03 March 2020 — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) informs Filipinos traveling to and from South Korea that there are temporary travel restrictions imposed on them to help curb the spread of COVID-19.The travel restrictions, which are based on Resolutions No. 8 and 9 of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) dated 26 February and 03 March 2020, respectively, include:FOR TRAVELERS ENTERING THE PHILIPPINES- Temporary ban of entry into the Philippines of any person coming from the North Gyeongsang Province (including Daegu City and Cheongdo County) of South Korea.- Temporary ban of entry into the Philippines of any person who has been to the North Gyeongsang Province (including Daegu City and Cheongdo County) of South Korea within 14 days immediately preceding their arrival in the Philippines.It is to be noted that Filipino citizens, including their foreign spouses and children, holders of Permanent Resident Visas, and holders of Diplomatic Visas issued by the Philippine Government are exempted from this temporary travel ban but must follow the health protocols of the Department of Health.FOR TRAVELERS GOING TO SOUTH KOREA- Temporary travel restriction for all Filipinos traveling into North Gyeongsang Province (including Daegu City and Cheongdo County) of South Korea.- All Filipinos going to South Korea (with the exception of North Gyeongsang Province including Daegu City and Cheongdo County) are allowed to proceed with their journey provided that they shall execute and sign a declaration signifying their knowledge and understanding of the risks involved in proceeding with their trip. All travelers shall likewise be handed out a healthy advisory pamphlet upon departure.- Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), students studying in South Korea, and those with Permanent Resident status are not restricted to travel into South Korea.- OFWs (whether returning or newly-hired) as well as dependents of permanent residents are allowed to return to South Korea but they must also execute a Declaration signifying their knowledge and understanding of the risks involved upon their return to the country.The Philippine Embassy in Seoul is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Filipino community in ensuring the safety of our kababayans.Filipinos in South Korea who are in need of assistance may contact the emergency hotline number of the Philippine Embassy in Seoul at (+82) 10-9263-8119. ENDSource: The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) | Republic of the Philippines

The Philippines is one of the biggest fanbases of K-pop in all around the world. As of February 2020, Filipinos rated their Top 10 most stanned Kpop group and the group who has the number one spot will not shock you anymore.10) ITZY (Trend song: Icy)9) RED VELVET (Trend song: Zimzalabim)8) IKON (Trend song: Love Scenario)7) SEVENTEEN (Trend song: Fear)6) GOT7 (Trend song: You calling my name)5) MOMOLAND (Trend song: Bboom Bboom / Baam! / Thumbs Up)4) TWICE (Trend song: TT / Yes or Yes / Cheer Up / Fancy)3) EXO (Kokobop / Overdose / Love Shot / Growl )2) BLACKPINK (Kill This Love / Ddu Ddu / Boombayah)1) BTS (Boy with Luv / Fake Love / Idol / Many more!)  

Dear CustomerWe are sorry to inform you of this news.“The Fact Music Awards” will inevitably be temporarily postponed for the sake of the safety of the audience and the cast due to COVID-19.All bookings will be refunded according to the procedure soon.If you have made the payment through the bank, please email our team your booking number and Bank account number. The refund process will be in order from next week.Thank you for your understanding in advance and we hope this whole COVID-19 situation will be ended soon.

Dear CustomerWe are sorry to inform you of this news.“SBS Super Concert in Daegu” will inevitably be temporarily postponed for the sake of the safety of the audience and the cast due to COVID-19.All bookings will be refunded according to the procedure soon.If you have made the payment through the bank, please email our team your booking number and Bank account number. The refund process will be in order from next week.Thank you for your understanding in advance and we hope this whole COVID-19 situation will be ended soon.

Bong Joon-ho's black comedy "Parasite" won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay at the 92nd Academy Awards held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday (local time). It was the first Korean film to take home the prestigious prize in the country's 101-year cinema history. It was co-written by Bong and Han Jin-won."Writing a script is such a lonely process, and we never write to represent our country. This is the very first Oscar for South Korea. Thank you," the auteur said through his interpreter in an acceptance speech. "I thank my wife for always giving inspiration to me, and I thank all the actors here with me today for bringing this film to life." Co-writer Han said he wanted to share this honor with his colleagues and with storytellers in South Korea. "Parasite" is the first non-English movie to win the best original screenplay award since the Spanish-language "Talk to Her" written by Pedro Almodovar won the title in 2002. "Parasite" was also nominated in five other categories at the Oscars: best picture, best director, best screenplay, best editing, and best production design.

