Search for the 2015 Korean Tourism Ambassador Online Event

Hello! Calling all Korea lovers out there again to join Korea Tourism Organization Manila's newest online event!

Get a chance to win a Samsung Galaxy S6, Samsung Galaxy Tab S or a GoPro Hero 4 Silver by just answering the question: Who do you think is the finest Filipino celebrity to be a Korean Tourism Ambassador?

The mechanics for joining this event is very easy:

Step 1: Like KTO Manila's Facebook page HERE

Step 2: Vote for your favorite Filipino celebrity and answer the questions HERE (Some names of Pinoy celebrities have already been given as choices but there's also an option for you to nominate your favorite celeb. You will also need to explain your choice as this will be KTO Manila's basis in choosing the winner, so be creative with your explanation :))

Step 3: Share the event poster found on the link HERE and tag 3 of your friends. Include the caption "I want (name of chosen celebrity) to be a‪#‎KoreanTourismAmbassador‬" (e.g. I want Kathryn Bernardo to be a #KoreanTourismAmbassador)

Some important points to remember in joining this event:

• Make sure to set the privacy of your post (when you share the event poster) to PUBLIC (you may tag KTO Manila as well)
• Only Filipino citizens currently residing in the Philippines are qualified to join
• Winners will be chosen from the celebrity with the most number of votes
• Answer with the best explanation will win the contest (Maximum of 10 sentences)
• Winners will be announced and contacted individually 
• Only one entry per Facebook account
• Prizes are non-transferable and not convertible to cash
• Prizes may change with equal or greater value

The event will run from August 24~September 18, 2015, and the winners will be announced on September 23, 2015 (Wednesday).

Join now, and you might be one of the lucky winners of those amazing gadgets! ^^

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For more information about Korean Tourism, you may visit the Korea Tourism Organization Official Website, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

For Filipinos, follow Korea Tourism Organization Manila at Facebook, Twitter, and KakaoTalk (@ktomanila) for the latest updates on Korea tourism, events, tour packages and promos. :)

Credits to Korea Tourism Organization and Korea Tourism Organization Manila for the event info, and poster.

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KTO Manila to hold Korea Incentive Road Show in September

With the aim of promoting Korea as the top corporate incentive travel destination, Korea Tourism Organization Manila will be holding a Korea Incentive Road Show on September 3, 2015, Thursday at Ballroom 1 & 2 of the Fairmont Hotel in Makati. 

One of the highlights of the event is the Korea Incentive Mini Mart at 3:30~5:30PM, which is open to all travel agencies and private companies in the country. This will feature table top meetings with Korea's best corporate travel suppliers, tour operators, convention bureaus, and airlines, which can be an avenue for travel agents to expand their network as well as to gain relevant insights from the industry. Snacks and drinks will be served and participants will receive MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travel kits and freebies upon registration. 

There will also be a Korea Incentive Night at 5:30~8:30PM, which is strictly by invitation only. It will showcase the latest corporate incentive travel trends in Korea via exclusive presentations. Special guests include the Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Mr. Jae-Shin Kim and Department of Tourism Undersecretary Benito C. Bengzon, Jr.

To cap off the event and hype up the excitement among participants, 5 roundtrip tickets to Korea will be given away during the Korea Incentive Night. 

Sponsored by Air Asia, Asiana Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Jeju Air, Korean Air, and supported by the Korean Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines and Banco De Oro, the Korea Incentive Road Show is part of KTO’s efforts to boost Korea’s travel industry and attract international tourists to visit the country after the recent outbreak of the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-Cov) there.

The MERS-Cov outbreak caused a huge drop in inbound tourism in Korea. Hence, KTO has been relentless in organizing efforts to revitalize its tourism industry since the country was declared free from MERS-Cov since end of July. One of the steps being taken is to further capitalize on MICE tourism, and the Philippines, with its growing economy and the Filipino’s growing fascination to the Hallyu Wave, is a good potential market.

For more information on the event, interested participants may call Korea Tourism Organization Manila Office at (02) 880-0312 to 13, or they can also send an email to ktomanila@gmail.com.

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For more information about Korean Tourism, you may visit the Korea Tourism Organization Official Website, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

For Filipinos, follow Korea Tourism Organization Manila at Facebook, Twitter, and KakaoTalk (@ktomanila) for the latest updates on Korea tourism, events, tour packages and promos. :)

Credits to Korea Tourism Organization and Korea Tourism Organization Manila for the event info, and posters.

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Watch KTO's new TVC and get a chance to win a trip to Korea!

