Seo In Guk has started his work as the Philippines' celebrity tourism ambassador for Korea. 

The South Korean singer and actor recently explored Boracay island in Malay, Aklan, as seen in photos released by the DOT on Thursday.

Aside from enjoying a round of golf, a yacht ride, and Boracay's famed crystal kayak activity, he also sampled Filipino dishes such as sinigang and sisig. 

It was last February 21 when Seo partnered with the DOT to promote the Philippines to his fans and the South Korean market for one year. 

As a celebrity tourism ambassador, he is set to take part in promotional events in the Philippines and South Korea, share his experiences in social media, and attend various press engagements. 

"Thank you and it feels very nice. It is an honor for me to be on this stage. I really feel a big responsibility as a representative of and as a promoter for one country," Seo said during the signing ceremony for his new role. 

"I really want to thank everyone for making this happen for me and I really want to say that I will give back all the love that you gave to me and I will be someone to promote the Philippines to others in the future. Thank you very much. Mahal ko kayo," he added. 

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, for her part, noted that South Korea has been a consistent top market for the Philippines, believing that Seo will inspire more people to visit the country.

"Your dedication and enthusiasm will play a vital role in inspiring more travelers to embrace the many reasons to Love the Philippines. We look forward to the stories you will share and the meaningful experiences that you will create through this partnership," she told the actor. 

Seo debuted as a singer in 2009 after winning the first season of the South Korean reality show "Superstar K." Among his acting credits are "Reply 1997," "Shopping King Louie," and "Doom At Your Service." 

Neocolors Production and Advertising Inc. president and CEO Dr. Christine Daguno-Canoy, who handles the South Korean star's activities in the country, revealed that Seo's partnership with the DOT was driven by his passion for the Philippines.

"Seo In Guk has shown a heartfelt interest in exploring the Philippines and sharing his experiences with his millions of followers in South Korea and around the world. By leveraging his esteemed status as an actor and singer, he aims to highlight our country's potential as a tourist destination," she said in a statement. 

"It is important to clarify that this partnership was driven by personal motivation rather than financial gain as Seo In Guk waived his professional fees for this partnership. He made this decision independently, without any expectations of financial remuneration, which is why our company, Neocolors collaborated with Story J and Episode Music to bring this initiative to life," Daguno-Canoy added.  

"Seo In Guk's recent visit to Boracay is a testament to his commitment, where he actively engaged in creating content that showcases the beauty of our country. This partnership is not only a celebration of our cultural ties but also a strategic effort to enhance the visibility of the Philippines on the global stage."

Seo In Guk tapped as PH tourism ambassador for Korea

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