Hallyu, or the Korean Wave, has taken the Philippines by storm. With the rise of K-pop idols and K-dramas, it’s no surprise that Filipinos have taken interest in traveling to Korea themselves to experience the country’s food, culture, and more. With Seoul being the center of attention most of the time, it’s easy to overlook the other cities South Korea has to offer.
One of which is Gangwon Province. Also known as the ski capital of South Korea, Gangwon is located northeast of the country, and the best part is, Filipinos can now travel to it visa-free.
Last June 2022, the Gangwon government granted Vietnam, Indonesia, Mongolia, and the Philippines a visa-waiver program, allowing tourists to experience Korea without a visa. According to the President of Airmark, Mr. Icy Kim, this was done in order to further strengthen the partnership between the Philippines and South Korea, as well as promote other spots in the country besides Seoul.
In partnership with its GSA, Airmark, Fly Gangwon flies tourists from Clark International Airport to Yangyang International Airport at Gangwon. With a Boeing 737- 800 with 186 seats, the convergence carrier offers a rich itinerary that has a combination of hidden gems and must visit spots in South Korea.
I was given the opportunity to experience the beauty of Gangwon firsthand, and the tranquil landscapes of Gangwon provide a starking contrast to the bustling streets of Seoul. Even though the packages are group tours and require tourists to strictly stick to the itinerary, the breath-taking views of Mount Seorak paired with the scattered temples and statues offered a glimpse into Korea’s belief systems and traditions. Meanwhile, the stunning light exhibits and art installations of Arte Museum were the perfect subjects to one’s Instagram feed. To top it all off, having a cup of hot chocolate while enjoying the alluring forestries at Nam-I Island served as the perfect ender before traveling to busy Seoul. On the way, we got to enjoy the thrilling rides and delicious food at Everland Theme Park before catching a glimpse of Seoul through the overlooking view at the N-Seoul Tower.
Entering Korea visa-free is relatively easy– upon choosing your preferred tour package, you then proceed to submit the required documents needed for your ticket to be ensured and your name to be listed in the entry permit upon the approval of the Immigration Foundation in Korea. After submitting, all you have to do is pay for your trip then wait for the entry permit to be issued.
Fly Gangwon will also start offering flights from Manila to Yangyang by July 2023.
Thanks to the Gangwon government’s visa waiver program, even more families, friends, and loved ones can experience the wanderlust that is South Korea– allowing more Filipinos to immerse themselves in its delicious food, remarkable sights, and rich culture.
Gabby C.
AB Organizational Communication
De La Salle University