Hello! For all Korea lovers out there, here's another chance to win a trip to Korea :)

Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) recently launched their new official TV commercial, which is 70 seconds long and features Korea's colorful culture, scenic spots, and famous actor Lee Min Ho. And now, they're holding the “2015 KTO TVC Facebook Event" at the Imagine Your Korea Facebook page. 

The mechanics for joining is very simple:

Step 1. Watch KTO's new TVC which you can find in this link: youtu.be/UJVlHwpS6Nw

Step 2. In the comments section of the FB post announcing the event (HERE), you have to: 

• ① Name two places that movie star Lee Min-ho went to in the video. (Hints have been given HERE and HERE so this should be easy :) ) 
• ② Tell them what you want to experience in Korea.

Step 3. Share the FB post HERE and spread your love for Korea.

This is one of the places that Lee Min Ho visited. Guess where this is :)

Lee Min Ho looking really handsome in the TVC. I'm sure a lot of Minoz will love this ad! :)

There are 150 prizes at stake, which include the following:

• Grand Prize [1 winner]: Round-trip flight to Korea via Korean Air (economy class) + 2 night stay at a 5 star hotel (The Shilla Seoul)
• 1st Prize [10 winners]: Round-trip flight to Korea via Korean Air (economy class)
• 2nd Prize [39 winners]: 2 night stay at a 5 star hotel (The Shilla Seoul)
• 3rd Prize [100 winners]: Lee Min-ho candle

Lee Min Ho candle

The Event runs from Aug. 1 (Sat) to Aug. 19 (Wed), 2015 and is open to legal residents of their respective countries, who are thirteen (13) years of age or older at the time of entry. (So you still have a few days to join! :) )

From all who submitted their entries, the winners of the Event will be chosen at random by KTO and will be announced on August 27, 2015.

The list of winners shall be posted at the Imagine your Korea FB page. Winners will also be notified via registered Facebook personal message, where they will be required to submit their personal information for the delivery of their prize. Failure to reply within 5 days from the date of notification will mean forfeiture of their prize.

Both the flight ticket and hotel accommodation prizes will be delivered in the form of vouchers, which can be used until December 31, 2015. Vouchers are non-transferable, non-refundable, and cannot be converted to cash.

Winners are responsible for securing their travel documents as well as any expenses that are not covered by the said vouchers. 

For more information on the event, please read the Terms and Conditions HERE.

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So, what are you waiting for? Hurry and join! Who knows, this might be your chance to visit the Land of the Morning Calm :)

If you're a fan of Lee Min Ho, you might also want to check out the Behind the Scenes video ^^:

For more information about Korean Tourism, you may visit the Korea Tourism Organization Official Website, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

For Filipinos, follow Korea Tourism Organization Manila at Facebook, Twitter, and KakaoTalk (@ktomanila) for the latest updates on Korea tourism, events, tour packages and promos. :)

Credits to Korea Tourism Organization (visitkorea.or.kr) for the info, videos and photos.

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Bucketlist: Activities you can do only in Korea [Part 1]

Hello! Ever since my first visit to Korea way back 2013, many people would often ask me about 'must-try' activities that can only be done there. Hence, I came up with my own 'bucket list' which I'd like to share with you in this post :)

If you'll be travelling to Korea soon, it would be good to come up with your own list too. Write down the activities you want to do, check their locations and group the once that are near each other. After that, you can assign a schedule to each of them. This way you can manage your time and expenses, and make the most out of your trip :)

I originally came up with 15 on my list, but I thought of cutting my post into 3 parts so it won't be too long. Here are the first batch of activities :

1. Hanbok fitting

Here are some Hanboks that we found at Dondaemun

The Hanbok is Korea's traditional clothing, which expresses Korea's true characteristics in terms of culture and history. Koreans used to wear it daily (around 100 years ago), but nowadays, they are only worn on special occasions like birthdays, weddings, or during national holidays like Chuseok and Seollal. With the rising popularity of Sageuk or Korean Historical Dramas though, many foreign tourists have shown increasing interest in the garments. And as a Sageuk drama fan myself, this is one activity that I'm really looking forward to. (Won't it be fun to wear hanbok while you try to reminisce Jewel in the Palace or try to immitate Emperor Lee Hwon of Moon Embracing the Sun?^^)

Known for its exquisite and colorful designs, your cultural experience in Korea is incomplete without trying the Hanbok on even once. There are many cultural centers in Korea that offer Hanbok Programs where you can wear them with a minimal rental fee, and some you can even try on for free! :) Here are some of them:

