Two worlds, one journey: an adventure through South Korea and the Philippines

Such a trip is like the storyline of a Korean drama, in which the characters will experience vivid emotions, a spirit of adventure and cultural discovery and, of course, experience moments full of happiness and inspiration. This is ideal for those who have already visited the most popular places in the world and want to find something completely new and unique. In this article we talk about the main attractions of these countries and offer the best tours from leading tour operators.

What do you need to know when planning a vacation to South Korea and the Philippines?

South Korea surprises with a variety of attractions – from majestic ancient temples and palaces to picturesque mountain landscapes. Fall and winter are the perfect time for sightseeing in cities like Seoul, Busan, Gyeonggi-do, and Gyeongju. At this time, temperatures in Korea are cool, around zero, making traveling around the country particularly comfortable.

For the convenience of travelers in Korea, you can travel on KTX (Korea Train eXpress) high-speed trains, which allow you to travel between cities quickly and easily. These trains are famous for the movie Train to Busan, which takes place on such a train.

You do not need a visa to travel to South Korea, you just need to obtain a temporary residence permit. You can apply on the website, but no later than 72 hours before departure, in order to have time to resubmit your application if, for any reason, you receive a refusal. To register, you need a foreign card, which can be used to pay a small fee (around 10 USD).

There are no direct flights between Russia and South Korea, however, you can buy comfortable tickets with a transfer in Beijing – tour operators will be able to tell you about this.

The autumn-winter season in the Philippines is considered the most suitable for a beach vacation. During this period, the rainy season ends and daytime temperatures remain constantly around 30°C, making it possible to get a perfect tan and enjoy the warmth of the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean.

The easiest way to get to the resorts of the Philippines is to fly via the country’s capital, Manila. For example, a domestic flight to Boracay takes about an hour, and to another popular resort on the island of Cebu, about an hour and a half. For a short trip to the Philippines, you do not need a visa or special permit: a valid passport is sufficient.

Travel Planning / Itineraries for a Perfect Trip

You can plan such an eventful trip yourself, but it is better to entrust it to professional tour operators. This solution will save time and effort, which will be much more enjoyable to spend on building a wardrobe and choosing movies and books to watch and read during flights.

It is convenient to travel to Korea and the Philippines with the Petertour program. The “Golden Triangle of Korea + Philippines” tour lasts 13 days, during which you will have time to visit Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju, and also relax on the island of Boracay.

Upon arrival in Seoul, you’ll be treated to a Nanta Theater performance, where performers dressed as chefs act out preparations for a wedding banquet, as well as a tour of the city’s top attractions. Then on this same high-speed train you will go to Busan, where a sightseeing tour will be waiting for you, and do not be afraid, it is safe there, because the zombies were only in the movie. After a few days, you will travel to Gyeongju, where you will visit temples and UNESCO World Heritage sites. And when you return to Seoul, you will cruise along the Han River and visit Minsokcheon Folk Village.

After spending the night at the hotel, you will wait for a flight to Boracay, where you will spend six days of unforgettable beach vacation, surrounded by white sand beaches and azure water. If such a relaxing vacation seems boring to you, especially after a busy schedule in Korea, you can possibly book additional excursions, including boat trips. You can find out more about the prices and options available on the tour on the tour operator’s website.

A similar program was developed by the tour operator “Vesely Veter”. The trip will begin with a vibrant tour of Seoul, where you will visit the stadium built especially for the World Cup, the Hongdae district and other iconic places. Next, take a trip to Seoraksan National Park, where you can appreciate the majesty of the mountains on a gondola ride. You will then visit Gyeongju, Busan and Jeonju, then you will have a whole free day in Seoul, which can be devoted to shopping or discovering the life of ordinary locals over a cup of coffee or a movie session.

The next morning, you will fly to Cebu Island to discover the white sand beaches, Tumalog Falls and swim with whale sharks. And on an excursion to Bohol you will meet unique and very cute monkeys – the Philippine tarsier. You may forget the name of the species, but their big, infinite eyes will definitely stick with you forever. You can also visit the Chocolate Hills and walk along the suspension bridge.

The trip ends in Palawan, where you will enjoy excursions along the underground river and crystal clear beaches. You will spend the last day in the capital of the Philippines, Manila, where you will have a sightseeing tour and transfer to the airport. On the tour operator’s website you can find more detailed information about the tour.

Good Time Travel also offers a program that includes both countries. The tour offered by the company is the ideal way to discover Korea and the Philippines. In Seoul, you will see the Imperial Palace, the Blue House and the folk village. Then take the bullet train to Gyeongju to explore the ancient observatory and royal tombs. And after that you will return to Seoul for a day, from where a flight to the capital of the Philippines, Manila, will await you.

In Boracay, you will find white sand beaches and a luxurious stay in a four-star hotel. This option is ideal for those who are afraid of getting bored and want to try as many beach activities as possible – diving, snorkeling, a jet ski ride and even parasailing will definitely leave a pleasant and unforgettable experience. Back in the Philippine capital, you will take a short sightseeing tour of the city. After spending a night at the hotel, you will take a flight with Air China first to Beijing and then to Moscow. You can find out all the details of the visit and reserve your place on the tour operator’s website.

If you want a more tropical beach vacation, you can choose the option from tour operator Quinta. In Seoul, you will spend two action-packed days: walking around the city, visiting majestic palaces, an observation deck of Seoul Tower and an ethnographic village where you can taste Korean cuisine.

Next, a flight to the Philippine island of Cebu, where seven unforgettable days await you. White sand beaches, thrilling jungle walks, swimming with whale sharks or extreme canyoning adventures. We also recommend that you do not miss this opportunity and visit the neighboring island of Bohol, where you can enjoy the unique natural beauty.

On the tenth day, you will return to Seoul to buy souvenirs and gifts, after which you will be transferred to the airport. You can ask questions of the tour organizers and book a place on the tour operator’s website.