Vietnam secured the second spot in Southeast Asia for the number of tourists visiting South Korea in 2024. According to data from the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) in Vietnam, over 511,000 Vietnamese travelers visited South Korea, marking a 21.7% increase compared to the previous year. The Philippines led the rankings with 515,000 visitors.
Vietnam’s Growing Presence in South Korean Tourism
Vietnam has solidified its position as a key tourism market for South Korea, achieving a 92.4% recovery rate compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. The surge in visitor numbers reflects the growing interest among Vietnamese tourists in South Korea’s diverse attractions, cultural experiences, and modern cities.
On the other hand, South Korea was the largest source of international tourists to Vietnam in 2023, with around 4.6 million Korean visitors. This underscores the strong tourism exchange between the two nations.
Key Tourism Events Strengthening Vietnam-South Korea Ties
In 2024, the KTO in Vietnam organized several successful promotional events to boost tourism engagement. Among the most notable were:
- Korea Travel Festa 2024, which attracted over 100,000 participants.
- MICE Roadshow 2024, held in Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City to promote Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism.
- Participation in major travel exhibitions like the Vietnam International Travel Mart and Vietnam–RoK Cultural Days in Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, and Da Lat.
These events provided Vietnamese travelers with a deeper understanding of South Korea’s culture, natural landscapes, and must-visit destinations.
Tailored Tourism Offerings for Vietnamese Travelers
To better cater to Vietnamese tourists, the KTO has collaborated with over 18 Vietnamese travel companies to develop specialized travel packages. These packages highlight aspects of Korean culture such as:
- K-pop and Korean cinema experiences
- Traditional and modern performing arts
- Authentic Korean cuisine
- Beauty and wellness tourism, including skincare and spa experiences
Additionally, the KTO has launched creative marketing campaigns to enhance South Korea’s tourism image in Vietnam.
Special Support Campaign for Vietnamese Tourists
Looking ahead, the KTO plans to further enhance tourism offerings by supporting more than 20 Vietnamese travel agencies. Key initiatives include:
- Providing over 2,000 special gifts for Vietnamese tourists booking South Korea tours.
- Offering premium gift packages to improve travel experiences.
- Partial subsidies and direct discounts for visitors opting for high-end tourism products in South Korea.
These efforts aim to make South Korea a more attractive and rewarding destination for Vietnamese travelers.
With continued promotional activities and support programs, 2025 is expected to be another breakthrough year for South Korean tourism in Vietnam. According to KTO Vietnam representative Park Eun Jung, these initiatives will significantly boost Vietnamese tourist arrivals while strengthening bilateral tourism cooperation.
For more travel updates and insights, visit Coleman News.
