THE Korean wave, or Hallyu, keeps getting stronger in the Philippines, luring many Filipinos, especially fans of K-pop and K-drama, to visit the Land of the Morning Calm.
Should they plan to go, the first places in their itinerary would probably be the shooting locations of popular K-dramas, which have become tourist spots due to the growing number of travelers visiting these areas to recreate some of their favorite moments from the shows.
The South Korean Embassy in Manila got many Filipinos excited when it announced that the country would be accepting e-Group visa applications for regular tourists beginning in June. The hype continued when it said Filipinos can start applying for a walk-in visa once it launches the new Korea Visa Application Center (KVAC) next month.
However, not all who want to explore the culture of South Korea in person could afford to do so.
They need not fret, though.
Several Korean establishments in the Philippines have opened their doors to those who want to unleash the K-drama main character in them without having to fly abroad.
New Lasema Spa
If you have been watching K-dramas for quite a long time now, you’ve probably seen a similar location. This is a Korean jjimjilbang, a large, gender-segregated public bathhouse that is one of the common hangout places of lead characters in Korean shows.
With the opening of New Lasema Spa in Makati, fans can now experience what it feels like to de-stress Korean style.
The New Lasema Spa has five different kilns that will give their customers various health benefits. These are Amethyst Kiln, Himalayan Salt Kiln, Ice Room, Ochre Hot Kiln, and Pine Tree Kiln.
The New Lasema Spa said that its Ochre Hot Kiln helps in stimulating body metabolism by infrared ray irradiation, which will result in “natural body detoxification, better absorption, and self-purification.”
It also has a variety of jacuzzi pools, a steam sauna, a gym, and massage rooms.
And what’s a Korean public bathhouse without an entertainment area? Of course, the spa has a television area where visitors can watch unlimited K-dramas and Korean food, such as ramen, fish cake, tteokbokki, and steamed eggs, available for order t the snack bar.
If you want to seek temporary shelter just like K-drama characters, it has sleeping caves where you can stay up to 12 hours a day.
New Lasema Spa is located at 8846 Sampaloc St., corner Estrella St., San Antonio Village, Makati.
Kkachi Bunsik
Watching K-dramas makes viewers crave for Korean food.
A lot of Korean restaurants have opened in the Philippines, but this restaurant in Makati is one of the go-to places for those who want to satisfy their palate with authentic Korean cuisine.
Kkachi Bunsik may be a small restaurant, but it attracts a large number of customers because of its quality Korean food at an affordable price. There are a variety of food to choose from, from rice meals like donkatsu, stew such as budae jjigae, noodles like udon, and snacks like odeng or Korean fish cakes.
Ryan Bang, Erwan Heussaff, and Rhian Ramos are among the celebrities who have tried their dishes.
Kkachi Bunsik is located at 5378 General Luna, Barangay Poblacion, Makati.
Coffee Bay
If you have watched K-dramas such as Hotel Del Luna, Penthouse, School 2017, and Tale of the Nine-Tailed, for sure, you’re familiar with this coffee shop.
South Korean brand Coffee Bay branched out to Cebu in 2016, offering a wide selection of beverages, ranging from franobe, smoothie, tea, espresso coffee, and basic latte.
Customers may opt to customize their own drinks. This Korean coffee shop also has its version of halo-halo, also known as bingsu bowl.
They can also choose from the cafe’s food menu that they can partner with their beverages. There are sandwiches, pasta, and other pastries.
Coffee Bay is located at 2nd floor, City Wing, SM Seaside City Cebu.
Life Four Cuts
Aside from visiting jjimjilbang, K-drama couples love to bond by capturing picture-perfect moments with them in trendy photo booths.
K-photo studio Life Four Cuts opened its door to Filipinos who want to have chic four-cut photo strips with their loved ones and friends.
The photo studio offers a selection of accessories that customers can use for their photo shoot — there are quirky glasses, hats, headbands, and even wigs to choose from. Customers can also pick from a variety of available frames for their photostrips.
Life Four Cuts has opened several branches in malls in Metro Manila, including SM City Grand Central, SM Megamall, SM Mall of Asia, SM Fairview, and Robinsons Galleria.
It also has branches in SM City Clark, Robinsons Antipolo, and SM City Olongapo.
Caiña Ranch
Want to feel the romantic and peaceful vibe of Nami Island that you see in romance K-dramas? Good news! You can relive those moments in Caiña Ranch in Baras, Rizal.
Caiña Ranch has a stretch of giant mahogany trees, a perfect frame for your pictorial with your special someone. This place isn’t only for couples, though. You can spend your me-time in the area by taking Instagram-worthy photos and enjoying the magnificent view of Laguna de Bay.
You may also opt to bring your family members to Caiña Ranch to enjoy boat rides.
Caiña Ranch is located at National road, Barangay Evangelista, Baras, Rizal.
