The Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Korea Tourism Organization Manila Office announced the implementation of visa-free entry for Filipino group tourists starting 15 March via Muan International Airport, the third regional airport of Korea wherein Filipino tourists are allowed to enter without a tourist visa following Jeju International Airport and Yangyang International Airport.

Muan International Airport is in the province of Jeolla in the southwestern part of mainland Korea. Further divided into two provinces — North Jeolla (Jeollabuk-do) and South Jeolla (Jeollanam-do) — Jeolla has 15 of Korea’s 100 must-visit tourist spots including Jeonju Hanok Village in Jeonju, Daehan Dawon Tea Plantation in Boseong, Naejangsan National Park in Jeongeup and Sunchang, and Purple Island in Sinan. Jeolla is also known as the home to Jeonju bibimbap.

The visa-free entry is valid until 31 March 2024. Allowed areas of travel include the whole province of Jeolla including North Jeolla, South Jeolla, Gwangju Metropolitan City, and Jeju Island.

Travelers must join a group tour arranged by eight designated travel agencies, and be scheduled to fly in and out of Muan on the same direct flight with a group of five or more members. A tourist/transit visa will be issued instead of a short-term visit visa valid for 15 days. A list of designated travel agencies can be found on the Korean Embassy’s visa announcement page.

Visa-free entry to Jeju Island was resumed in June 2022.