South Korea Remains Top PH Tourist Source In 2024

South Korea remained the Philippines’ leading source of international tourists in 2024, with 1,761,281 arrivals, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

South Korean tourists contributed an estimated USD 2.3 billion to the Philippine economy in 2024.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said South Korea has reaffirmed its position as the top source of visitors, citing strong bilateral ties reflected not only in tourism but also in educational and cultural exchanges.

“The Philippines continues to be a preferred destination for South Koreans, not only because of our natural attractions but also for our thriving English language programs, which are especially popular among families with young learners during school holidays,” Viado noted.

The Department of Tourism (DOT) reported that South Korean tourists contributed an estimated USD 2.3 billion to the Philippine economy in 2024.

“As President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has underscored, tourism is a vital pillar of our economic recovery and sustained growth. The BI stands in solidarity with the DOT in ensuring that our borders are safe, secure, and welcoming to our international guests,” Viado added.

He stressed the Bureau's commitment to securing the country’s borders while delivering efficient and friendly service to legitimate tourists. Viado also highlighted the BI’s close partnership with Korean authorities in maintaining border integrity and ensuring the safety of Korean nationals.

“We have maintained strong cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and our law enforcement counterparts, especially in intelligence-sharing, monitoring of transnational crimes, and rapid response to incidents involving Korean nationals. This collaborative approach strengthens confidence and promotes mutual protection,” he said.

Viado expressed support for the DOT’s initiatives to safeguard the welfare of all foreign visitors and reiterated the BI’s zero-tolerance stance on crimes against tourists. He emphasized the importance of inter-agency coordination.

“We work closely with the DOT, law enforcement agencies, and foreign embassies to ensure that all visitors feel safe and respected during their stay. Every tourist that arrives brings with them their trust in the Filipino people. That trust must never be betrayed,” he added.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco affirmed that the government is prioritizing tourist safety and is pushing for the creation of a National Task Force on Tourist Safety to address growing concerns.

She emphasized that crimes against tourists must be punished to the fullest extent of the law, noting that such incidents not only harm victims but also threaten livelihoods dependent on tourism.

Frasco recently met with officials of the United Korean Community Association, Inc. (UKCA) to reaffirm the government’s commitment to protecting South Korean nationals.

To bolster safety, the DOT is working with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other agencies under its Tourism-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) program.

Over 8,600 tourist police officers have already been trained nationwide.

Security coverage is also being expanded to include barangay tanods and intelligence units in remote areas. Frasco said there are also plans to increase the number of Tourist Police Units, Assistance Centers, and Help Desks, as well as offer Korean language training for officers.