The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Vietnam office has announced a comprehensive promotional campaign and partnership program for the latter half of 2025, highlighted by its prominent presence at the International Travel Fair in Ho Chi Minh City (ITE HCMC 2025). The initiative aims to further bolster the already strong tourism ties between South Korea and Vietnam, a relationship which saw a record-breaking milestone in 2024 with over 5 million travelers moving between the two countries for the first time. This robust exchange underscores the significant potential for continued growth in the bilateral tourism sector.
Strong Bilateral Tourism Ties: Building on Success
The robust growth trajectory of tourism between South Korea and Vietnam continues into 2025. During the first seven months of the year, over 368,000 Vietnamese tourists visited South Korea, an increase of nearly 8% compared to the same period in the previous year. This significant rise in visitor numbers reinforces the substantial potential for further collaboration and development in the tourism sector between the two nations. The enduring popularity of South Korea as a destination for Vietnamese travelers, coupled with the reciprocal interest from South Korean tourists visiting Vietnam, creates a fertile ground for continued mutual benefit.
KTO Vietnam’s ITE HCMC 2025 Showcase
From September 4th to 6th, 2025, the KTO Vietnam booth at ITE HCMC will serve as a focal point of the event. Under the theme “Say đắm Thu Hàn – Fall in Korea,” the experience will immerse visitors in a vibrant recreation of traditional Korean markets, the allure of Korean nightlife, and the contemporary dynamism of K-Culture, promising a diverse and engaging experience.
Regional Collaboration and Expanded Partnerships
The KTO Vietnam office will be joined by key representatives from various South Korean regional tourism boards, including Jeju, Gyeonggi, Jeonbuk, and the Seoul Metropolitan Area Tourism Organization. This broad representation will provide Vietnamese travelers and businesses with direct access to updated information about various regions across South Korea, cultivating a diverse range of opportunities for tourism partnership development.
Incentivizing MICE Tourism: A New Support Program
In a significant move to attract Vietnamese business travelers, the KTO Vietnam office is launching a special incentive program for Vietnamese businesses organizing their first MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) trips to South Korea. Groups of 10 or more travelers with a minimum two-night stay will receive a 10,000 won subsidy per person, applicable from July to December 2025. This initiative can be seamlessly combined with the KTO’s global MICE 2025 package, offering Vietnamese tour operators even greater flexibility and benefits.
Diversifying Tourism Offerings: Beyond MICE
Beyond the MICE sector, the KTO’s strategic focus extends to developing diverse tourism products, including study tours, B2B workshops, fam trips, and promotion of emerging destinations. The organization plans to showcase prominent locations such as Gyeongju, host city of the 2025 APEC summit, as well as Busan, Jeonju, and the ever-popular Jeju Island.
Showcasing Gyeongju and Busan: Fam Trip Initiatives
To coincide with the APEC 2025 summit in Gyeongju, KTO Vietnam will organize a fam trip titled “Promoting Gyeongju – Busan” (September 11th-16th, 2025). This event will include prominent travel bloggers and content creators, leveraging their influence to amplify the appeal of these destinations to a broader Vietnamese audience.
A further fam trip, “Exploring K-Culture” (September 23rd-29th, 2025), will be held in partnership with Vietnam Airlines and Klook, providing participants with first-hand experiences encompassing Korean music, fashion, cuisine, and lifestyle. This collaborative approach is designed to offer comprehensive exposure to the rich tapestry of Korean culture.
Digital Engagement: Amplifying Reach
Complementing its offline initiatives, KTO Vietnam will augment its online presence through various digital promotions. A series of online contests will be launched to further engage Vietnamese audiences, building enthusiasm for Korean culture and tourism. This multi-pronged approach leverages both traditional and modern channels to maximize the impact of its promotion.
KTO’s Commitment to Strengthening Tourism Ties
Ms. Park Eun Jung, the head of KTO Vietnam, emphasized the significance of the organization’s participation in ITE 2025: “We aim to create a vibrant and engaging space where Vietnamese tourists can not only learn about but also truly experience South Korea in the most approachable and enjoyable way. We remain committed to working closely alongside travelers and partners to bring the allure of Korean tourism closer to the Vietnamese public.”
A Strong Partnership for Mutual Growth
Through its comprehensive promotional strategy and supportive policies, KTO Vietnam continues to play a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between the two nations. This multifaceted approach projects a positive outlook for robust growth and mutual benefits in the Vietnamese and South Korean tourism sectors. KTO’s efforts highlight a commitment to building a stronger and more vibrant tourism partnership between South Korea and Vietnam.
