The ASEAN-Korea Center and the Philippine Department of Tourism organized a 10-day Korean language course for tourism and hospitality professionals through Aug. 20 in a city in the Philippines.

The lectures are especially designed to familiarize the participants with expressions commonly used at airports, hotels and other tourist sites in Angeles City, the Philippines, so that these expressions could be put to practical use in their day-to-day work.

The Philippines is home to world-renowned tourist destinations such as Boracay and Cebu.

In 2012, it attracted over 1 million Korean visitors, becoming the second most visited Southeast Asian country for Koreans after Thailand.

The country also has the highest number of Korean nationals ― some 100,000 people ― residing in the ASEAN region.

Angeles City is particularly popular among Koreans due to its proximity to Clark International Airport, and has a vibrant night life including casinos, bars and diverse golf tour packages are offered through agencies here.

The Korean language course was launched in 2012 with the purpose to upgrading Korean language proficiency in the tourism industry in ASEAN countries, thereby also benefiting Korean tourists there. The course so far has taken place in Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines, and will then take place from September to December in Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.

(ephilip2011@heraldcorp.com)