The beginning: sharing experiences of living in the Philippines

For decades, the No.1 tourists to the Philippines was South Koreans. Now, the title has been dethrowned by Americans. Why South Koreans are not coming to the Philippines anymore? What happened to the South Koreans?

The Philippines is often seen in simple ways. Some people see it only as a travel destination. Some think about retirement. Some think about business opportunities. Some only know the beaches, malls, English schools, or Korean restaurants. But real life in the Philippines is more complex and more interesting than that.

There are many good things here: warm people, beautiful places, English communication, family-centered culture, affordable options, business possibilities, and a lifestyle that can feel more relaxed than Korea. At the same time, there are numerous challenges: traffic, heat, corruption, poor healthcare system, infrastructure gaps, and cultural differences.

I started Philippine Life Guide because I wanted to share my knowledge and experiences as a foreigner living a long time in the Philippines. The waning Korean tourists reflect somewhat misleading information and prejudices in the eyes of Koreans. Thus, I created a practical and personal space to share what I have learned from living and working between Korea and the Philippines. I wanted to write about good side and dark side of the Philippines honestly.

This website is not a government guide, a travel agency page, or a consulting-company website. It is a personal information platform. The goal is to share practical thoughts, observations, and guides that may help Korean as well as international readers understand the Philippines more clearly.

My hope is that Philippine Life Guide will become a helpful starting point for people who are curious about life in the Philippines. Whether someone is planning a trip, considering retirement, thinking about business, or simply trying to understand the country better, I want this site to provide honest and practical guidance.

This is only the beginning. The website will grow step by step, one useful article at a time. Please enjoy your visit to the site and get entertained through rich articles.