The Philippines has imposed a temporary travel ban on Filipino tourists going to any part of South Korea. This was announced by the Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Wednesday. 

Currently, South Korea has the second most number of confirmed cases after China, with 1,146 COVID-19 cases. 

The ban is said to be for the safety of the Filipino citizen as South Korea is a popular destination for Filipino due to Korean dramas and Kpop. 

So far, only permanent residents of South Korea, Filipinos leaving for study, and (overseas Filipino workers) returning to work will be allowed travelling to South Korea provided that they sign a written declaration acknowledging the risks involved which will be complemented with a health advisory pamphlet. 

Additionally, those coming from North Gyeongsang Province or Gyeongbuk, including Daegu and Cheongdo County, are not allowed to enter the Philippines. They will continue to assess the situation if it’s necessary for the government to expand the entry ban to other parts of South Korea.