Jeju Air, South Korea's first and largest low-cost carrier, will commence direct flights from Incheon to Puerto Princesa in March.
The creation of this new route is part of the City Tourism Department's (CTD) efforts to attract South Korean tourists and revitalize Puerto Princesa's tourism sector.
This approach is especially appealing because it exempts South Korean citizens from visa restrictions.
"South Korean tourists are eager to return and prefer the route from Jeju Island to Taipei to Puerto Princesa City, as it doesn't require a visa,” said Demetrio Alvior Jr., head of the City Tourism Department.
The CTD will work with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to organize a familiarization tour for South Korean media members interested in investment prospects in Puerto Princesa.
The South Korean ambassador to the Philippines Kim Inchul will also pay a visit to Puerto Princesa to complete the necessary paperwork to establish direct flights and see the emerging tourism industry in the city.
The local government is optimistic that the influx of Korean tourists boosted by these flights will help revitalize Puerto Princesa's tourism industry, which has yet to fully recover from the pandemic slump.
PH-SoKor tourism exchange opens
Last December, the Seogwipo (Jeju) Tourist Center and Korean Tourism Information Center, a tourism facility for cultural and economic bridges between South Korea and the Philippines, opened at Mercado de San Miguel in the city.
The new facility is also a tool for Filipinos visiting South Korea, providing detailed information about the country, particularly Jeju Island.
It also serves as a place for South Koreans to learn about Puerto Princesa and its province and entice them to discover the region's natural wonders.
The Seogwipo (Jeju) Tourist Center will also link local Koreans and their home country with a direct connection to the South Korean embassy.
