Presence of Koreans an indication of stable peace and order city
The so-called invasion of Korean nationals in the city is an indication of stable peace and order situation here, says Mayor Jerry Treñas.
Treñas observed that a lot of Koreans are in the city to study the English language while others have engaged in businesses.
Treñas said the city is one of the places favored by Koreans other than Boracay and Baguio City. The Korean nationals want to stay in Iloilo because it is very peaceful, he said.
The Korean nationals posted the highest number of visitors in the country based on the report of the Department of Tourism.
Some Koreans invest in retail business to cater the needs of their fellow Koreans. There are also a number of Korean tutorial schools as well as restaurants that sprouted in the city to serve their needs. Korean food is generally spicy. Kimchi, a pickled cabbage and sometimes raddish and rice are the mainstays of diet around which most of the dishes revolve. Korean meals usually consist of kimchi, soup, fish and rice.
However, Treñas assured that the Ilonggos are still protected even if they (Korean nationals) have businesses here. There are laws which govern foreigners doing business in the country.
The presence of Koreans in Iloilo City also brings investment to big and small businesses alike. There are number of hotels that are now exclusively occupied by Koreans. There are also Koreans who opted to rent houses in the course of their stay here. It helps the locals generate income from the rentals, said Treñas.
Meanwhile, a group of Koreans here in Iloilo City recently donated school supplies to A. Mabini Elementary School.