Explore Korea with Ease: Simplified Visa Process through New Bank Partnerships
From the excitement of K-pop concerts and the irresistible flavors of Korean BBQ to the breathtaking beauty of Jeju Island and the snow-covered charm of Nami Island, your Korean travel dreams are now closer to reality. A new partnership between the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) and leading Philippine banks has made it easier for Filipinos to obtain a Korean visa, removing many of the hurdles involved in the application process.
In honor of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and the Philippines, KTO has teamed up with four of the Philippines’ top financial institutions—BDO Unibank, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), Metropolitan Bank & Trust Company (Metrobank), and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC). This strategic collaboration simplifies the visa application process for eligible bank credit card holders, making it more convenient to travel to South Korea.
On September 6, 2024, at the Makati Shangri-La in Manila, an official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed to formalize this partnership. The agreement allows qualified cardholders to skip the usual requirements of bank certificates, bank statements, and Income Tax Returns (ITR). Instead, applicants only need to provide a Certificate of Employment, a copy of their credit card, and their most recent three months of billing statements.
This streamlined process applies not just to individual cardholders, but also to their immediate family members, offering an easy way for families to apply together. The promotion is valid until December 31, 2024, providing plenty of time for travelers to plan their dream trip to Korea.
With this partnership, KTO and the participating banks aim to raise awareness about the simplified visa process, encouraging more Filipinos to experience South Korea’s vibrant culture, modern cities, and natural wonders without the usual application headaches.
In addition to this initiative, KTO is hosting the Korea Travel Fiesta 2024 on September 7–8 in Manila. The event will feature special travel deals, cultural exhibits, and performances by Korean stars such as EXO’s Xiumin and OST singer PUNCH. The Korea Tourism Roadshow 2024, also part of the promotion, highlights the diverse attractions of Korea in 25 major cities worldwide, including the Philippines, which was chosen as a key market in celebration of this special diplomatic milestone.
The roadshow’s primary focus is to promote winter tourism and family travel, making it the perfect opportunity for Filipino families to explore Korea’s magical winter landscapes. Whether you’re dreaming of experiencing a snowy getaway or enjoying the festive winter atmosphere, this large-scale consumer event is designed to help you plan an unforgettable trip.
An impressive delegation of 150 representatives from Korea’s travel industry, including 40 Korean travel agencies and related businesses, have come to the Philippines for the K-Tourism Roadshow. This is the largest delegation since the KTO Manila office opened, reflecting Korea’s strong interest in the Philippine market and the desire to boost tourism exchanges between the two countries.
Despite setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism between Korea and the Philippines is rebounding. In 2019, 500,000 Filipino tourists visited Korea, and 1.98 million Koreans traveled to the Philippines. By July 2024, 280,000 Filipinos had already visited Korea, and 930,000 Koreans had visited the Philippines, signaling a return to pre-pandemic levels. With the recent aviation agreement between the two countries, increasing flight frequency, tourism exchanges are expected to grow even further.
If you’ve been dreaming of visiting Korea, now is the perfect time to make that dream a reality. With the new, simplified visa process, Filipino travelers can experience the best that Korea has to offer—from cultural landmarks and historical sites to world-class shopping and winter festivities. Visit the official tourism website, VisitKorea, for more information on how to plan your trip and take advantage of the simplified visa process.
