Korean Media Promote CDO and Misor after Successful Fam Trip
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Pueblo Golf and Country Club is optimistic the recent familiarization tour of Korean media to Northern Mindanao (Region 10) would encourage more South Korean tourists, particularly golfers, to include Cagayan de Oro and the region in their travel itineraries.
The delegation of eleven journalists, vloggers, bloggers, and tour operators, was warmly welcomed by the Cagayan de Oro-Misamis Oriental Korean Association and the Department of Tourism – Northern Mindanao for a familiarization tour of Northern Mindanao, dubbed the “Korean Media Fam Tour,” held from 8 to 12 July 2025.
Data from the Department of Tourism Region X show that Korean tourist arrivals in Region X peaked at 6,669 on 2016, before plunging to 14 in 2021 during the height of the global pandemic, before recovering to 1,986 in 2024.
“We just started to promote our place Cagayan de Oro and Misamis Oriental, because Koreans don’t know our area at all,” said Mr Dean Kim, Committee Chairman for Direct Flight Promtioion of the Cagayan de Oro-Misamis Oriental Korean Association. “The First Familiarization Trip was more successful than I expected, there are already almost 100 media release all about our area.”
Mr Kim admitted it isn’t easy to promote the CDO-MisOr area given the lack of a direct flight from Korea, so the association continues to campaign for this with local tourism and airline authorities.
Mr Kim and association president Mr Jinwook Lee led some of the visitors in a meeting last July 11 with Pueblo de Oro Golf & Country Club President Chrysler B. Acebu, Pueblo Golf General Manager Kits Pinga, and Pueblo Golf Associate Dhara Susas at the Pueblo Golf Clubhouse.
“We presented Pueblo Golf’s Play and Stay package, which is part of our collaborative effort with Smart Golftel. We explored the potential of this partnership and how it can enhance the experience for visiting golfers, offering both quality accommodations and access to premier golfing facilities,” Pinga said.
The two parties also discussed the exchange of photos and content to feature their visit to Cagayan de Oro, particularly their visit to the Pueblo Golf, a Robert Trent Jones II-designed 18-hole par-72 championship course in Cagayan de Oro, Mindanao, boasts stunning views of the Bukidnon mountains and Macajalar Bay. Recognized among the top 10 Golf Courses in the Philippines since 2006, it features environmentally conscious design and strategically placed natural ravines.
In an earlier event hosted by the Oro Chamber, Mr. Lee raised the issue of the golf bags which were no longer allowed aboard the smaller prop-driven aircraft now serving the Cebu-Cagayan de Oro Air Route which Korean Golfers usually took enroute to Northern Mindanao with new Laguindingan International Airport operator Aboitiz InfraCapital. Previously these were allowed aboard the bigger jet-engine Airbus A320 which used to service this particular air route.
The Korean Media Familiarization Tour (FamTour) was a prelude to the “K Festival” event, highlighting Korean culture, which will be held in Cagayan de Oro and Mindanao for the first time ever this coming September.
The tour kicked off with a series of outdoor adventures—from the majestic waterfalls of Iligan City to helmet diving and snorkeling in Misamis Oriental’s coastal waters. The group also explored the lush mangrove forests in Tubajon, Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, went jet skiing, and braved Cagayan de Oro’s famous white-water rafting course.
They were treated to the exhilarating zipline, alpine coaster and other attractions at the cool Dahilayan Adventure Park in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, practical shooting at the Northern Mindanao Pistol, Shotgun, & Archery Inc. (NMPSA) shooting range in Bulua, Cagayan de Oro, and enjoyed the scenic Route 955 through Claveria and Gingoog City.
Beyond the adrenaline, the creators were treated to a more reflective side of the region. Stops included the Divine Mercy Shrine, the sprawling Del Monte pineapple plantation, and a relaxing round at Pueblo de Oro Golf Course. Each destination offered a glimpse into local life, history, and spiritual heritage.
Park Byung Chang, a reporter from South Korea’s New Media Division, noted that this visit is not just a familiarization tour but also an opportunity to document and highlight the tourism potential of Northern Mindanao.
“This trip goes beyond sightseeing,” said Park. “It’s about discovering untold stories and sharing them through fresh eyes.”
Lee Min Hye, a lifestyle influencer from Pink Cat, said she had bookmarked Bukidnon even before arriving. “Now that I’m here, it’s even more beautiful than I imagined,” she said.
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