⚡ Current status of COVID-19 infections in Korea     - Updated on 9 November | 00:00 AMConfirmed Death Recovered Isolated27,553 480 25,029 2,044+126 +2 +61 +63Tested Negative Pending2,709,199 2,655,844 25,802+6,319 +6,039 +154Data by KCDC[wordads]COVID-19 DashboardCoronavirus 'COVID-19' World Mapping by Johns Hopkins CSSE👉 Travel Advisory of South Korea in some Major countries USA: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/SouthKorea.html Australia: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/south-korea-republic-korea United Kingdoms: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-korea Singapore: https://www.mfa.gov.sg/countries-regions/k/korea-republic-of/travel-page Philippines: https://dfa.gov.ph/dfa-news/statements-and-advisoriesupdate Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/south-korea

BTS took home the Daesang (grand prize) for physical album releases while Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon won the Daesang for digital music releases. This was the first year that the Seoul Music Awards began awarding Daesang for both physical albums and digital music releases.Check out the full list of winners below!Judges’ Special Award: Song Ga In Band Award: Daybreak Hip Hop R&B Award: Kassy Ballad Award: Kim Jae Hwan Dance Performance Award: Ha Sung Woon OST Award: Taeyeon Discovery of the Year: Kim Hyun Chul QQ Music Popular K-Pop Artist Award: EXO Popularity Award: EXO Hallyu Star Award: EXO Rookie Award: TXT, ITZY, AB6IX Bonsang (main awards): BTS, Taeyeon, Super Junior, EXO, TWICE, Red Velvet, NU’EST, MONSTA X, MAMAMOO, Chungha, Paul Kim, NCT Dream Daesang (physical album): BTS Daesang (digital music): Taeyeon

Before we travel, we always have to be prepared for everything. I have asked some of my foreign friends who still didn't visit Korea (Filipinos - Americans - Singaporeans - and Europeans) to give their Travel Questions when they visit the country. Here are the list:1) Where is the best place to stay? Hotel, Sauna, or Traditional Houses?2) If going to choose one, Seoul City or Jeju Island? Where is the most worth it?3) On what season is the best to visit? Autumn, Spring, Winter or Summer?4) How many days should a first-timer stay in Korea to have a worth having tour?5) Is the items and souvenirs in Korea so expensive? When we can buy cheaper things?6) What is the best thing to do? Trave with a guide or a DIY tour?7) Is commuting easy in South Korea?8) Are there any tourist destinations even at night? or 24 hours?9) What is the most popular tourist spot in Seoul?10) What is the most delicious food/delicacies should we try? 

The performing artists are ITZY, TXT, AB6IX, NCT Dream, Red Velvet (without Wendy), MAMAMOO, TWICE, MONSTA X, NU’EST, Super Junior, Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon, Chungha, Kassy, Paul Kim, Kim Jae Hwan, Ha Sung Woon, Song Ga In, Kim Hyun Chul, and Daybreak.Super Junior’s Kim Heechul, Jo Bo Ah, and Shin Dong Yup will be hosting the award ceremony.☆ Seating Plan: Ground Seating A1, A2 or B2 RandomlyTicket Pick-up Location⚡ Gocheok Sky Dome Food Court Entrance  Ticketing Operation: 14:00 – 16:00  Emergency Contact: +82 10 7239 3691 (Mr. Daniel Kim)👉 Please find our staff who is wearing ‘HaB Korea’ cap in the area, he(or she) will assist your ticketing. (See the picture below)

👉 Travel Advisory of South Korea in some major countriesUSA: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/SouthKorea.html Australia: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/south-korea-republic-korea United Kingdoms: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/south-korea Singapore: https://www.mfa.gov.sg/countries-regions/k/korea-republic-of/travel-page Philippines: https://dfa.gov.ph/dfa-news/statements-and-advisoriesupdate Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/south-korea⚡ Mapping the Wuhan Coronavirus Data -> https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6