• Insa-dong PR/Tourist Information Center - considered a living museum of modern history and culture, this place has a wide selection of hanbok designs and materials, including ones that were worn at the Royal Court. [Address:19 Insadong 11-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul; Rental Fee: 3,000 won for each outfit per person]

Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organization

• Seoul Global Cultural Center- the most popular place for hanbok fitting, which is found at the heart of Myeongdong. They have backdrops as well for photo ops. [Address: 5F of M Plaza, 31-1, Myeong-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul; Rental Fee: FREE]

• Deoksugung Palace's Daehanmun Gate- Here you have the opportunity to witness the changing of guard ceremony and try on traditional guard uniforms and other hanbok for free. [Address: 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul; Rental Fee: FREE]

• Unhyeongung Royal Residence- Here you can try the 'gwanbok' (worn by officials) and 'dangeui' (a formal dress for women) and there's even hanbok for children. There are a lot of photo op areas within the palace grounds, and guests are allowed to wear the hanboks for 10 minutes each. [Address: 464 Samil-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul; Rental Fee: 3,300 won]

Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organization

• Bukchon Hanok Homestay Information Center- Aside from getting to wear the hanbok for an unlimited time, you also get a free polaroid photo that you may take home a souvenir. The hanok village is also a good place to explore traditional Korean architecture. [Address: 20-27 Bukchon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul; Rental Fee: 8,000 won]

• Namsangol Hanok Village- Aside from hanbok fitting, there are a variety of other experiential programs and events promoting traditional Korean culture that you can try and enjoy here. [Address: 28 Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul; Fees: 5,000 won]

Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organization

There's also a Hanbok Museum located across the street from the Gyeongbokgung Palace main entrance ticketing booth. The museum only opens on the first and the third Saturday of every month, and highlights not just the traditional Korean clothing, but all the events and the rituals people go through from birth to death, and what proper clothing they have to wear to suit their respective occasions. There are roughly 300 varieties on display, all of which are created by the hanbok designer Lee Ri-Ja.

For more details on hanbok in Korea, you may check out the VisitKorea sites HERE, and HERE. 

2. DMZ Tour

Have you ever thought of taking a tour at a military border? Well, if you want to know what it's like to visit one, and if you want to get a lot of interesting information about the history of Korea, specifically the conflict between the North and South, the DMZ tour offers just that. 

(From upper left in a clockwise direction: Nuri Peace Park at Imjingak, Third Infiltration Tunnel, Dorasan Station, and the Panmunjeom) Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organization

Korea's Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a four-kilometer-wide buffer zone that runs along the 38th parallel north, which is the demarcation line that separates Korea into south and north, making it the only divided country in the world. The DMZ, considered as the most heavily militarized border in the world, spans between the Southern and Northern limit lines, and was created to prevent direct military collisions. 

Civilian Access is restricted at the DMZ and the area is guarded by both South and North Korean soldiers. Such limits to public access makes the DMZ an undisturbed zone, leaving its ecological resources virtually untouched.The DMZ has a unique natural ecosystem that includes mountains, plains, valleys, and basins, as well as rare plants and animals, some of which are already considered as endangered. 

Approximately 922 square kilometers in area, there are various tours that offer tourists the chance to explore parts of the DMZ. This include the DMZ Wire Fence Tour, the Panmunjom Tour, and the DMZ Tunnel Tour.

Some of the places you can visit in the tour includes:

• Imjingak Park (Nuri Peace Park)-  Imjingak exhibits various relics and monuments related to the Korean War and subsequent South-North confrontations. It is a large park that has a variety of sculpted artwork and can accommodate up to 20,000 tourists at a time. Visitors can also enjoy performances on the hill.

Imjingak Park

• The 3rd Tunnel- This is one of the 4 tunnels leading from the North to the South (the closest to Seoul), and believed to be designed for a surprise attack on the Republic of Korea by the North. The tunnel is 1.7 kilometers long, 2 meters high and 2 meters wide.

• Dorasan Station- this is the northernmost railway station situated on the Gyeonggi Line, where visitors can view Dorasan Mountain and the barbed wire fences of the Southern Limit Line.

Dorasan Station

• Panmunjeon- the venue for dialogue between South and North Korea in accordance with the armistice agreement. It is also known world-wide as the place where the military armistice conference was held. It includes a main meeting hall for Military Armistice Commission, The Freedom House, and The Bridge of No Return.

The Bridge of No Return at Panmunjeon

• Unification Hill (Odusan Unification Observatory)- A place for education on security matters which is mainly composed of war memorials, Unification Hill is situated where the Hangang River joins the Imjingang River. It is also conveniently located near Heyri Art Valley.

