The opportunity was highlighted at the Gia Lai Investment and Tourism Promotion Forum held in the RoK on June 12. The event, jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in the RoK and a Gia Lai delegation, brought together provincial leaders, business representatives, investors and travel companies from both countries.
Speaking at the forum, Vietnamese Ambassador to the RoK Vu Ho said relations between Viet Nam and the RoK were continuing to deepen under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with economic cooperation, investment and tourism becoming increasingly important pillars.
He noted that changing global investment and tourism trends require localities to move beyond simply promoting their potential and instead create concrete opportunities for cooperation. According to the ambassador, Gia Lai possesses significant advantages in tourism development thanks to its combination of mountains, forests, coastline and distinctive cultural assets, making it an attractive new destination for RoK visitors, particularly in the resort, golf and experiential tourism segments.
Chairman of the Gia Lai Provincial People’s Committee Pham Anh Tuan introduced what he described as a “new Gia Lai” with expanded development space following administrative restructuring. Under the slogan “Where the highlands meet the blue sea”, the province aims to offer visitors a unique journey combining beaches, highlands and indigenous culture.
The province is investing in strategic infrastructure, including transport links between coastal and highland areas, upgrades to Phu Cat Airport and tourism facilities meeting international standards. Gia Lai will also host the National Tourism Year in 2026 and has identified the RoK as a priority international market.
The forum also highlighted plans to launch charter flights linking Seoul and Quy Nhon, a move expected to strengthen tourism ties between the RoK and Viet Nam’s central and Central Highlands regions while creating new opportunities for investment and sustainable tourism development.
