GlobalLatest NewsNewsTFT NewsTravel

From PH to South Korea: Pinoy shares experience in first visa-free flight

Clark International Airport (CIA) has announced the success of its first flight to South Korea through the Fly Gangwon airline last June 25.
Previously, they have announced that Filipinos can fly and visit Gangwon and Seoul City Center visa free under the Visa Waiver Program.
In a post by CIA, Mr. Kim Seung Hyun, CRK Station Manager for Fly Gangwon, shared how they are “excited to provide Philippine passengers, a chance of traveling to (South) Korea, without visa certification and entry permit.”
LIPAD CEO Ms. Bi Yong Chungunco said, “Today, we are hopeful that our passengers will enjoy the beautiful countryside of South Korea, as well as the bustling city of Seoul.”
plane
Fly Gangwon’s flight 4V 215 | 216
One of the Filipinos to experience the first visa-free flight from CIA to Yangyang, Gangwon in South Korea last June 25 is Jeman Bunyi Villanueva from Bacoor, Cavite. 
Jeman shared that he had always wanted to visit Korea which is why he took the opportunity as soon as the Visa Waiver Program was announced.
“I was planning on visiting Korea in 2019 but the pandemic happened. Now that it’s somehow safe to travel again, and luckily Korea Tourism opens it door with a FREE VISA so I immediately grabbed this opportunity. If there’s any good reason why you should try this is because we know how hard it is to get a visa when traveling abroad.” said Jeman in an interview with TFT.
jeman
Jeman at the Clark international Airport
He shared that it was also his first time to visit Korea and was happy to experience the visa-free travel.
“First time ko mag Korea and I enjoyed it so much kaya gusto ko bumalik doon para ma experience yung winter [or] snow naman,” said Jeman.
Yongpong resort South Korea e1658384718243
Photo of Jeman in the Yongpong Resort, South Korea
“As a first timer in Korea, it’s best that you go with a group tour first so you can familiarize yourself with it on your next visit. Our tour guide is nice and explained everything we need to know in Korea,” he shared.
294500049 774145896950007 5600981394487259346 n
Jeman traveled to Korea with the help of FAMYA Travel Corporation – one of the designated travel agencies of South Korea
Jeman also shared that he enjoyed Korean food – especially the side dishes.
“One thing I like when I travel is I get to try their authentic local cuisines. In Korea, madalas ng na try ko eh puro side dishes, as in unlimited side dishes. So every time na bitin yung main dish kasi for sharing siya, nilulubos talaga namin yung side dishes,” captioned Jeman in his post sharing his S.Korea experience.
Gangwon do SK
Photo courtesy of: Jeman Villanueva

During his trip, he also visited the Hani Lavander Farm.

“Every June, the areas around Eocheon-ri in Goseong-gun are covered with the purple lavender fields. During this season, many local and international visitors attend the annual Goseong Lavender Festival,” shared Jeman.

purples lavander e1658384928621

“In Gangwon, you can find some of the film locations of popular Koreanovela “Goblin” and “Winter Sonata”, and BTS’ album cover shoots. But my favorite is the ARTE Museum in Gangwon Province, South Korea and this is now my favorite museum to date! One hour is not enough to stroll kasi sobrang daming ganap sa museum na ito, aside sa may mga spot na sobrang haba ng pila. But super worth ito for me. Definitely, babalikan ko ito kapag nakapag Korea ako ulit,” said Jeman.

293752643 557896912707379 6457899236705535170 n

Travel tip, make sure to always charge your batteries. Jeman said that taking footages of the sceneries will definitely drain your camera batteries as all are photo-worthy.

“Arte Museum is actually Korea’s largest immersive media exhibition with a grand space of 4,600sqm and 10-meters height. There are 10 new, colorful media art exhibitions through a mixture of light and sounds. It’s surrounded with huge mirrors kaya mas malaki siya tignan pa lalo. Ubusan ng battery kapag nag picture at video shoot ka dito,” he said.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jeman B. Villanueva (@jemanorange)

The South Korean Embassy in Manila announced on May 31 that nationals of Indonesia, Mongolia, Vietnam and Philippines may enter South Korea visa-free, as long as they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, book a tour program arranged by one of eight designated travel agencies, and are scheduled to fly in and out via Yangyang International Airport on the same flight as their tour group.

The visa-free entry allows Filipino tourists to travel only in Gangwon Province, where Yangyang Airport is located, and the Seoul Metropolitan Area. Tourists will be allowed to stay for 15 days.

Fly Gangwon’s flight 4V 215 | 216, flies every Tuesday and Saturday with additional flights every Monday and Thursday.

Justin Aguilar

Justin is a Senior Assistant Editor and Content Producer at The Filipino Times. She was a TV News Reporter for ABS-CBN News, where she covered news stories and reports for TV and radio programs such as ANC, TV Patrol World, Umagang Kay Ganda, Bandila, and DZMM Teleradyo. She enjoys capturing people’s hearts by highlighting the excellence of Filipinos in her stories and bringing the latest updates to both OFWs and global readers of The Filipino Times. Want to share your story? Reach Justin on Facebook: www.facebook.com/justinaguilar.nerona or send your story at: [email protected]

Related Articles

Back to top button