Southern Leyte in the Philippines is like a secret underwater treasure chest. Not many people know it, but this place is home to colorful coral reefs, rare sea animals, and dive spots that look like scenes from a dream. For years, its marine life has stayed almost untouched, waiting to be discovered.
Experts say if the Philippines sets up strong rules to protect the ocean here, Southern Leyte can become one of the world’s top dive spots—just like famous diving places in Thailand, Indonesia, or even the Maldives.
To show this hidden gem to the world, the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) of the Philippines worked with the Department of Tourism (DOT) Korea Office and DOT Eastern Visayas. Together, they invited a group of professional divers from Korea. These divers are members of PADI Korea, a big international diving group. They came last June 15 to 21 for a weeklong trip to explore the deep waters of Southern Leyte.
The group was welcomed warmly by Padre Burgos Mayor Hermenegildo Culpa. He didn’t just show them the beautiful dive sites but also the heart of the Filipino people—friendly, welcoming, and proud of their home.
✨ Diving Adventures in Sogod Bay ✨
The Korean divers explored Sogod Bay, a place filled with colorful reefs and tiny sea creatures hiding in coral gardens. They visited dive spots with fun names like Napantaw North, Max Climax, and Medicare North.
Their journey continued to Pintuyan, where they had a chance to swim near gentle whale sharks—the giants of the sea. They also explored famous sites like Gunter’s Wall, Adrian’s Cove, and Medicare South, before ending the day with a magical night dive in Baluarte, where glowing creatures lit up the water like stars.
To wrap up the adventure, the group went island hopping in Cuatro Islas—a paradise made of four islands: Himokilan, Mahaba, Digyo, and Apid. Each island gave them a new taste of Southern Leyte’s untouched beauty.
🤝 Friendship Beyond the Ocean 🤝
It wasn’t just about diving. The group also joined a special networking dinner in Padre Burgos. Here, they met local resort owners, diving instructors, and tourism leaders. Together, they talked about how to protect marine life, keep diving safe, and build stronger partnerships between the Philippines and Korea.
🌍 Why Koreans Love Diving in the Philippines 🌍
Koreans are some of the most passionate divers in the world. In 2024, there were around 1.4 to 1.5 million active Korean divers—more than in 2021. And guess what? The Philippines is already their favorite diving destination in Asia. In fact, 170,000 Korean divers came to the Philippines in 2023 alone, putting the country ahead of Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and even the Maldives.
According to TPB Chief Operating Officer Maria Margarita Montemayor Nograles, bringing Korean divers to Southern Leyte gives them a new experience beyond Cebu and Dumaguete. She said:
“This tour doesn’t just show Leyte’s underwater wonders and warm people. It proves that every corner of our 7,641 islands hides something unforgettable.”
Tourism attaché Erwin Balane from DOT Korea added: “This trip is more than diving. It’s about building a bridge of friendship between Korea and the Philippines, while also protecting the ocean for future generations.”
The event was made possible with the help of Bai Hotel Cebu and Cebu Pacific Air, which made travel smooth from Cebu to Southern Leyte.
✅ Summary for Kids & Families: Southern Leyte is a magical ocean world in the Philippines. Korean divers came to see it, loved it, and now the world is starting to notice. But to keep it beautiful, everyone must work together to protect it.
