South Korea Welcomes Tourism Surge From Vietnam as Cultural Power and Better Connectivity Attract Visitors

Image credit:South Korea tourism

South Korea tourism is set to boom as Vietnamese tourists rise 10 per cent despite fewer flights thanks to its powerful Korean culture appeal, flexible visa policies and expanding regional air connections. South Korea welcomed 347,517 Vietnamese visitors in the first seven months of 2026, beating the same period in 2019 and pointing to an expanding appetite for travel from one of Southeast Asia’s key markets. The rise reflects the growing appeal of Korean entertainment, improved access and pushing Vietnamese travellers to more places in South Korea using its regional airports and multiple-entry visa.

South Korea is witnessing a strong increase in Vietnamese tourist arrivals as travellers from Vietnam continue choosing the destination for holidays, cultural experiences and seasonal attractions despite fewer flight connections between the two countries. South Korea welcomed 347,517 Vietnamese visitors during the first seven months of 2026, representing a 10 per cent increase compared with the previous year. The number also exceeded arrivals recorded during the same period in 2019, showing strong recovery and growing demand from one of Southeast Asia’s important tourism markets.

The rise in Vietnamese visitors highlights the growing popularity of South Korea as a preferred international destination. The growth has been supported by strong interest in Korean culture, improved visa accessibility and efforts to expand regional airport connectivity. Even with reduced flight availability, Vietnamese travellers have continued to show strong interest in exploring South Korea.

Vietnamese Travellers Strengthen South Korea Tourism Growth

Vietnamese visitors have become an increasingly important part of South Korea’s international tourism sector. During January to July 2026, South Korea recorded 347,517 arrivals from Vietnam, showing a 10 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2025.

The latest visitor numbers also surpassed the level recorded during the same period in 2019, before the global travel disruption affected international tourism. This indicates that travel demand between Vietnam and South Korea has not only recovered but has continued to expand.

The growth is notable because the increase happened despite fewer flights operating between the two countries. Reduced air connectivity often creates challenges for international travel, but Vietnamese demand for South Korea remained strong.

Vietnam continues to be one of South Korea’s key tourism markets in Southeast Asia. Visitors from Vietnam are attracted by South Korea’s modern cities, cultural attractions, shopping destinations, entertainment experiences and natural landscapes.

Korean Culture Drives Growing Travel Interest

The popularity of Korean culture has become a major factor behind the increasing interest among Vietnamese travellers. Korean music, films, television shows, food and lifestyle trends have created a strong connection between the two countries.

Research into Vietnamese travel behaviour has shown continued growth in visitor numbers despite changes in flight availability. The increasing popularity of Korean-related content in Vietnam has encouraged more people to experience South Korea directly.

Many Vietnamese travellers are now visiting South Korea to explore destinations they have discovered through Korean entertainment and digital platforms. They are seeking authentic experiences, including local food, cultural attractions, shopping areas and famous landmarks.

This cultural connection has helped South Korea maintain strong appeal among Vietnamese travellers. It has also encouraged tourism growth beyond traditional sightseeing, with visitors looking for unique experiences across different regions.

Autumn Foliage Season Could Bring More Visitors

South Korea is expecting further growth in Vietnamese arrivals during the autumn foliage season between October and November 2026.

The autumn period is one of the most attractive travel seasons in South Korea, with colourful landscapes, cooler temperatures and scenic destinations drawing visitors from around the world.

Vietnamese travellers are increasingly interested in seasonal experiences, and South Korea’s autumn scenery offers opportunities beyond city tourism. Mountains, parks and countryside areas become major attractions during this period.

The seasonal demand could provide additional momentum for tourism businesses across South Korea. Hotels, restaurants, local attractions and regional destinations are expected to benefit from increased visitor activity.

The autumn season also supports the expansion of regional tourism as travellers explore destinations outside major cities such as Seoul and Busan.

Flexible Visa Policies Make Travel Easier

Visa accessibility is another important factor supporting the growth of Vietnamese tourism to South Korea. Authorities are working to make travel easier through flexible multiple-entry visa policies.

South Korea is promoting five-year and 10-year multiple-entry visas to provide greater convenience for eligible Vietnamese travellers who want to visit the country repeatedly.

Multiple-entry visa options can encourage repeat tourism by allowing visitors to return during different seasons and explore more destinations. Travellers can experience cultural events, seasonal attractions and regional experiences without applying for a new visa every time.

Improved visa access also supports tourism businesses by encouraging longer-term visitor relationships. Repeat visitors often contribute to different sectors, including accommodation, retail, dining and local experiences.

Regional Airports Expand Travel Choices

South Korea is also focusing on improving air connectivity between Vietnam and regional airports to create more travel options for Vietnamese visitors.

Efforts are being made to strengthen connections with airports including Gimhae, Cheongju, Daegu, Yangyang and Jeju.

Direct flights to regional destinations could reduce travel times and allow visitors to reach different parts of South Korea more conveniently. This could encourage travellers to explore destinations beyond the country’s most popular tourism routes.

Regional airport connections can also help spread tourism benefits across more areas. Smaller cities and provinces can attract international visitors, supporting local businesses and creating new tourism opportunities.

The expansion of regional connectivity is expected to provide Vietnamese travellers with more choices when planning their South Korea trips.

South Korea Builds Stronger Vietnam Tourism Partnership

The continued increase in Vietnamese arrivals reflects the strengthening tourism relationship between Vietnam and South Korea.

Tourism authorities are focusing on improving travel convenience through better visa policies, stronger air connectivity and wider destination choices. These measures aim to attract more Vietnamese visitors and support long-term tourism growth.

Vietnam’s position as a major Southeast Asian travel market makes it an important focus for South Korea’s tourism strategy. The combination of cultural popularity, easier travel procedures and expanding regional access is helping create stronger links between the two countries.

The latest visitor figures show that demand for South Korea remains strong among Vietnamese travellers even when flight availability changes.

With the upcoming travel season in Autumn, improved visa opportunities and expanding regional routes, South Korea is to continue enjoying the Vietnamese visitors. The growing connection between the two countries shows how the culture, accessibility and multiple experiences contribute to future of Asian tourism. South Korea is observing strong rise in tourism from Vietnam as growing interests in cultural, coupled with more liberal visa policy and expanded regional connections, contributes to 10 per cent increase in Vietnamese arrivals despite fewer flights.