From the beaches of Boracay to the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, these destinations have been on some of our fave Korean stars’ travel lists.
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Filipinos love their dose of Korean culture, and that feeling is mutual. Recently, the Department of Tourism revealed that Koreans are currently the top foreign tourists in the country in terms of arrivals. In as much as Filipinos spend months planning that trip to Korea, many Koreans also see the Philippines as a must-visit in their travel itineraries. And with the country’s world-famous beaches, lush landscapes, and diverse cultures, it’s no wonder many Koreans have traveled here.
It’s a charm that has even attracted its fair share of Korean A-listers. From K-drama royalty to K-pop stars, the Philippines has played host to their overseas vacations. Take a look at these local destinations that are Korean star-approved that may also give you inspo for your vacation plans.
MANILA
we talked to him around 2-3 am 3 nights ago! we still actually cant believe it! we were just casually party-ing ! IT WAS SO SURREAL! we kept this for so long and it was so HARD we didnt post it cause he was really enjoying the private time wd her mom @M0N0RKlVE @jjkjwon @briixxie pic.twitter.com/5ENvOsnsFP
— aly ✮ (@lovkungyaz) September 14, 2022
While many tourists to the country often flock to the beaches and islands, the capital city has its own charms. From historical locations, cultural landmarks, and many shopping spots, Manila is not a bad place to let loose and wind down. SEVENTEEN’s Joshua had a quick vacation in Manila with his mom in 2022. And while he infamously was overcharged by a taxi driver, the K-pop idol still had a good time given the last-minute nature of the trip.
PALAWAN
As home to some of the best beaches, not just in the country, but the world, Palawan is one of the Philippines’ top tourist destinations. Its many wonders have been explored by the likes of Son Ye Jin, who once visited Puerto Princesa, and Sandara Park, who brought CL along with her for the trip. Even BTS vacationed in Palawan for a while when they shot their 2017 Summer Package in Coron.
CEBU
The country has many destinations worth visiting. But Cebu takes the top spot with just how many Korean stars have vacationed on the island. Superstars like Park Bo Gum, Cha Eun Woo, Park Hyung Sik, TWICE’s Jihyo, SHINee’s Taemnin, and EXO’s Kai have all vacationed in Cebu at one point. SEVENTEEN’s Joshua and Mingyu even had a last-minute trip to Cebu when they learned that they had two free days. But given the province’s cultural, historical, natural, and gastronomical treasures, we aren’t that surprised.
BORACAY
From its white beaches, picturesque views, and other fun activities, Boracay has seen vacationers from all over the world. Not only has the island been featured on Korean travel shows, but Korean stars have visited, too. Park Seo Joon, Lee Min Ho, and PENTAGON’s Kino have crossed visiting Boracay off their bucket lists. In celebration of their fifth anniversary, Mamamoo’s Hwasa, Solar, and Moonbyul (Wheein couldn’t join them) went on vacation on the island and stayed at the Shangri-la Boracay.
BOHOL
When you think of Bohol, the famous Chocolate Hills come to mind. And those hills were on Sandara Park’s travel itinerary when she vacationed on the island in 2019 as part of her birthday. She isn’t the only K-pop idol to enjoy Bohol’s wonders though as B1A4’s Sandeul also went on a trip to the island in 2017 where he, among other things, tried the popular Loboc river cruise. Most recently, the Huenings siblings had a summer trip to the island.
BATANGAS
It seems like #Sehun stayed in Vivere Azure in Anilao Batangas Philippines this Chuseok~ pic.twitter.com/zuPDIz8qY1
— mara🌼🐶 (@zhoumara_622) October 5, 2017
With its many beaches, vacation spots, and proximity to Manila, Batangas is a popular destination that has caught the attention of some of K-pop’s biggest stars. In 2017, EXO’s Sehun was heavily rumored to have spent a weekend getaway in a beach resort in Batangas. That same year, SEVENTEEN, had an album jacket shoot Calatagan and Pledis even extended their stay for a few days for the boys to enjoy the sun and surf.
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