Deputy Director General Nguyen Thi Hoa Mai said: “The Republic of Korea is one of Viet Nam’s most important source markets for international visitors, based on the strategic cooperative relationship between the two countries, as well as similarities in culture, customs, and cuisine, and the close ties between the peoples of both nations. In addition, Viet Nam currently offers many favourable conditions, such as visa exemptions for citizens of the Republic of Korea, a rapidly expanding network of direct flights between the two countries, and the active participation of tourism businesses.”
In the coming period, the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism plans to step up roadshows and strengthen promotional and media activities. At the same time, it will invite KOLs and KOCs, as well as famtrip and presstrip delegations, from the Republic of Korea to survey and experience tourist destinations in Viet Nam.
According to Lee Chang Kun, Viet Nam’s Tourism Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, many activities to promote tourism exchange and cooperation between Viet Nam and the Republic of Korea will be carried out in 2026.
From north to south, each region across Viet Nam has its own distinctive culture, landscapes, and visitor experiences. If promotional content is developed by theme and by specific region, Viet Nam will have more opportunities to attract visitors from the Republic of Korea.
He further stressed the growing importance of social media platforms and especially KOLs and influencers in promoting tourism.
In addition, the ambassador will coordinate with relevant units to produce short videos introducing destinations in Viet Nam and support tourism promotion activities on social media platforms.
At present, visitors from the Republic of Korea mainly concentrate on familiar destinations, especially Da Nang. With the support of Viet Nam’s Tourism Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism hopes to introduce more attractive destinations such as Sa Pa, Ninh Binh, Ha Long, and Phu Quoc. The aim is to diversify travel experiences and encourage longer stays by Korean visitors in Viet Nam.
Ambassador Lee Chang Kun said that one of the key areas of cooperation between the two sides is the international QR payment system which has been approved by the two governments and has completed technical connectivity among the relevant units. From April 2026, the service is expected to be rolled out, allowing visitors from the Republic of Korea to use their mobile phones and Korean payment applications to scan QR codes and pay directly in Viet Nam.
In 2026, the two sides will focus on jointly organising activities and inviting tourism businesses to participate in programmes promoting Viet Nam tourism in the Republic of Korea. At the same time, they will step up communication and promotional efforts on digital platforms. The Tourism Information Centre will support these activities by coordinating media outreach and providing videos, images, and promotional content on destinations.
The two sides are also considering the development of a tourism publication specifically for the Republic of Korea market, either as a booklet or a brochure, to introduce destinations, experiences, cuisine, and tourism services in Viet Nam.