• Yeolsoe Observatory- an observatory that offers a birds-eye-view of North Korea. On exhibit are daily household goods and military equipment from North Korea, allowing visitors to get an indirect experience of the North.

Yeolsoe Observatory

Some things to note when going on the tour:

• Don't forget your passports, and IDs when going on the tour as these are required.  
• It would also be good to reconfirm your reservations a day before your tour since DMZ is a special military site that can undergo sudden schedule changes.
• Some tours have dress codes and age limits (kids should at least be 12)
• Photos can only be taken when permitted
• No drinking of alcohol before the tour
• The DMZ is closed on Mondays and Korean National Holidays

For more information on DMZ tours, you can check out the Visit Korea site HERE, and also the official tour sites HERE and HERE.

3. Have a romantic tour and put your love locks at N Seoul Tower 

Photo Credit: Jeon Han of Korea.net

I know, the concept of putting love locks (where couples write their love messages in a padlock which they usually attach to a public object to symbolize their undying love) is famous all over the world. Like, there's the well known Pont des Arts Bridge in Paris, France or the Hohenzollern Bridge in Cologne, Germany where the locks can also be found. But I think there's nothing like putting love locks at N Seoul Tower, one of Seoul's must-see and iconic landmarks. 

Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organization

For one, the breathtaking panoramic view of Seoul and its surrounding areas that you can see from the tower, makes the entire experience all the more romantic. And then, there are a whole bunch of other activities that you can do there with your loved one, aside from writing love letters and attaching your love locks to the fence. You can have lunch or dinner at some really nice restaurants, visit a museum, relax and have coffee, and go to some souvenir shops for some memorabilia to take home. 

Some of the attractions in N Seoul Tower include:

• Sky Restroom (Tower, 2F)- Located on the second floor of the N tower, this unique restroom is situated at the highest ground level in Seoul's downtown. The special feature lies in the glass wall that is built in all directions, and has a special coating that obscures the inside from the outside, so people doing their 'business' need not worry. 

• Roof Terrace (Plaza, 2F)- This is an expansive outdoor observatory on the annex building of N Seoul Tower, where the love locks can be found. Tens of thousands of love locks can be found hanging around the terrace to this day, and more and more couples are coming to the tower to profess their love (via the locks) because of its rising popularity.

A scene from the Kdrama 'My Love from Another Star' showing Cheong Seong Yi & Do Min Joon looking at the love locks

• Digital Observatory (Tower, 3F) - The observatory of N Seoul Tower offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Seoul as well as information on Seoul and Namsan Mountain. To get to the observatory, buy a ticket from the ticket desk at the Plaza Square or on the basement level.

• Alive Museum (Basement, 1F)- This highly educational museum is features 4 major zones that showcase Classical Arts, Living Arts, Fantasy and Sports, and houses a total of 34 artistic objects. Kids and adults alike are bound to enjoy in the museum as they experience the arts, digital objects, and media installation with added touch of illumination. 

• N-Grill (Tower, 5F)- is an upscale and revolving French restaurant atop N Seoul Tower and is considered as the ultimate dating spot, frequently used as the scene of marriage proposals. Aside from the sumptuous meals, the restaurant also offers couples a panoramic view of the city by slowly rotating counter-clockwise, making a full revolution every 1 hour and 40 minutes. All tables are set facing the windows, assuring you with the "best seat in the house" no matter where you sit.

Another scene from 'My Love from Another Star' was filmed at N-Grill Restaurant

• Hancook (Tower, 1F)- is an eat-all-you-can Korean buffet, which is popular among family visitors. It offers a classic ambience and about 30 different dishes, with tables that can accommodate up to four guests.

• N Gift (Plaza, 1F)- This is a souvenir shop with a warm and welcoming ambience that sells cute souvenirs such as padlocks, message tags, diaries, albums, dolls, and idol memorabilia.  

• THE BA:NG (Tower, 3F)- Located on the third floor of the observatory tower, THE BA:NG is a flagship store that sells a range of products with themes of love, travel, etc. that you may take home as souvenirs or give to friends as gifts. It also offers a fantastic view of the cityscape.

NSeoul Tower Map where you can see the different attractions for each level

Aside from being a popular tourist destination, N Seoul Tower is also Korea's 1st general radio wave tower since 1969, delivering TV and radio broadcasting to the city. The tower, which constantly changes colors and patters also has the latest in LED technology lighting. You can even watch a laser show there :)

The tower illuminates the night sky with different colors.

