JAPAN and South Korea remain popular destinations, celebrated for their rich cultural heritage, culinary delights and scenic beauty. Agoda noted that they are some of the countries most visited by Filipinos.
Interestingly, 2025 marks a year of exploration, with an Agoda survey revealing that 84 percent of travelers are eager to discover new destinations.
This trend adds to the allure of exploring lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path locations within Japan and South Korea, offering fresh experiences in these destinations. These spots offer the perfect opportunity to explore something fresh and extraordinary.
For 2025, consider adding these hidden gems to your travel list for a unique and unforgettable experience.
In Japan, the recommended spots are the Tottori Sand Dunes in Tottori Prefecture and Unesco World Heritage Site Shirakami Sanchi in Aomori and Akita Prefectures.
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In South Korea, recommended are the Hahoe Folk Village in Andong, a Unesco-listed site preserving Korea's traditional hanok houses; Oedo Botania in Geoje Island; and Damyang Bamboo Forest in Damyang.
The allure of hidden destinations lies in their ability to offer something different — a break from the usual tourist crowds and a chance to immerse in untouched beauty and local culture. However, hidden destinations often come with their own set of challenges, such as remote locations or limited facilities.
This is where comprehensive travel insurance becomes essential.
Developed in collaboration with GCash and Malayan Insurance, Travel Master ensures the traveler is covered for personal accidents, flight delays, lost luggage, medical emergencies, and even Covid-19 protection.
Securing this coverage is effortless. Simply head to the GInsure page in the GCash app, choose Travel Master, and fill in travel details.
Within moments, get a policy for protection no matter where the journey is.
Visit https://iglooinsure.com/ for more information.