Two days from today, the "Seoul Music Awards" will be held on Jan.30th. It takes place at Gocheock SkyDome, the first domed stadium in South Korea. But to secure huge land for the dome, it was built quite the outskirts of Seoul, which is not a familiar area for foreign tourists. But it is really huge, which means that it's really noticeable even with the distance. And from the subway station, it's really easy to get there. I attached the map, so just follow the road, and flow in the flock!The closest station from the Gocheok Skydome is "Guil Station"(Seoul Metro Line 1), but it might be too crowded on the concert day. But if you are brave enough to go through the crowds, get out of the Guil Station using Exit 2. But if you are a person who hates the congestion and has enough time before the entrance, get off at "Gaebong Station" (One station away from Guil Station - Line 1). Get out of Exit 2, and walk roughly 15 min, then you can easily find the Skydome.This area is not that complex as the city center of Seoul is. And the SkyDome is humongous so that it's almost impossible to notice it. No worries!Gocheok SkyDome 👉👉430 Gyeongin-ro, Gocheok-dong, Guro-gu, Seoul

“Be the Brightest Stars”Starbucks Korea and BTS released new menus and merchandise available for sale from today to February 6. The new products include one beverage menu, five food menus, and six types of merchandise. But two kinds of glasses and key chains were already sold out before 11 AM.BTS’s “Make It Right” from their album “Map of the Soul: Persona” will be played in Starbucks stores during the period of the campaign.Part of the profits from the campaign will go towards career and educational development programs for disadvantaged youth as part of The Beautiful Foundation’s Opportunity Youth Independence Project.

Secret

Since we do have now Korean Family because of my Sister's husband, I do have a lot of curiosity everything about them, but I can't ask them personally because I'm afraid they might get offended. So, I listed a few questions here and I was hoping, if any of you, or any native Korean could help me out.How Important is Education for Koreans? - Because according to what I hear, students in Korea are studying from the early morning until midnight!Is it bad to live with your Parents when you already have an own family? Why? Because most of what I see, Koreans with own family often live separately with their parents.What is the common religion in South Korea? - Personally, I don't know the religion of my sister's Korean family, I don't see them go to church or temple..What is the most important (or most celebrated) holiday in Korea? - Because in our country, it is definitely Christmas.Are men has the most important role than women in the Family? - Because I just noticed on some Dramas that men in the family always have higher power when it comes to decision-making.I hope someone will answer these curiosities of mine without being offended and help me understand more the Korean Culture.

By: Fangirl on the GoTucked away from the hustles and bustles of the international neighborhood of Itaewon is Mmm Records, an Insta-perfect record bar where some of K-Pop’s biggest acts have had their photoshoots.  From EXO to BLACKPINK to SEVENTEEN, Mmm Records has seen idols don the trendiest outfits and pose for album photobooks, editorial features, and more.EXO's Baekhyun via Mmm Records on InstagramBLACKPINK for NYLON Magazine via Mmm Records on InstagramSEVENTEEN | Pledis EntertainmentBIGBANG's Daesung/D-LITE for FRAU Magazine via Mmm Records on InstagramHIGHLIGHT's Lee Gikwang | Around Us EntertainmentOpen daily, except on Tuesdays, the record bar offers a plethora of drinks and bites that are best enjoyed with the music playing throughout the entire space.Whether you opt for an iced americano, a pint of beer, or a cocktail, make sure to pair it with their best-selling banh mi. Word is Mmm Records serves the best Vietnamese sandwich in town.The building also has a rooftop, where guests can just lounge around while taking in the fantastic views of Seoul’s landscape.If you get lucky, you might even catch a DJ spinning some tunes during your visit.Mmm Records Address: Yongsan-gu Hannam-dong 620-152 Seoul, South Korea Operating Hours: 17:00 - 12:00 (Wed - Mon) Facebook  |  Instagram*All images are sourced from Mmm Records on Instagram unless otherwise stated 

