Filipinos will have easier access to Korean visa after the Republic of Korea relaxed its visa application requirements for Filipinos.
This means, there will be a boost in tourism, education and labor opportunities for Filipinos.
The latest development was welcomed by the Philippine government as the two countries celebrated the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. The close relationship between the Philippines and South Korea is rooted in the two nations’ shared history in fighting together during the Korean War in the 1950s.
Based on historical account, bilateral relations between the two countries started on 3 March 1949 when the Philippines became the fifth country to recognize the Republic of Korea, which was inaugurated on 15 August 1948. The friendship was cemented by the Philippine deployment of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK) during the Korean War in the 1950s to help South Korea defend itself from the invasion of the North.
Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-Man made a prior announcement that the embassy would minimize the number of documents needed for visa applications, especially for businessmen, media practitioners, and government workers. The Korean envoy said that qualified individuals would be given multiple visa at least five years or 10 years with one single document proving their employment to a certain company. Any Filipino for visit to Korea will be entitled to get multiple-entry visa. Among the Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) countries, the Philippines will be the only country allowed to have multiple-entry visa.
Relations between the two countries have flourished through the years. Korea is currently the Philippines’ seventh largest trading partner, fifth largest official development assistance (ODA) partner, and one of the country’s foremost defense and security partners and top tourist sources.
