Will South Korea’s New E-Arrival Card and Transit Tour Programs Enhance Travel Experiences for Filipino Passengers Connecting Through Incheon Airport?

In a strategic move to enhance cross-border tourism ties and promote Korea as a premier stopover destination, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Manila Office hosted the Korea Transit Tour Seminar 2025 on March 14, 2025 at Lanson Place Mall of Asia in Manila, Philippines. The seminar brought together 150 representatives from Philippine travel agencies, airlines, and media to present Korea’s expanding transit tourism offerings and foster stronger industry collaboration.

The seminar highlighted Korea’s growing appeal as a transit-friendly destination, especially among Filipino travelers, who have shown increasing interest in short-stay tours during layovers at Incheon International Airport.

Incheon welcomes 620,000 Filipino transit travelers in 2024

According to Jen Uy, Assistant Manager at KTO Manila, 620,000 Filipino transit passengers were recorded at Incheon International Airport in 2024 alone, making the Philippines the second-highest nationality in terms of engagement with Korea’s transit tourism products, accounting for 12.4% of total usage.

Uy emphasized Korea’s visa-free policies available to Filipino travelers, which make transit tourism more accessible and attractive. These include:

• 30-day visa-free entry for travelers holding visas to countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and select EU nations, provided they meet conditions such as having a confirmed onward ticket and a clean immigration record.
• 3-day visa-free entry for passengers transiting through Incheon Airport to a third country while enrolled in a recognized transit tour program.

Stopover packages designed for every traveler

KTO introduced two standout programs designed to maximize layover experiences for travelers at Incheon:

1. Free Transit Tour – Designed for passengers with layovers under 24 hours, this offers flexible sightseeing durations and covers cultural and historic attractions near Seoul and Incheon.
2. K-Stopover Program – Available for layovers between 24 to 72 hours, this package includes affordable hotel accommodations, transportation, airport lounge access, and shopping vouchers to enhance comfort and convenience for transit tourists.

Uy explained that both offerings allow travelers to explore Korea’s heritage, cuisine, and shopping without needing a full tourist visa—an approach that aligns with modern traveler preferences for short, immersive experiences.

Digital solutions streamline entry and promote accessibility

The seminar also introduced the E-Arrival Card, a newly launched program enabling travelers to submit immigration declarations online up to three days before their arrival in Korea. Officially in effect as of February 24, 2025, this system is aimed at accelerating entry processes and ensuring smoother arrivals for transit and full-stay tourists alike.

KTO connects Filipino agents with Korean airlines and APEC 2025 opportunities

Participants had the opportunity to network directly with key Korean airlines, including Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, to discuss transit-friendly flight services, seat availability, and joint promotions tailored for Filipino travelers.

KTO also spotlighted the upcoming 2025 APEC Summit, scheduled to take place in Gyeongju, South Korea, a city known for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites and deep historical significance. As the first APEC host city with such concentrated cultural value, Gyeongju’s spotlight presents an ideal platform for Korea to showcase its authentic traditions and world-class hospitality to international leaders and tourists alike.

Manila plays vital role in Korea’s inbound transit strategy

Park Younghee, Director of KTO Manila, expressed his appreciation for the robust partnerships between Korea and the Philippine travel industry. He praised the growing momentum around Korea’s transit tourism programs and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts.

“We are excited to see the strong interest in Korea’s transit tours from our travel partners in the Philippines,” said Park. “This seminar is just the beginning of what we hope will be a fruitful partnership in promoting Korea as a top transit tour destination for Filipino travelers.”

KTO Manila reaffirmed its mission to enhance Korea’s visibility in the Philippine travel market, introducing dynamic, visa-friendly experiences that allow Filipino travelers to sample Korea’s culture during short layovers en route to other countries.

Transit tourism fuels bilateral tourism growth

As transit tourism continues to grow, Korea positions itself not only as a final destination but also as an experiential gateway in Asia, enabling travelers to blend cultural immersion with convenience. The country’s ongoing infrastructure upgrades, policy reforms, and integration of digital solutions align with current traveler expectations for seamless, value-packed journeys.

Through stronger airline partnerships, innovative stopover programs, and a shared focus on Southeast Asian markets, KTO is well on its way to elevating Korea as a must-experience destination, even for those just passing through.