Beyond Boracay and BTS by Gift HerreraSouth Korea and the Philippines' alliance can be traced way back 1950 when Filipino combat troops were deployed to fight in the defense of South Korea during the Korean War. Since then, our friendship blossomed through the years which is pretty evident as Koreans top our most number of tourist visiting Philippines especially for learning English and our beaches, as well as Filipinos embracing Korean culture such as Unlimited Samgyupsal and Kdramas dubbed in Tagalog.[ Me (Left) with my 친구 Joanna at the Korean Cultural Center event wearing our hanbok]Both of our countries have also experienced tragedy like the recent eruption of the Taal Volcano alongside with the sudden Sokcho Wildfire, but we have strengthen our bond as we help each other get through these difficult times. These are the reasons I believe why our attachment with each other go way beyond Boracay and BTS, or even Dried Mangoes and Kimchi. I'm hoping this 2020 will bring us closer and may we learn from each other as we face a new decade.

Cafe has been part of culture and daily routine of Koreans in a decade. Coffee mean to be one of their energy drink to fully focus on their work, studies and many more.Now, with the help of modern era, A lot of cafes been launched and the cafes that you should definitely check when you first travel in South Korea are: Cafe Tape, Butter Book and Dingo Cafe.  These cafes has distinct theme that you will surely love when you come through the door to feel relax. Just chillin and let your body move through the mood of music with just one cup of coffee. 

Chen, lead vocalist of K-pop band EXO, is to wed his girlfriend, the star announced Monday. His bride-to-be is known to have little to do with the entertainment industry. Chen hinted in his surprise announcement that they were expecting a baby. Chen debuted as a member of EXO in 2012. "I have a girlfriend, who I want to share the rest of my life with," the singer, 27, said in a hand-written letter to his fans on his agency SM Entertainment's official community board. "While I was discussing with other EXO members and company officials about delivering the news (on my girlfriend,) a 'blessing' came to us." Many speculate that the blessing refers to a baby. "I didn't' want to take more time, so I decided to take the courage," he added. "I am thankful to my members for their good wishes, and I want to thank my fans for their love. I will keep striving to reciprocate the love." SM, representing EXO, confirmed the star's marriage without revealing the date, saying, "Chen will tie the knot with his non-celebrity girlfriend. Further details about his marriage will not be disclosed to the public." Chen debuted as a member of EXO in 2012. The group recently released its sixth studio album "OBSESSION."

K-pop act iKON is set to release fresh music, making its first comeback since former leader B.I quit the band in June over drug allegations. The group unveiled three photos from its new music video on its official Instagram on Monday. The pictures feature members in dazzling red outfits against a backdrop of fire. "Preparation for the music and the MV (music video) is in the final stage," its agency YG Entertainment said. But the management company has not disclosed the EP's release date or the lead track's title. B.I, 23, left the group in June after being engulfed in a drug scandal. The singer, whose real name is Kim Han-bin, partially admitted in September that he had purchased and consumed marijuana in 2016. He was then booked. Former YG chief Yang Hyun-suk has been investigated for allegedly attempting to cover up the drug case. iKON, comprising Jinhwan, Yunhyeong, Bobby, Donghyuk, Ju-ne and Chanwoo, debuted in 2015 with the album "WELCOME BACK." It shot to fame with "LOVE SCENARIO" (2017).

The prosecution sought an arrest warrant for K-pop star Serungri on Friday over suspected illegal overseas gambling and procuring prostitutes for his investors. The Seoul Central Prosecutors’ Office said it had filed an arrest warrant for the 30-year-old former Big Bang member, on seven charges including illegal overseas gambling, illegal currency transactions and procuring prostitutes.The warrant request comes about seven months after police sent the case to the prosecution with the recommendation of indicting him without detention in June. The police’s earlier attempt to arrest Seungri was rejected in May as the court saw the charges “disputable.” The police launched a probe in January and dispatched some 150 officers in connection with the scandal encompassing illicit sex videos, drugs, prostitution, and embezzlement. The scandal, involving several other K-pop stars, sent shockwaves across the country and the K-pop industry.