Tourists enjoying the view and romantic ambience at the Roof Terrace where the love locks can be found
Photo Credit: Jeon Han of Korea.net

For a more exciting experience, try the Namsan Cable Car in going to NSeoul Tower. (Although you can also go there via walking trail, by bus, or by cab)

If you want to know more about NSeoul Tower and the locks of love, check out the VisitKorea sites HERE and HERE, or you can visit their official website HERE.

4. Korean Street Food Hunting- 

No offense to traditional Korean Food (I love them just as much!), but Korean Street Food are really yummy, and they're cheap too! Some of the most famous ones are Tteokbokki, Gimbap, Kkochi Eomuk or Odaeng, Hotteok, Bindaetteok, Sundae, and Dakkochi (I'll be making a separate post about Korean Street Food soon :)).

Tteokbokki. Photo credit: koreanbapsang.com

Bindaetteok Pancakes. Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organization

Hotteok. Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organization

Odeng or Eomuk (Fish cakes). Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organization

Kimchi Pancakes. Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organization

I first had a glimpse of Korean Street Food while watching Kdramas. Did you ever notice those small tented stalls on the side streets of Korea, where the lead couple (or at least one of them) drinks soju when they are depressed or heartbroken? I've always wanted to try eating there and I've recently learned that they're called Pojangmacha, which literally means 'covered wagon' in Korean. They are small tented stalls on wheels which serve street food and alcoholic beverages such as soju and makgeolli .

Aside from the Pojangmachas, a good place to find loads of Korean Street Food is in Gwangjang Market, Korea's first permanent traditional market. It is famous for fabric, hanbok, handicrafts, vegetables, vintage goods, and of course, for its food market, which has been in business for forty years! 

Korean Street Food alley at Gwangjang Market. Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organization

There are a wide variety of street food to choose from, and they're good food at very affordable prices. No wonder, Gwangjang Market has become a popular tourist destination.

It usually operates from 9am to 6pm and is closed on Sundays, but the food market is open until 11pm and is open year round (Hurray for us food lovers!). 

If you want to know more about Gwangjang Market, you may visit HERE and HERE. 

5. Daegu Chicken and Beer or 'Chimaek' Festival 

Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organization

I never thought Chicken and Beer would be such a good pair until I went to Korea. 

More popularly called as 'Chimaek' (derived from the terms chicken [치킨] and maekju [맥주]; 'beer'), this pair is a beloved snack of Koreans, especially during the long and hot summer evenings. In fact, they love it so much that the Daegu Chimaek Festival [대구치맥페스티벌] was launched last 2013 with around 270,000 visitors, and has since been a major summer festival especially for the youth. The festival includes various exhibits and stage performances and activities such as chicken and beer tasting, various food and drinking contests and spectator recreational activities for visitors to participate in. 

My Love from the Star's Cheong Seong Yi enjoying her fave Chimaek. The drama became so popular in China and created a Chimaek Craze there.

Last 2014, the festival attracted 620,000 visitors and this year, as many as one million visitors are expected to come to the festival. This year's festival will take place at Duryu Park in Dalseo-gu, Daegu on July 22-26, 2015 and will include a music festival and industrial culture festival, making the entire festival a place overflowing with youthful energy.

Photo credit: Korea Tourism Organization

The admission to the festival is free and although every visitor is allowed to enter, only those who are 20 years of age, who can present proper identification will be given free beer sampling coupons (If you don't pass the age limit, there's still free chicken :)). All chicken and beers are either free or sold at a lower price during the festival. 

You can check out HERE for more details on the event or visit the official festival website HERE (but it's in Korean only).

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I hope you enjoyed reading about the first batch of activities from my bucketlist of things to do in Korea. Watch out for part 2! :)

Do you have your own Korea Bucketlist too? I'd love to feature them here on my blog, so please feel free to send me an email (sublimeholic@yahoo.com)

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Credits to Korea Tourism Organization (visitkorea.or.kr) and Korea Tourism Organization Manila for most of the info and photos. 

For more information about Korean Tourism, you may visit the Korea Tourism Organization Official page, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

For Filipinos, follow Korea Tourism Organization Manila at Facebook, Twitter, and KakaoTalk (@ktomanila) for the latest updates on Korea tourism, events, tour packages and promos. :)

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Tourists to enjoy more lenient visa rules for Korea

Commissioner Kim Young-june at a briefing at the Foreign Press Center Korea (Photo Credit: Jeon Han)

Earlier this month, Korea's Ministry of Justice announced new measures that will make it easier for international tourists to enter and stay in their country.

