korea’s magical winter.
As someone who’s always been fascinated by Korean culture, my family and I couldn’t resist attending! Plus, we love winter, and a trip to South Korea has always been on our travel bucket list. When we got the invite, it was an instant yes!
The event was laid out like a little slice of Korea, with different zones offering unique experiences. The K-Travel Zone was perfect for gathering essential travel tips (super helpful if you’re planning a winter getaway like we are!). The K-Activity Zone, on the other hand, was where we could really dive into Korean culture—think: trying on traditional Hanbok, tasting authentic Korean food (yes, there was kimchi!), and indulging in K-pop and K-beauty activities. For Sammy, my daughter, the Kids Zone was a huge hit, with DIY crafts like K-themed keychains and hairclips that she adored making.
There were also tons of exhibitors, including airlines, travel agencies, and even banks, all ready to help you plan your dream trip to Korea. Whether you’re after great travel deals or advice on must-visit spots, it was all there.
The event kicked off with an energetic performance by KTO’s adorable mascots—Hojong, Mugo, and Kawoo—and the fun just kept rolling from there! Running Man PH stars Glaiza De Castro, Kokoy De Santos, and Buboy Villar joined for a talk show, sharing stories about their time in Korea, which totally fueled my wanderlust. Then, a unique musical performance by CHEF took the stage—imagine a comedic blend of beatboxing and breakdancing, all centered around Korea’s famous bibimbap! I never knew a dish could have such a fun performance!
There were also special appearances by the ever-funny Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, who gave us some family travel tips. The show-stealing performances from Korean artists like PUNCH (her voice is just chef’s kiss), hip-hop dance team WOLF’LO, and K-pop idol Xiumin from EXO were the cherry on top! Xiumin even shared some tips for exploring Korea and performed a few of his hit songs—it was such a fangirl moment!
Of course, what’s an event without a few challenges and demos? There were makeup and personal color sessions led by Korean beauty experts (so much inspo!), plus some fun crowd activities like the Spicy Ramen Challenge and K-pop Random Play Dance, which got everyone hyped!
As the holidays get closer, the Korea Travel Fiesta really captured the beauty and excitement of visiting Korea during winter. We walked away feeling inspired, and now we’re even more eager to make that winter trip happen! The snowy landscapes, winter festivals, and all those cozy, magical moments Korea has to offer—count us in!
“Filipinos have always embraced Korean culture, and the Korea Travel Fiesta is our way of expressing gratitude for their continued support,” said Mr. YoungChoong Seo, Acting President of the Korea Tourism Organization. He warmly invited Filipino families to experience Korea’s winter magic—and honestly, I couldn’t agree more!
If you’re like us and dreaming of a South Korean adventure, follow the Korean Tourism Organization Manila Office on Facebook at facebook.com/koreatourismmanila and on Instagram at @ktomanila for all the latest updates on Korean culture and travel. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!
