Great news, Pinoy travellers: South Korea is opening another visa-free entry route! Aside from Jeju Island and Gangwon-do, Philippine passport holders can soon enter Jeolla-do without a visa. According to the Korean Embassy and the Korea Tourism Organization, the new visa-free scheme will be granted to three Asian countries: Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines. Pinoys, are you ready to make your visit to South Korea come true? Here’s everything you need to know before planning your trip!
Also read: How to Get a South Korean Tourist Visa for Philippine Passport Holders
Travelling to Jeolla Province, South Korea visa-free for Filipinos
Starting 15 Mar 2023, travellers can enter Jeolla-do without a visa via the Muan International Airport. But, there’s a catch: Only group tourists consisting of five or more people are eligible for the visa-free program. Moreover, all groups must book the tour program with an accredited travel agency. See the full list of recognised agencies here.
Instead of a short-term visit visa (C-3-2), eligible travellers of the program will be given a tourist or transit visa (B-2-94), which will allow them to stay in Jeolla-do for 15 days. Once in the province, you can explore North Jeolla-do and South Jeolla-do, home to some of South Korea’s finest tourist attractions. Here, you’ll find cultural and heritage hotspots like ancient temples, the Jeonju Hanok Village, Suncheon Bay National Garden, Naejangsan National Park, Boseong Green Tea Field, and more.
Also read: South Korean Visa Approval: These Pinoys Share Their Application Stories
As of writing, the guidelines for entry to Muan International Airport have yet to be released. Nonetheless, this visa-free scheme news already offers an exciting opportunity for travellers to experience South Korea off the beaten path! This also allows South Korea to further promote tourism in other parts of the country.
For more information, visit the Embassy of the Republic of Korea’s official website.
Also read: 15 Underrated Places in South Korea That You Should Experience
A melting pot of unique travel experiences where ancient tradition and modern gems come together, Jeolla-do is next up on our travel bucket list! What better time to travel to the Land of the Morning Calm than this year?