At a briefing at the Foreign Press Center Korea in Seoul, Kim Young-june, commissioner of the Korea Immigration Service, a branch of the Ministry of Justice, said that mainland Chinese tourists can benefit from free tourist visas over the next three months, between July 6 and September 30.

He also added, "The benefits will also be applied to tourists from Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia and Cambodia. Also, three-month tourist visas issued between March 1 and June 30 can be extended, allowing visitors to stay for as many as six months." To make the extension more convenient for tourists with the said visas, there's no need for them to visit an immigration office to have their visa extended, even if the date on the stamp has expired. The validity of their visas will automatically be considered as extended.

The Republic of Korea decided to implement this proactive measure in order to provide foreign tourists with easier and convenient access to Korea due to the recent Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) outbreak.

Here in the Philippines though, the said announcement created a bit of confusion and a lot of people have been asking me about the 'free tourist visas' to Korea. I think this was also recognized by the Korean Embassy here and so to clarify this, they released a statement last July 3 that says:

The validity of every single-entry visa that was issued before and after the MERS development (from March 1 to June 30, 2015) was extended from the current three months to six months. Persons subject to the extension are allowed to enter the Republic of Korea even after the visa expiration date, which would prevent them from going through inconvenient procedures such as visiting Korean embassy to have their visa extended.

So that means that when Korea's Ministry of Justice announced the 'free tourist visas', they were pertaining to automatic extension of visa validity and NOT really the removal of visa as travel document/ no-visa policy. Hence, people with no Korean visas STILL NEED TO APPLY.

Kindly also take note that tourist visa processing here in the Philippines is FREE if you intend to stay for 59 days or less in Korea and has a fee of Php1,800 if you intend to stay for 60-90 days. (You can read about new visa requirements in my post HERE.)

OTHER VISA APPLICATION UPDATES:

It would also be interesting to note that starting July 1, 2015, all visa applicants who have travelled as tourist to Korea at least once within 5 years will be exempt from submitting an  ITR copy. Processing time will also be reduced to 3 working days, but they are still required to apply at window 1 or 2.

Those who have travelled to korea once within 5 years with purpose other than tour such as business, church visti, family visit, are still required to submit ITR copy. They are required to apply at window 1 or 2. Processing time is 5 working days.

Those who have travelled to Korea more than twice within 4 years are exempt from submitting ITR copy and may apply at window 3 (frequent travellers).

Visa application time has also been adjusted to 8:30 am to 11:00 am (from previous 9-11am), while passport releasing is now from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm (from previous 2-4pm)  starting June 1, 2015.

For more details, latest updates, and inquiries, you can visit the Official Website of the Korean Embassy in the Philippines HERE.

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Credits to Korea.net (Jeon Han & Lee Seung-ah), Korean Embassy in the Philippines, KTO, and KTO Manila.

For more information about Korean Tourism, you may visit the Korea Tourism Organization Official page, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

For Filipinos, follow Korea Tourism Organization Manila at Facebook, Twitter, and KakaoTalk (@ktomanila) for the latest updates on Korea tourism, events, tour packages and promos. :)

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[EVENT] KTO Manila's Discover Your Korea Quiz Winners

For those of you who joined Korea Tourism Organization Manila's Discover Your Korea Quiz, which I blogged about at this POST, you may now check out if your name is among the 50 winners of the Samsung Powerbanks:

Congratulations to all the winners! Your prizes will be delivered via courier. (Note: ‪#‎KTOManila‬ will not be liable for wrong/misspelled mailing address. We will follow the address indicated on your answers.)

Please keep on supporting KTO Manila and stay tuned for more updates and events! ^^

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For information about Korean Tourism, you may visit the Korea Tourism Organization Official page, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

For Filipinos, follow Korea Tourism Organization Manila at Facebook, Twitter, and KakaoTalk (@ktomanila) for the latest updates on Korea tourism, events, tour packages and promos. :)

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UNESCO World Heritage Stamp Tour: Seoul & Suwon Sites

World Heritage Sites are places of outstanding international value, which can either be of natural, man-made (cultural), or mixed (cultural landscapes) properties, and are designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). These places are preserved and placed under special protection.

There are 11 World Heritage Sites in Korea which include the Seokguram Grotto, Bulguksa Temple, Haeinsa Temple Janggyeong Panjeon, Jongmyo Shrine, Andong Hahoe Village, and Gyeongju Yangdong Village among others. To help motivate visitors to see them all, the Korea World Cultural Heritage Site Pilgrimage Certificate Program offers foreign visitors a chance to collect stamps at any of the sites recommended by the KTO and redeem them for a commemorative prize. The program will operate until December 2015 and participation is easy!

