In the initial nine months of the year, South Korea has observed a significant influx of Vietnamese tourists, totaling around 350,000 visitors, marking the highest number from any Southeast Asian nation. This surge in tourism activity between the two countries signifies a positive trend towards recovery.
This nine-month tally represents approximately 77% of South Korea’s tourism target for 2023. According to Lee Jae Hoon, Chief Representative of the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) in Vietnam, South Korea is anticipating the arrival of 420,000 Vietnamese tourists by year-end.
Vietnam has consistently held a strong affinity for South Korea as a preferred tourist destination. In 2019, more than 550,000 Vietnamese tourists visited the country. The accessibility of budget-friendly tour packages and the availability of direct flights by low-cost carriers have contributed to South Korea’s popularity among Vietnamese travelers.
Recent initiatives by Vietnamese airlines have further bolstered travel connections between the two nations. Notably, Vietjet Air introduced the first direct route linking Da Lat, a picturesque destination in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, with Busan, South Korea’s largest coastal city, in July. Additionally, Vietjet Air inaugurated a new route connecting Hue and Seoul.
Since Vietnam reopened its borders to foreign tourists in March of the previous year, South Korea has emerged as the leading source of tourist arrivals among Southeast Asian countries. During the initial nine months of this year, over 2.5 million South Koreans visited Vietnam.
Lee emphasized that the KTO remains committed to promoting tourism programs, enhancing the overall quality of tours, and assisting Vietnamese travel agencies in catering to Korean tourists within Vietnam.
(Source: Phuong Anh | VN Express)
