Seo In Guk strolls along shores of Boracay
Shortly after being named the new celebrity Tourism Ambassador for the Philippines, South Korean singer-songwriter and actor Seo In Guk visited the world-renowned Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan, marking his first experience on the picturesque shores.
During the weekend, Seo In Guk was visibly captivated by the stunning beauty that has made Boracay one of the top island destinations globally. His activities included a round of golf, enjoying the gentle sunset breeze aboard a yacht, and greeting his Filipino fans during boat tours. He also indulged in local culinary delights, tried famous dishes such as sinigang and sisig, and experienced the famed crystal kayak activity along the shores of Station 1.
Seo In Guk is served elevated Filipino cuisine in Shangri-La Boracay
Seo In Guk enjoys a game of golf at Fairways and Bluewater Boracay
To recall, Seo In Guk, a beloved figure in the South Korean entertainment landscape, officially partnered with the Department of Tourism (DOT) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco last Friday (Feb. 21), Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles and Neocolors Production and Advertising Inc. President and CEO Dr. Daguno-Canoy as witnesses. This agreement, which will last for one year, allows him to promote the Philippines to the South Korean market and fans worldwide.
Seo In Guk tries crystal kayaking in Boracay
As the new tourism ambassador, Seo In Guk is set to enhance the Philippines' visibility as a travel destination. His role includes participating in promotional events, sharing experiences on social media, and attending various press engagements. He may also take part in official events organized by the TPB, both in the Philippines and South Korea.
In a heartfelt message before the media during the signing ceremony held at the DOT Central Office in Makati City, the South Korean star expressed his love for the Philippines.
“Thank you and it feels very nice. It is an honor for me to be on this stage. I really feel a big responsibility as a representative of and as a promoter for one country. I really want to thank everyone for making this happen for me and I really want to say that I will give back all the love that you gave to me and I will be someone to promote the Philippines to others in the future. Thank you very much. Mahal ko kayo,” he said. Secretary Frasco, for her part, expressed gratitude to the celebrity, noting that the partnership will further strengthen the ties of South Korea and the Philippines.
Seo In Guk receives Love the Philippines token from Tourism Secretary
“We are very honored to be in the presence of a man who is beloved worldwide for his vast talent, endless creativity, and now, his evident love for the Philippines. We are delighted to formally welcome Mr. Seo In Guk as the Philippine Celebrity Tourism Ambassador for South Korea. This appointment strengthens the cultural and tourism exchanges between the Philippines and Korea,” she said.
The tourism chief emphasized that South Korea has been a consistent top market for the Philippines.
“To Mr. Seo In Guk, welcome to our tourism family. Your dedication and enthusiasm will play a vital role in inspiring more travelers to embrace the many reasons to Love the Philippines. We look forward to the stories you will share and the meaningful experiences that you will create through this partnership,” she said.
In a message, TPB COO Nograles added that the appointment of Seo In Guk as the new celebrity tourism ambassador underscores the commitment of the promotional arm of the DOT to showcasing the unparalleled beauty of the Philippines to South Korea and the world.
“We eagerly anticipate the positive impact this collaboration will have on Philippine tourism, as Seo In Guk embarks on his journey to discover and share the many reasons to love the Philippines. We invite everyone to join him and be inspired to experience the wonders of our nation firsthand,” she said.
South Korean celebrity’s visit highlights passion-driven tourism collaboration
In Guk waits for the iconic Boracay sunset
In a statement dated February 24, 2025, Dr. Christine May Daguno-Canoy, who is handling the activities of Seo In Guk in the country, together with Mr. Choongwon Su, as the Chief Development Officer, shared that the partnership was driven by the South Korean Star’s passion for the Philippines.
“Seo In Guk's genuine passion for the Philippines was a pivotal factor in his choice to volunteer to be a Philippine tourism ambassador to South Korea. Seo In Guk's has shown a heartfelt interest in exploring the Philippines and sharing his experiences with his millions of followers in South Korea and around the world. By leveraging his esteemed status as an actor and singer, he aims to highlight our country's potential as a tourist destination,” she said.
The foreign celebrity debuted as a singer in 2009 after winning the first season of the South Korean reality show Superstar K. His acting debut was in 2012 in the drama series Reply 1997. He also appeared in the hit series Shopping King Louie and Doom At Your Service as the lead actor.