• Step 1:  Visit the Korea Tourism Organization Tourist Information Center (Click HERE for                     more info)
• Step 2:  Fill out the free registration form and submit it. Then, you will be issued a world                        cultural heritage site pilgrimage visa, passport, guidebook and map. 
• Step 3: Visit at least 3 of the 10 World Heritage Sites participating in the campaign (Jeju                        Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes is not included) and get your passport stamped for                   each site you visit. The type of prize you can receive differs depending on the number               of stamps you collect, so collect as many as you can!
• Step 4: Once you complete the stamp rally, visit the Korea Tourism Organization Tourist                       Information Center again and present your stamped passport at the campaign desk to                 receive your certificate and prize.

Campaign Items for the Stamp Tour

These commemorative stamps are usually given as souvenirs for those who finish the Stamp Tour (or visit at least 3 of the sites). They are highly collectible as they are specially made for this campaign and not for sale.

For more info on the Korea World Cultural Heritage Site Pilgrimage Campaign, you may visit their official page HERE.

World Heritage Sites in Seoul & Suwon

If you're a tourist currently in Seoul, or if you plan to visit soon, there are World Heritage Sites that you can visit right there.  

Changdeokgung Palace: The quintessential royal palace of Korea

Changdeokgung Palace was one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Korea. It is said to be the most authentic and traditional of Seoul's 5 palaces. Being the second palace to be built during the Joseon Dynasty (after Gyeongbokgung Palace), Changdeokgung Palace was intended to be used should Gyeongbokgung Palace become unavailable due to a war or disaster. Hence, when Gyeongbokgung Palace was burned down during the Imjin War (1592-1598), Changdeokgung Palace was used as the main palace until King Sunjong, the last king of the Joseon Dynasty, passed away in 1926. (Click HERE to know more about Changdeokgung Palace as a World Heritage Site)

Changdeokgung Palace is highly valued for its building techniques that worked with the natural environment without making changes to the surrounding topography. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and a rear garden (Huwon). It houses a number of cultural treasures, such as Injeongjeon Hall (main hall where the king held morning assemblies with his subjects, and did other important activities), Daejojeon Hall (where the queen lived and gave birth to princes and princesses), Seonjeongjeon Hall (place where the king handled official business), and Nakseonjae (which was built as the study and living quarters of King Heonjong).

    Seonjeongjeon Hall and Bokdogak collonaded passageway                                               Injeongmun Gate

Hwagye in the backside of Nakseonjae

Also known as Secret Garden (Biwon), Huwon (rear garden) is one of the most attractive and must-see sites in Changdeokgung Palace. It is a traditional garden built seamlessly amongst the surrounding natural environment and was a place where the king and his royal family relaxed, communed in nature, read books and studied.

Flowers blooming around Juhapnu Pavilion

A visitor viewing Okryucheon Stream at Soyojeong                     Aeryeonji Pond and Aeryeonjeong Pavilion in Huwon

Some of the areas and structures you'll see there are Buyongjeong Pavilion, Aeryeonji and Buyongji Pond, Juhapnu Pavilion, Yeongyeongdang building (considered as one of the best example of traditional Korean architecture) and Okryucheon Stream (Jade Stream). Most of the trees that can be found there are 300 years old.

Juhapnu Pavilion and Yeonghwadang Hall seen from Buyongjeong in Huwon

Huwon is open for special viewing only. There are 15 viewings organized every day and visitors take a guided tour, which is available in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese. Each viewing is limited to 100 persons, and visitors are advised to make an online reservation in advance. (Learn more about Changdeokgung Palace and Huwon Tours HERE)

Photo credit: Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation

Photo credit: Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation / (Yeongyeongdang photo by KTO)

When I was in Korea, I was only able to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace so I promised myself that next time, I'd like to have a tour of Changdeokgung Palace. I was especially intrigued with the beauty of the Secret Garden and I also want to try taking the Moonlight Tour for an added twist. I'm sure the Palace will be quite a sight to behold under the light of the full moon. (Learn more about Moonlight Tours HERE ).

