Why Korean tourists increasingly like to come to Vietnam

Korean tourists are increasingly fond of coming to Vietnam and one of the prominent reasons is that they can easily find "hometown atmosphere" in the destination.

Based on data from Agoda's booking app, CEO Omri Morgenshtern pointed out in mid-June that more and more Korean tourists are flocking to Vietnam for tourism , in addition to Thailand, the favorite destination before the pandemic.

In the first 5 months of the year, South Korea was the largest market sending visitors to Vietnam with more than 1.3 million arrivals, accounting for 30% of the total number of international visitors (4.6 million arrivals) and equal to 73% compared to the same period in 2019. In 2022, South Korean visitors also held the top position with nearly 770,000 arrivals out of a total of 3.66 million international visitors to Vietnam.

According to Morgenshtern, the increasing number of factories opening in Vietnam over the past two decades has helped Koreans know more about the place. Ms. Vu Bich Hue, Head of Communications at Flamingo Redtours Travel Company, said that the visa exemption policy For Korean tourists, this is the top reason why Vietnam has become a favorite destination.

"There are more and more Korean businessmen and experts investing and working in Vietnam. They indirectly become ambassadors promoting the tourism industry," said Ms. Hue.

Deputy General Director of Vietravel Tourism Company Huynh Phan Phuong Hoang shared that Vietnam has promote and market tourism to Korean customers through many media campaigns. Reality TV shows that attract viewers in Korea often mention Vietnam. "This is the factor that encourages Koreans to travel to Vietnam," said Ms. Hoang.

In the program "Battle Trip" broadcast on KBS (one of the three largest stations in Korea), the trip to Da Nang by two female artists Oh Hyun Kyung and Jung Si Ah helped this city lead the top 10 destinations loved by Korean audiences.

Korean singer BoA poses on a golf course in Da Nang. Photo: Instagram/BoA — Korean singer BoA poses on a golf course in Da Nang. Photo: *Instagram/BoA*

According to Ms. Hoang, Koreans "can easily find the Korean atmosphere in Vietnam". Many businesses hang Korean signs such as barbecue restaurants, coffee shops, and beauty salons. These places not only have Vietnamese managers but also Korean helpers, conveniently serving Korean customers.

Short flight time 5 hours also helps Vietnam become a destination of choice for Korean people. Some airlines have started operating daily flights from Busan to Da Nang, helping to increase flight capacity by 86% compared to the same period in 2022. Cheap tickets are also a decisive factor, when one-way flights from Incheon to Tan Son Nhat are around 2.9 million VND (low-cost airlines). For major airlines, even double the ticket price is still considered "reasonable" for Koreans.

"Hotel room prices, food, shopping and many tourist activities without spending too much money are a big advantage for Korean tourists," said a Vietravel representative.

Before the pandemic, first-time Korean visitors to Vietnam often visited the capital Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Now they go straight to Da Nang, Phu Quoc or Nha Trang. All three are popular tourist and resort destinations, far from the bustling crowds of big cities, said a senior official at top Korean travel agency Hanatour.

Da Nang, the city dubbed "the most livable in Vietnam" in the impression of Koreans, is a destination with beautiful beaches, spacious riverside walkways, street food, and many luxurious resorts and friendly accommodations.

Actors Park Hae Soo (left) and Go Soo took a souvenir photo during a tour of Hoi An ancient town in May. Photo: Instagram — Actors Park Hae Soo (left) and Go Soo took a souvenir photo during a tour of Hoi An ancient town in May. Photo: *Instagram*

Phu Quoc is a popular destination for water sports. Korean visitors can trek through the lush mountains and forests all over the island. Enjoying fresh seafood feasts and fish sauce specialties is another highlight that international visitors know about this island.

According to the Korea Herald, Nha Trang is now a long-term tourist destination for young Koreans, thanks to its attractive cultural destinations to explore during the day and vibrant nightlife.

According to Ms. Hoang, Vietnam needs to ensure that tourism services meet the high standards of Korean visitors. "We need to train human resources in serving international visitors, focus on language issues, and continue to promote campaigns for Korean visitors," she said.

In addition, the tourism industry needs to diversify products, develop cultural, adventure, resort and culinary tourism as well as unique and different experiences.

Ms. Hoang said that currently, Korean tourists mainly travel independently or book through Korean companies with representatives in Vietnam. Vietnamese travel companies have difficulty receiving Korean tourists. If Korean tourists buy tours in Vietnam, they mainly buy small, day tours.

To solve this problem, Ms. Hoang said that Vietnamese travel companies need to strengthen cooperation with Korean companies to create attractive and convenient tour packages for tourists. "Building a sustainable partnership and creating favorable conditions for promoting and marketing Vietnamese tourism in Korea is what we need to do," Ms. Hoang said.

Phuong Anh

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