EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC
OF THE PHILIPPINES


SEOUL REPUBLIC OF KOREA

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PH DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM DESIGNATES ACTOR AND SINGER-SONGWRITER SEO IN GUK AS THE PHILIPPINES’ CELEBRITY TOURISM AMBASSADOR FOR SOUTH KOREA


[Above photo]. Seo In Guk joins Department of Tourism Secretary Christina G. Frasco in a photo with the signature hand gesture for "Love the Philippines." [Below photo]. Seo In Guk delivered his message during the occasion of his appointment as the Philippines’ Celebrity Tourism Ambassador for South Korea on 21 February 2025 at the DOT Head Office.

Seo In Guk with Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Theresa Dizon De Vega in June 2024.Prior to his appointment as Tourism Ambassador, Mr. Seo was a guest of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul during its National Day celebration in 2024 where he expressed his deep connection and affinity with the Philippines and its people.
10 March 2025, Manila, Philippines. -  The Philippine Embassy in Seoul is pleased to announce that popular South Korean actor and singer Seo In Guk has been appointed as the official Ambassador for Tourism in the Philippines. Known for his performances in well-received dramas such as "Reply 1997" and "Doom at Your Service", Seo In Guk’s charm, talent, and international fanbase make him the perfect fit to represent the vibrant tourism scene in the Philippines. This collaboration will further strengthen the cultural and tourism exchanges between the Philippines and South Korea. 

In a partnership that promises to bring exciting opportunities, Seo In Guk will help highlight the diverse culture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes of the Philippines to the global stage. The actor's role will include participating in promotional campaigns, social media engagements, and travel projects that showcase the Philippines’ prime travel destinations like Boracay, Cebu and Manila to South Koreans and worldwide.  He will also take part in official activities of the DOT in the Philippines and South Korea, share his experiences in social media and attend press engagements.

Prior to his appointment, Mr. Seo was a guest of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul during its National Day celebration in 2024 where he expressed his deep connection and affinity with the Philippines and its people. The Philippine Department of Tourism – Korea Office (PDOT-Korea) has also been instrumental in coordinating this initiative with Seo In Guk’s management. 

Embracing his new role, Seo In Guk visited for the first time the beautiful island of Boracay from 21 to 23 February 2025, where he tried the famous crystal kayak, played golf at the Fairways and Bluewater Resort Golf and Country Club, enjoyed the sunset breeze aboard a yacht, and greeted his Filipino fans during boat tours. He also indulged in local culinary delights like signature Filipino dishes sinigang and sisig. On his official Youtube channel, he also shared his scuba diving, parasailing, and speed boating experience during his recent visit to Cebu. 

 Last year Korea remained the top source of foreign tourist arrivals to the Philippines with 1,569,071 Korean visitors. In 2025 PDOT-Korea aims to further intensify its tourism promotion activities to entice more Koreans to experience the stunning beaches, vibrant cities, culture, and warm hospitality of the Philippines. END 


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25 January 2026, Seoul. Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, H.E. Bernadette Therese C. Fernandez and the Embassy’s Political and Economic Section met with Ms. Jennifer George, Chief Executive of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) Secretariat on 21 January 2026. Ms. George was accompanied by Ms. Jisun Lee, Foundation Officer and Ms. Kyle Esperanza Zuleta, Program Officer of EAAFP.Ambassador Fernandez highlighted the strong complementarities between the conservation of migratory birds and the promotion of sustainable tourism, noting that many key bird migration areas in the Philippines overlap with the country’s prime tourism destinations. Advancing regional cooperation for migratory bird protection would likewise help raise awareness of the Philippines’ wetlands and coastal ecosystems. The Ambassador further emphasized the importance of integrating tourism and cultural dimensions into this undertaking, citing Philippine dances inspired by bird movements as expressions of the country’s deep cultural connection to nature.Ms. George conveyed that the EAAFP is an active partnership of 22 countries and 18 partners working together to conserve migratory waterbirds, their habitat and the livelihoods of people who depend on them.  Building on the success of the EAAFP’s 12th Meeting of Partners (MOP12) in Cebu City, Philippines from 14 to 18 November 2025, EAAFP and Embassy officials had a productive discussion on further exploring areas of collaboration on conservation of migratory waterbirds and their habitat.  The Philippines remains an important flyway for migratory birds with seven (7) designated Flyway Site Networks in the country, including the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary, Naujan Lake National Park, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Negros Occidental Coastal Wetlands Conservation Area, Lake Mainit, Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary and Sibugay Wetland Nature Reserve. END

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