A touch of Korea’s winter wonderland enveloped SM Mall of Asia Music Hall last August 30 and 31 as the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) hosted one of their much-awaited events of the year: Korea Travel Fiesta 2025. This large-scale winter-themed celebration brought together travel, culture, and all things Hallyu.
 |
| The entrance arc welcomes visitors to the Korea Travel Fiesta 2025 |
Opening Ceremony
The venue, dressed in hues of blue and white, set the tone for a festive winter atmosphere. The opening ceremony was led by Mr. Kim Nam Chun, Acting Executive Vice President of KTO’s Tourism Content Strategy Division, alongside Consul General Sang Seung Man of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines and Undersecretary/Chief of Staff Mr. Shahlimar Hofer Tamano of the Philippine Department of Tourism, both of whom delivered warm congratulatory remarks.
 |
| Consul General Sang Seung Man of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines delivers his Congratulatory Message |
 |
| Philippine Department of Tourism Undersecretary/Chief of Staff Mr. Shahlimar Hofer Tamano also shared his Congratulatory Message for the event |
 |
| Korea Tourism Organization Acting Executive Vice President of the Tourism Content Strategy Division, Mr. Kim Nam Chun delivers his opening remarks |
 |
| (From L-R) – Mr. Park Younghee, Director of KTO Manila Office • ‘Dream High Musical’ Cast, Actor and Singer—Se7en • ‘Dream High Musical’ Cast, Actor and Singer—Kim Dong Jun • Raymart Ignacio Enrico, K-Creators Club Representative • Mr. Joaquin L. San Agustin, SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing • Mr. Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Undersecretary/Chief of Staff of Philippine Department of Tourism • Mr. Kim Nam Chun, Acting Executive Vice President of the Tourism Content Strategy Division of Korea Tourism Organization • Consul General Sang Seung Man of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the Philippines • Singer, Actor, and Hallyu Star—Kim Myung Soo • and Mr. Kim Myeong Jin, Director of Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines |
In a symbolic gesture, distinguished guests⎯including Mr. Kim Myeong Jin (Director, Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines), Mr. Park Young Hee (Director, KTO Manila Office), Mr. Joaquin L. San Agustin (SM Supermalls Executive Vice President for Marketing), Raymart Ignacio Enrico (K-Creators Club Representative), and Hallyu stars Se7en, Kim Dong Jun, and Kim Myung Soo⎯joined together to push a glowing winter capsule onstage to officially mark the opening of the event.
Star-Studded Performances and Cultural Showcases
The celebration continued with electrifying performances from the cast of “Show Musical Dream High”, including Se7en, Kim Dong Jun, Sunye, Lim Sejun, and Kim Dahyun. Fans were equally thrilled by Kim Myung Soo’s serenade and travel talk show, which captivated audiences from the front row to the upper floors of the event hall.
 |
| Powerful performances from the ‘Dream High Musical’ Cast |
 |
| A travel talk show with Kim Myung Soo in between his performances |
Adding to the excitement, world-renowned Korean taekwondo demonstration team K-Tigers wowed the crowd with their signature dynamic moves, even inviting the audience to join their team for a showcase. Rising dance crew ARTix energized both days with their performances and a live onstage dance tutorial. Filipino talents also took the spotlight with Everyone’s KPOP singers Sandra Dela Cruz and Venisse Sy, and rising cover dance groups KAIROS and PARADIGM.
 |
| K-POP Demon Hunters Saja Boys Performance based on Taekwondo from K-Tigers |
 |
| K-Dance performance from ARTix |
Engaging Talk Shows and Interactive Stage Sessions
Day one featured a K-Creators Club Talk Show, where Filipino K-content influencers shared highlights from their K-Culture Challenge Tour in Korea last June. On day two, Honorary Ambassador for Korea Family Tourism Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, and husband, Jason Francisco, shared onstage their family winter travel experience in Korea.
 |
| Family Winter Travel Talk Show with Honorary Ambassador for Korea Family Tourism in the Philippines, Melai Cantiveros-Francisco, and husband Jason Francisco |
The second day also offered hands-on cultural experiences, including a live K-Food gimbap demo with Chef Ara Lee, and a K-Beauty makeup session led by Beauty Play artist Ryu Bomi. Each day concluded with a passport stamp tour raffle, giving away exciting prizes such as Samsung gadgets and round-trip tickets to Korea courtesy of Jeju Air, Asiana Airlines, and Korean Air.
More than just a showcase, the Korea Travel Fiesta 2025 was mounted as a memorable Hallyu-filled weekend for fans, an opportunity to showcase Korean culture to a wider audience, and a platform to highlight Korea as a premier travel destination with the many discounted tour packages and airline tickets, perfect for a winter season visit.
Immersive Booth Activities and Travel Deals
Beyond the stage, attendees explored immersive booths that transported them to Korea’s winter landscapes. Popular booths include the immersive LED cube, featuring a wintery Nami Island backdrop, cultural activities such as learning the Hangeul (Korean alphabet), K-Beauty styling, wearing hanbok or the official jacket uniform of the famous School of Performing Arts (SOPA), where various idols graduated, snapshots with Korean style photo Life4Cuts, making DIY handicraft souvenirs, and even receiving hand-drawn caricatures.
KTO’s partner travel agencies and airlines offered exclusive discounts on tour packages and flights to Korea. The ongoing Korea Fiesta Deals, where you can score a subsidy of PHP 5,600 for a round-trip domestic flight within Korea for every international ticket from the Philippines to Korea, also added interest to book among visitors. Meanwhile, Korean ski resorts promoted winter travel deals that made the idea of a winter visit to Korea even more irresistible.
 |
| The Korea Travel Fiesta 2025 event venue at SM MOA Music Hall |
With thousands in attendance, Korea Travel Fiesta 2025 proved to be a resounding success. The event not only celebrated the vibrancy of Korean culture but also reaffirmed Korea as a top travel destination for Filipinos—through spring, summer, fall, and now, winter.
Please visit:
Our Sponsor