30 April 2015 - Some 110 third-year students and faculty of the College of Tourism and Hospitality Management (CTHM) of the University of Santo Tomas visited the Philippine Embassy in Seoul’s Yongsan district on April 22 part of their three-day cross-cultural tour in the Korean capital ending on April 23.

“Tourism serves as one of the underpinnings of strong people-to-people relations between the Philippines and Korea.The challenge you face as future practitioners is to assure continued growth for this sector”, said Philippine Ambassador to South Korea Raul S. Hernandez in welcoming remarks tothe group, headed by CTHM Dean, Asst Prof Maria Cecilia A. Tio-Cuison.

Following a 10-minute video on the history of Philippine-Korean relations, Ambassador Hernandez gave a brief lecture on the Philippines’ diplomatic mission in Korea, including its organizational structure, functions and responsibilities in implementing the country’s foreign policy thrusts and the overview of Philippines-South Korea bilateral relations.

Ambassador Hernandez also spoke to the students about Korean etiquette, behavioral norms and cultural traditions in contrast with those of the Philippines, before fielding questions about the bilateral relations and prospects for Philippine tourism promotion in Korea.

The delegation also presented an original composition, performed by the group that won the Best Marketing Video for the Tour in a recent college competition, for the Ambassador, who was then awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by CTHM DeanTio-Cuison for receiving her delegation, the biggest in recent years, at the Embassy. END