Visa-Free Entry To Korea for the Winter Olympics. But There’s A Catch!

If you ever plan to visit Korea, guess now’s a better chance to go and push through!

South Korea will allow Filipinos visa-free entry until April next year if they arrive through its airport near the venue of the 2018 Winter Olympics. This is according to the official Yonhap– South Korea’s news agency based in Seoul.

Indonesia and Vietnam were the other Southeast Asian countries also given visa-free privileges aside from the Philippines. As long as they enter through YangYang airport near Pyeongchang, which is hosting the quadrennial games. This is one of the measures being taken by the South Korean government to boost tourism.

However, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines offer flights only to Busan and Incheon. And further on my research, I found out that there are currently no direct commercial flights from any other airline that flies from Philippines to YangYang airport! So this news almost has no sense to Pinoys!

But let’s not get too sad because the process of getting a South Korean Visa is simple compared to other countries:

• Application is free if you’re staying for less than 59 days
• The process only takes for about 3-5 working days
• Those who traveled to certain countries like the US in the last 5 years don’t need to provide latest ITR.

Visit the website of Embassy of Republic of Korea for more details.

So if you’re pushing through on spend the summer vacation in Korea, here are the best attractions to visit especially when traveling with kids:

LOTTE WORLD

A fun place to spend a whole day with dynamic events and performances! Lotte World is easily accessible via public transportation.This park is largely divided into two areas: Adventure located indoors, and the outdoor section of Magic Island.

GYEONGBOKGUNG PALACE

This was the major legal residence of the Royal Family during the Joseon Dynasty. The palace is unique for its vast area and harmony of buildings, and is the only palace to have all four major gates still remaining to this day.

BANPO BRIDGE RAINBOW FOUNTAIN

The romantic atmosphere of the nightscape found at Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain has been featured in popular dramas. The bridge was recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records in 2008 for being the world’s longest bridge fountain.

NAMISEOM ISLAND

Famous as a filming site for the popular drama “Winter Sonata (2002).”  The island’s major draw is the coexistence between humans and nature, and preservation efforts are visible through the artistic use of recycled materials like glass and plastic bottles for decorations.

MYEONG-DONG

The area of Myeong-dong is filled with unique street foods and plenty of things to see! A district of fashion and shopping, many young Koreans and international tourists seek out great deals and the latest trends.

Photos and info from VisitKorea 🙂

Daydreaming right now that my family is visiting these attractions and suddenly can’t wait for the day we’d really get to spend a week in Korea!

What are your 2018 travel plans, mommies? 🙂

Love,

Momma Nish