South Koreans Remain Top Tourists in Philippines for 2024, BI Reports

South Korea once again led the list of foreign arrivals to the Philippines in 2024, with over 1.76 million South Koreans visiting the country, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced on Tuesday.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado attributed this continued interest to the Philippines’ natural attractions and its robust English language programs, which are especially popular among South Korean families during school holidays.

Viado also credited the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) efforts to improve safety for international visitors, noting that enhanced security has contributed to the steady growth in arrivals.

Echoing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s emphasis on tourism as key to economic recovery, Viado affirmed the BI’s commitment to maintaining secure and welcoming borders. “We fully support the DOT in creating a safe environment for all travelers,” he said.

The BI further highlighted strong collaboration with South Korea’s embassy and international law enforcement, particularly in intelligence-sharing and the rapid response to incidents involving Korean nationals.