It’s now possible to book direct flights from Clark to Gangwon Province in South Korea. Not only is this an affordable option for most Filipinos, but it is also visa-free! Learn how you can come close to recreating those K-drama scenes in your head through these low-cost flights.
Also read: South Korea Travel Requirements for Philippine Passport Holders
Clark to Gangwon flights through Fly Gangwon
Flights from Clark International Airport to Yangyang International Airport were available pre-pandemic but were temporarily suspended at the height of COVID-19. Now that most countries are once again inviting tourists to fly to their countries, Fly Gangwon has finally resumed its services. Now, travellers can book low-cost flights from Clark to Gangwon.
Flights are available every Tuesday and Saturday, departing at 1.40am. More flights will be made available in the coming months to accommodate more passengers who wish to visit South Korea. Tickets cost about ₩239,200 (~₱10,000).
Bear in mind that Fly Gangwon only operates at Clark Airport. Meaning, if you’re from Manila, you’ll have to travel to Pampanga to board these planes. Other airlines that operate in Clark which can fly you to South Korea are Jin Air and Jeju Air.
Also read: 10 Things to Do in South Korea for First-Time Travellers
Flying from Clark to Gangwon visa-free
The best part about flying directly from Clark to Gangwon? You won’t have to worry about visas! As long as your visit to Gangwon is facilitated by an accredited tourism agency, you can fly to the province and stay there for up to 15 days. Travellers should also be on a group tour in order to qualify for the country’s visa-free program. These conditions also apply to travellers from Indonesia and Vietnam, with Mongol tourists set to follow suit starting 1 Oct 2022.
But what if you want to visit Seoul? Fortunately, you can enjoy South Korea’s capital city without having to secure a tourist visa. The busy city is only an hour and a half away from Gangwon Province and can be reached via public transportation. The unique placement of Gangwon Province makes it possible for you to experience South Korean life in the city and the countryside, should you stay in the country for a few days.
The visa-free program is now made active after its suspension during the pandemic. It was also activated just in time for festivals in Gangwon Province.
Also read: 7 Small Town K-Dramas That Will Win You Over, Big Time
But if you want a vacation in South Korea without the cold climate of Gangwon, you can spend your time on Jeju Island, which is also visa-free. As long as you can find direct flights without going to Seoul, Filipinos can stay on Jeju Island for 30 days, at most.
If you’re still saving for that ultimate vacation to South Korea, why not travel to Caiña Ranch in Rizal in the meantime? Meanwhile, you can take photos by the tree canopies that resemble Nami Island. And if you’ve been to these places, share your stories and photos on our Facebook page!
Featured photo credited to highangle via Canva Pro.