Jongmyo Shrine: Where the spirits of the Joseon royalty are enshrined

Jongmyo Shrine is home to the ancestral tablets of the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. The shrine was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995 and is largely divided into Jeongjeon Hall, home to the tablets of 19 kings and 30 queens, and Yeongnyeongjeon Halls, home to 15 kings and 17 queens, plus the son of Emperor Gojong who was the last ruler of the Joseon Dynasty. The kings of the Joseon Dynasty held memorial services to their ancestors in Jongmyo Shrine. Hence, the memorial services were quite grand. (Click HERE to know more about Jongmyo Shrine as a World Heritage Site)

Sinhyangro, Eoro and Sejaro paths                                                          Jeongjeon Hall in Jongmyo

Roofline of Jeongjeon Hall in Jongmyo Shrine

At present, the Jongmyo Jerye royal ancestral rites are held every year on the first Sunday of May following the lunar calendar. (Visit HERE for more details on Jongmyo Shrine Tours)

Seolleung and Jeongneung: Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty

Also known as Seonjeongneung, Seolleung and Jeongneung Royal Tombs are situated right in the heart of Seoul’s Gangnam District. They are among the 40 Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty which are scattered in 18 locations, and are all considered as World Heritage Sites. Seolleung (left side) is the site of the royal tombs of King Seongjong (19th King of Joseon) and his Queen Jeonghyeonwanghu. It is a great place for relaxation and walks for people living in the city. (Click HERE to know more about the 40 Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty as World Heritage Sites)

Jeongneung (right side) is the site of the royal tomb of King Jungjong (11th King of Joseon). The History and Culture Center, where you can get your World Heritage Stamp and also watch videos on the history of the royal tombs, the state funerals and how they were built, is situated on the Jeongneung side and close to the entrance gate.

Seolleung and Jeongneung Tombs in the heart of Seoul                                          Jeongjagak in Jeongneung

If you want to just relax while taking a stroll, you may want to take a walk in the forest trail connecting Seolleung to Jeongneung, which is about 3.5 kilometers long and takes approximately an hour to finish. (Click HERE for more details about Seonjeongneung Tours)

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

Done with your Stamp Tour in Seoul? Why not visit Suwon to see yet another World Heritage Site?

The Suwon Hwaseong Fortress was built from 1794 to 1796 during the reign of King Jeongjo, the 24th King of the Joseon Dynasty, and was officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. It is hailed as the world's first planned city, having been more thoroughly and systematically designed than comparable structures of its time. Measuring 5.7 kilometers in circumference, the fortress was built in just over two and a half years using state-of-the-art equipment at the time, and features 48 surviving facilities, including 4 gates that face each of the cardinal directions: Janganmun (north), Paldalmun (south), Changnyongmun (east), and Hwaseomun (west). (Click HERE to know more about Hwaseong Fortress as a World Heritage Site)

Visitors viewing construction equipment on exhibit outside the museum

Prior to visiting the fortress, you may want to drop by the Suwon Hwaseong Museum where visitors can learn how the fortress was built through various models and exhibits, pick up a free audio guide available in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese at the Information Desk and take a self-guided tour around the museum. You can avail the free audio guide by presenting your identification card or passport.

Hwaseomun Gate of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress

The Hwahongmun Gate, which features seven rainbow arches that allow Suwoncheon Stream to run through the fortress, and Banghwasuryujeong, the site from which area surveillance was conducted and the military commanded, are the highlights of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. Banghwasuryujeong sits above a beautiful pond and garden where you can enjoy a break while you take in the view. Also recommended is the Hwaseong Dragon Train that goes around the fortress. There are tour cars that operate on the road by the fortress walls from Seongsinsa Temple on Paldalsan Mountain to Yeonmudae, and makes for a quick, yet enjoyable, way to view the fortress.

           Hwaseong Dragon Train that goes around the fortress                                    Archery program at Yeonmudae

Here are the schedule of some permanent performances organized in front of Sinpungnu, the main gate to Hwaseong Haenggung Palace:

• 24 martial arts demonstrations (Tuesday to Sunday at 11 A.M. and 3 P.M)
• Jangyongyeong Guard Ceremony (2 P.M. on Sundays)- Visitors can take photos with the guards after the ceremony
• Traditional Performances like royal dance and tightrope dancing performace (Saturdays at 2pm)

There are also Art Workshops Street and Mural Streets in Haenggung-dong near the Hwaseong Haenggung Palace and one can rent bicycles at Haenggung Plaza (ID card is needed) to cruise along the fortress wall area and through the Mural Streets. (Visit HERE to know more about Hwaseong Fortress Tours)

Saturday performances and 24 martial arts trial performances at Hwaseong Haenggung Palace

Credits to Korea Tourism Organization (visitkorea.or.kr), travel columnist Moon Il-sik, and Korea Tourism Organization Manila. You may visit HERE for the full article.

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