Korean tourist 'in stable condition' after being kidnapped in Asia's leading beach destination

"A Korean national who was abducted in the Philippines on Friday has been safely secured by Philippine police as of Monday morning, and the health condition of our citizen is stable," said an official from South Korea's Foreign Ministry, as quoted by Korea Joongang Daily.

The kidnapping occurred in the early hours of Friday morning when the tourist was traveling with a group of friends toward the Nasugbu area, approximately 90 kilometers (55 miles) southwest of Manila, for a fishing trip, Korea Times reported.

En route, the tourist was kidnapped by a group of seven to eight armed men.

The identities of the kidnappers and their motives have not yet been revealed.

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 advised its citizens to avoid poorly lit or deserted areas at night and to use safe transportation methods, such as registered taxis.

The Philippines recorded 1.65 million foreign arrivals in the first quarter of this year, a 0.51% decrease compared to the same period last year.

South Korea remained the largest source of inbound visitors, with 395,059 arrivals, according to the Philippines' Department of Tourism.