MSEUF tourism students finish cultural, industry tour in Seoul & Incheon, South Korea

Tourism Management students from College of International Hospitality and Tourism Management (CIHTM) completed a seven-day familiarization and cultural immersion tour in Seoul and Incheon under the EU FLIGHT Program of MSEUF, Nov. 6-12. 

The tour, held during South Korea’s autumn season, aimed to strengthen global learning and expand cross-cultural competencies through experiential exposure. The program was organized with Donstravel through operations manager Donnie Payumo, while tour guide Hazel Chavez facilitated briefings and provided historical and cultural insights throughout the trip.

Students visited major tourist sites including Nami Island, Soyanggang Skywalk, Petit France, Italian Village, K-Star Road, Starfield, N Seoul Tower, the Demilitarized Zone, Myeongdong, Everland, and Gyeongbokgung Palace, where they wore traditional hanbok attire. The itinerary also featured required industry and company visits to Amethyst, Red Pine, Ginseng, Seaweed, and Charm & Charm centers to deepen students’ knowledge of tourism operations and cultural preservation efforts.

The group traveled via AirAsia and stayed at Royal Emporium Riviera and Marina Bay Seoul, exposing them to varied accommodation settings in an international environment. They also experienced Korean cuisine, sampling dishes such as kimchi, samgyupsal, chicken barbecue, bulgogi, and tteokbokki.

The CIHTM community thanked adviser Denmark Catan for organizing the trip and Dr. Maricel Herrera for supporting global learning programs. Dr. Jennifer Reyes joined the group and participated in the immersion activities.

The tour reinforced CIHTM’s commitment to preparing globally aware, industry-ready tourism professionals by offering meaningful international learning experiences through the EU FLIGHT Program.

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This initiative strengthens the University’s commitment to Excellence and Service by providing transformative, experience-based learning that expands students’ global perspective. It also reflects Unity and Fortitude as faculty and students work together to advance international engagement and enrich outcomes-oriented education.

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• SDG 4: Quality Education – The immersion offered experiential global learning that enhances academic and cultural understanding.

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Exposure to international tourism operations prepares students for competitive and ethical participation in the global workforce.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The program strengthened international collaboration through coordinated efforts between MSEUF, travel partners, and industry establishments.