Korean Tourist Stable After Kidnapping in Asia’s Premier Beach Getaway

A South Korean citizen has been safely freed following abduction in the Philippines, a country recognized as Asia’s top beach destination at the 2024 World Travel Awards.

A South Korean national who was kidnapped in the Philippines on Friday has been safely recovered by Philippine law enforcement as of Monday morning, with the individual’s health status reported as stable," stated an official from South Korea's Foreign Ministry, according to reports. Korea Joongang Daily .

The abduction took place late Thursday night into early Friday morning as the tourist was heading towards the Nasugbu region, about 90 kilometers (55 miles) southwest of Manila, along with a group of friends for a fishing excursion. Korea Times reported.

While traveling, the tourist was abducted by a gang of seven to eight individuals wielding weapons.

The identities and motivations of the kidnappers have not been disclosed as of now.

Police are expanding their investigation into the kidnapping.

Last month, a Korean tourist was fatally shot by a motorcycle-riding assailant in the Korean district of Angeles City in the Philippines.

The South Korean Foreign Ministry has warned its nationals to steer clear of dimly illuminated or abandoned places during nighttime and to opt for secure means of transport like licensed cabs.

In the initial three months of this year, the Philippines documented 1.65 million international visitors, marking a 0.51% decline from the figures observed during the equivalent timeframe in the previous year.

According to the Philippines' Department of Tourism, South Korea was still the top country of origin for incoming tourists, with 395,059 arrivals.