US Travel Industry Embraces New Opportunities For Korean Tourism At Seattle 2025 Event, Hosted By Korea Tourism Organization And Incheon Airport To Promote Hawaiian Airlines’ Non-Stop Route

Published on June 11, 2025

Korea Tourism Organization and Incheon International Airport Corporation Host Successful B2B Event in Seattle to Promote Korean Tourism

On June 10, 2025, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Los Angeles office and Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) co-hosted a highly successful B2B briefing event titled “Discover Your Korea in Seattle 2025” at the Lotte Hotel Seattle. This landmark event was held to commemorate the upcoming launch of Hawaiian Airlines’ new non-stop flight service connecting Seattle to Incheon, Korea, set to begin in September. It also aimed to foster collaboration and networking among local travel industry professionals, with a shared goal of boosting inbound tourism to Korea.

The event attracted approximately 60 participants, including key stakeholders from Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Incheon International Airport Corporation, and major local travel agencies. This diverse attendance highlighted the high level of interest in the initiative and the potential for expanding travel between the Pacific Northwest and Korea. Representatives from the tourism sector, airlines, and travel agencies gathered to explore new opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and discuss the future of Korean tourism in the region.

Hawaiian Airlines Unveils Non-Stop Seattle to Incheon Route

The event kicked off with Hawaiian Airlines presenting their much-anticipated new route connecting Seattle and Incheon. This new direct service is expected to provide significant convenience and accessibility for travelers, as it will offer a fast and reliable way to travel between the Pacific Northwest and Korea. Hawaiian Airlines representatives emphasized the strategic importance of the route in promoting tourism and fostering closer ties between the two regions.

In addition to the announcement of the new route, KTO Los Angeles took the opportunity to showcase the latest trends and developments in Korean tourism. Their presentation focused on innovative travel experiences and exciting new offerings in Korea, including the rapidly growing sector of “K-Content Tourism.” This concept, which involves themed travel experiences based on Korean dramas, music, and movies, has become a key draw for international visitors eager to immerse themselves in Korea’s vibrant pop culture.

K-Content Tourism and Regional Attractions Take Center Stage

KTO’s presentation highlighted a variety of theme-based travel opportunities across Korea, encouraging local partners to develop new, exciting travel products centered around the country’s diverse regional attractions. These efforts align with Korea’s broader strategy to attract more international tourists through tailored experiences that reflect the cultural, historical, and modern aspects of the country. In addition to the global appeal of K-Pop and K-Dramas, the KTO presentation emphasized the rich local offerings, such as scenic landscapes, historic sites, and unique culinary experiences, all of which make Korea a dynamic and multifaceted destination.

The growing influence of K-Content tourism was showcased as a driving force for tourism growth, with visitors increasingly seeking out destinations and activities featured in their favorite dramas and music videos. As part of their efforts to promote this trend, KTO stressed the importance of collaboration with local U.S. partners to develop new tourism products and itineraries that cater to the interests of North American travelers.

Incheon International Airport: A Global Gateway to Korea

Incheon International Airport Corporation also delivered a compelling presentation, emphasizing the airport’s status as a global hub for international travel. Serving as the gateway to Korea and beyond, Incheon Airport offers efficient services, seamless transfer options, and state-of-the-art facilities that cater to travelers from all over the world. The IIAC team highlighted the airport’s commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable travel experience, which is vital for enhancing Korea’s global tourism appeal.

The airport’s traveler-friendly infrastructure, combined with its extensive global network of airlines, makes it an ideal entry point for visitors coming to Korea from any part of the world. As Incheon Airport continues to evolve, its position as a central hub for Asia-Pacific travel only strengthens the region’s prominence in the global tourism landscape. The IIAC presentation further underscored the importance of developing efficient and convenient connections to and from major cities like Seattle, ensuring that visitors can easily travel between the U.S. and Korea.

Networking and Collaboration Opportunities for the Future

The event concluded with a lively raffle giveaway and ample opportunities for networking, which proved to be a highlight for attendees. The event’s informal setting allowed for relaxed conversations between participants, fostering relationships that could lead to further collaboration between the U.S. and Korea. The networking sessions also provided a chance to explore potential partnerships and strategies for driving inbound tourism from the U.S. Pacific Northwest to Korea.

Both KTO and IIAC expressed their enthusiasm for the future of Korean tourism in the U.S. market and emphasized the critical role of regional travel professionals in supporting these efforts. As tourism demand continues to rise, events like “Discover Your Korea in Seattle 2025” lay the groundwork for further promoting Korea as a must-visit destination for American travelers.

Looking Ahead: Building Stronger Ties Between the U.S. and Korea

The success of the event signals the growing demand for Korean tourism products and services in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. With Hawaiian Airlines’ new route set to increase accessibility, KTO and IIAC are positioning themselves to continue driving growth in inbound tourism from the U.S. The “Discover Your Korea in Seattle 2025” briefing represents just the beginning of a collaborative effort to expand Korea’s reach and attract even more travelers seeking unique, culturally rich experiences in one of Asia’s most dynamic destinations.

As Korean tourism continues to evolve, events like these provide a platform for industry leaders and professionals to collaborate, innovate, and create new opportunities that will benefit both local communities and international visitors alike. The future of Korean tourism looks bright, and partnerships between the U.S. and Korea will play a key role in shaping that future.

A KTO representative stated, “This Seattle briefing has provided a foundation for expanding interest in traveling to Korea throughout the Pacific Northwest, including Washington, Oregon, Montana, and Idaho, centered around the new direct route.” They added, “We will continue to strengthen targeted marketing efforts tailored to each region’s characteristics and demand to steadily grow U.S. travel to Korea.”