South Korean nationals remained the top source of international visitors to the Philippines in 2024, with a total of 1,761,281 arrivals recorded by the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado highlighted the strong Philippines–South Korea relationship, noting that Korean visitors are drawn by both natural attractions and the country’s English education programs.
To boost educational tourism, the BI introduced an online application system for the Special Study Permit (SSP), making it easier for foreign students, including Koreans, to take short-term courses in the country.
Viado also underscored the agency’s partnership with Korean authorities in intelligence-sharing, crime monitoring, and emergency response, reinforcing the safety and trust of Korean nationals.
The BI remains aligned with the Department of Tourism’s zero-tolerance policy against crimes targeting tourists and is committed to modernizing border procedures to ensure safe and seamless travel.
