The decline in Korean tourist arrivals to Bohol is a nationwide trend rather than issues specific to Bohol province, according to the head of the Provincial Tourism Council (PTC).
Lucas Nunag, PTC chief, said the drop in Korean visitors stems from national concerns including safety and security issues, as well as increased competition from more affordable destinations like Vietnam.
The decline has been pronounced in Bohol, with Korean arrivals dropping roughly 30 percent in the first half of 2025 compared to last year’s surge.
Only 82,851 Korean tourists were recorded during the first six months of 2025, down from 233,280 passengers in all of 2024 — which itself represented a nearly 90 percent jump from 136,397 in 2023.
The Bohol decline mirrors national statistics showing the Philippines welcomed 395,059 visitors from South Korea in the first quarter of 2025, marking a 13.86 percent decrease from 458,619 South Korean tourists recorded in the same period of 2024.
From January to April 2025, 468,337 South Korean nationals traveled to the Philippines, down 18 percent from 571,384 recorded in the same period last year.
WHALE SHARK
The situation in Bohol has been complicated by the February shutdown of whale shark interaction activities, which had been heavily marketed to Korean tourists.
Governor Aris Aumentado officially closed whale shark interaction activities in the towns of Lila, Alburquerque, and Dauis on February 7, 2025, through Executive Order No. 10-2025, citing harmful effects on marine biodiversity.
Nunag clarified that while the Korean ambassador raised the whale watching issue during a recent visit to Bohol, it was not discussed as a contributing factor to the national decline at the policy level.
“The whale shark attraction shutdown, which was marketed in Korea, has affected travel agents’ marketing efforts,” Nunag acknowledged.
However, he noted that the decline in Korean tourists is more pronounced in other areas compared to Bohol.
Industry analysts point to several factors behind the nationwide decline in Korean visitors, who traditionally represent about a quarter of the Philippines’ inbound tourist arrivals.
The weakening Korean won has been identified as a top factor expected to negatively impact Korean visitation to the Philippines through 2025, making travel more expensive for Korean tourists.
Safety and security concerns have also emerged as primary deterrents, Nunag said, with Vietnam becoming a preferred alternative destination due to its affordability and growing popularity among Korean travelers.
The PTC chief stressed that the whale shark attraction shutdown is not the sole reason for the decline but rather one of several contributing factors affecting tourism flows.
Despite the problems, Nunag noted the need to balance legal frameworks with tourism promotion goals while maintaining sustainable practices that protect the environment.
“Industry players are looking for activities that will support tourism while preserving the environment,” he said, citing the ongoing effort to develop responsible tourism alternatives.
The province’s tourism sector is working to identify new attractions and experiences that can appeal to Korean visitors while adhering to environmental protection standards.
The South Korean market represents almost a quarter or 23.88 percent of the Philippines’ overall inbound arrivals, making it a key driver of the country’s pandemic recovery in the tourism sector.
The Department of Tourism has acknowledged the significance of the Korean market decline and is implementing strategies to address the various factors contributing to reduced visitor numbers.
Tourism officials are focusing on addressing safety concerns, improving marketing strategies, and developing sustainable tourism products that can help restore confidence among Korean travelers while protecting the country’s natural resources.