Gangwon Attracts Over 700 Filipino Group Tourists, Boosting Activity at Yangyang Airport

Large Influx of Filipino Tourists Arrives via Yangyang-Manila Charter Flights

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jintae) announced on December 18 that it had attracted more than 710 group tourists from the Philippines via a charter flight between Yangyang and Manila for the winter tourism season.

Kim Jintae, Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, is welcoming Filipino tourists at Yangyang International Airport on the 18th. Provided by Gangwon Province

Accordingly, the province, together with the Korea Tourism Organization, held a welcoming event at Yangyang International Airport on December 18, when the first flight arrived, to greet around 170 Filipino tourists.

Arriving at Yangyang International Airport during the Christmas holiday with their families and partners, the Filipino tourists began their experience of Korean pop culture with K-pop and Korean drama OSTs at the airport arrivals hall. Over the following three days and two nights, they are scheduled to visit major tourist destinations in Gangwon, including wellness and snow sledding experiences at High1 Resort in Jeongseon, Nami Island in Chuncheon, and the BTS bus stop in Gangneung.

Meanwhile, the Philippines is among the countries eligible for visa-free entry at Yangyang International Airport. Since 2023, more than 3,000 visitors have arrived over 19 separate charter flights through these travel packages.

This particular tourism product, created in celebration of the '2025-2026 Visit Gangwon Years,' offers both winter and wellness experiences and was completely sold out by the local Philippine travel agency 'Laxo Travel.'

Kim Jintae, Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, who personally welcomed the tourists at the event, said, "Gangwon is the place that comes to mind when you think of winter in Korea. Here, you can enjoy snow and winter landscapes that are rare in the Philippines. I hope you fully enjoy Gangwon's winter and create wonderful memories."

Meanwhile, since the launch of Fly Parata Airlines, domestic flights at Yangyang International Airport have been gradually gaining traction. The province plans to attract international charter flights from countries such as Japan, Vietnam, and Taiwan, expand them into regular routes, and develop the airport as a major international tourism hub on the East Coast.