“It is important to clarify that this partnership was driven by personal motivation rather than financial gain as Seo In Guk waived his professional fees for this partnership. He made this decision independently, without any expectations of financial renumeration, which is why our company, Neocolors collaborated with Story J and Episode Music to bring this initiative to life. Seo In Guk's recent visit to Boracay is a testament to his commitment, where he actively engaged in creating content that showcases the beauty of our country. This partnership is not only a celebration of our cultural ties but also a strategic effort to enhance the visibility of the Philippines on the global stage,” added the official.
DOT open to more partnerships to strengthen “Love The Philippines” campaign
Seo In Guk experiences world-class hospitality at Shangri-La Boracay
Meanwhile, Secretary Frasco expressed gratitude to the tourism industry partners who made Seo In Guk’s visit to the Philippines possible, including Philippine Airlines, Shangri-La Boracay, Shangri-La The Fort, and Fairways and Bluewater.
She emphasized that the DOT remains open to collaborations with celebrities and influencers who genuinely support promoting the Philippines as a top travel destination.
“The Department of Tourism is grateful to those who come forward and volunteer to work with us. That's why we are extending our sincerest thanks to those who are sharing all the good stories about the Philippines so our numbers will increase in terms of jobs, arrivals, and revenue for the benefit of Filipinos whose livelihoods depend on tourism,” Secretary Frasco said.
Hello Ms. Sandara Park! Hi Papa Seo In Guk! Love Love Love
ReplyDeleteGusto ko si Seo In Guk but not as ambassador
ReplyDeleteSame!
DeleteAgain, ayusin nyo muna ang transportation ng Pinas para maenjoy ng mga Pinoy and foreigner ang pagbyahe.
ReplyDeletesya ba yung naka duet ni Francine?
ReplyDeleteIs the cost for his trips in PH as ambassador shouldered by DOT or a personal expense?
ReplyDeleteambassador nga teh natural tayo gagastos
Deleteof course free yan.
DeleteBulsa ng taong bayan accla! Aka tax!
Deleteso bakit hindi na lang si dara yung gawing ambassador?
ReplyDeleteProbably because mas madaming fans ang Korean male artists kesa sa female. Notice how nag skyrocket ang fanbase ng male lead pero yung kapartner na female lead ay wala pa sa half yung popularity.
DeleteMas sikat si Sandara teh!
DeleteParang naging nega image niya before when he got exempted sa military service due to a medical condition (bone related). I don’t think it’s his fault naman but some Koreans looked down on him. Can’t remember why.
DeleteNkakatakot dyan sa boracay may foreigner na narape beware going to abandoned areas
ReplyDeleteMay suspect na ba at na autopsy na ba yon babae? Duda ko local lang yon, alam nya kung saan liblib dadalhin yon victim. Baka lang din umangkas si victim sa motor or nagtrike at sa ibang lugar dinala at pwde din na spiked/drugged sya. Sana mahanap yon killer.
DeleteNakapost yan sa group Boracay updates Monday nawawala, tues 50k reward sa makakakita. Kahapon ayan nakita patay na. Inalis ng admin mga posts inisip cgro na makaapekto s image ng boracay.
DeleteNakapunta nako ng Boracay at un din na ang huli. Bago kapa makapasok sa isla na yan. Sangkatutak ang binabayaran at ang mga transpo people diyan, magugulang sa pamasahe. Kahit ako na kababayan ay nabubudol.
ReplyDeleteMost koreans look down upon Filipinos. Witnessed it firsthand.
ReplyDeleteSo very true anon 9:48 PM!
DeleteTapos mga ibang Pinoys halos sambahin na mga Koreans!
DeleteYep
DeleteYep. Ako nman sa socmed. Todo kpop tard pa ako noon or during 2nd Gen. It still sting
DeleteItago nyo po ung mga lumot
ReplyDeleteI saw his vlog promoting the PH. Hindi ko lang gets kung napilitan lang sya i promote ang PH pero at the beginning he was still eating Korean food.Then they ate BBQ, tapos chicken pandan(diba Thai food yun?) Tapos they ended up eating samgyup. I stopped watching it. Naglolokohan lang tayo.
ReplyDeleteKaya nga parang hindi rin ako boto sa kanya. Mukhang napilitan nga. Dami naman pdeng korean celeb na mas mapo-promote ang Pinas sa Korea kaso baka sa talent fee nagkatalo. Gobyerno kasi yan, di pde magbayad nang sobrang laki sa ganyan.
Delete