The Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Philippines has joined forces with the Department of Tourism (DOT) Korea Office and DOT Eastern Visayas (Region VIII) in promoting Southern Leyte’s exquisite underwater biodiversity to the Korean market.
TPB in a statement said the Korean dive market boasts an estimated 1.4 to 1.5 million active divers in 2024, encompassing both skin and SCUBA diving, an increase from approximately 1.29 million in 2021. With 1.57 million Korean arrivals in 2024, the Philippines continues to be a favored destination—this time, spotlighting Leyte’s captivating offerings both above and beneath the waves, TPB said.
According to TPB, the Philippines continues to be the preferred destination for diving in the Asia Pacific region, with an estimated 170,000 Korean divers in 2023.
“This strong preference positions the Philippines significantly ahead of neighboring dive destinations such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Palau, and the Maldives,” TPB said.
TPB said the Philippines hosted a group of Korean divers during the PADI Korea Dive Familiarization Trip held from June 15 to 21, 2025, for a weeklong exploration as part of a program that builds on the success of previous dive familiarization tours in key destinations.
The agency said the group’s journey began with an immersive dive tour of Sogod Bay, where vibrant reefs revealed coral gardens and the macro life of sites like Napantaw North, Max Climax, and Medicare North. The adventure continued to Pintuyan, a destination popular for whale shark encounters.
From the daytime explorations of Gunter’s Wall, Adrian’s Cove, and Medicare South, the dive tour culminated in a surreal night dive experience at Baluarte. To cap off the trip, the group embarked on an island-hopping experience around Cuatro Islas, where Himokilan, Mahaba, Digyo, and Apid Islands provided the perfect expedition finale.
