Why Korean tourists are so "obsessed" with Vietnam

DNHN - Attractive theme parks, paradisiacal beaches, and the highest mountain peak in Indochina... are the reasons why Korean tourists, who account for 30 percent of all international visitors, are increasingly drawn to Vietnam.

According to data from the National Tourism Administration, Korea is the market sending the most visitors to Vietnam in the first seven months of 2023, accounting for nearly 30 percent of the total number of international visitors. It is anticipated that the number of Korean visitors to our country will decline after the summer, as August is traditionally the slowest month for international tourism in Vietnam. Nevertheless, August of last year alone recorded 385,904 Korean visitors, an increase of nearly 100,000 compared to July, demonstrating Vietnam's increasing appeal to tourists from the land of kimchi.

According to a survey conducted by the Agoda platform, Korean tourists place Vietnam at the top of their list of preferred international travel destinations. Among these, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, and coastal cities are particularly popular with Koreans.

Mr. Yong Sung Ok, head of the Southeast Asia department at Korea's leading travel agency Hanatour, recently stated, "Vietnam has been the most popular and sought-after country for Korean tourists over the past year." The geographical location is close, there are numerous routes and airfare for Koreans is relatively inexpensive." In addition to what Mr. Yong Sung Ok mentioned, the reason Korean tourists "fall in love" with Vietnam is due to its diverse and alluring destinations.

Da Nang is a tourist magnet for Koreans.

In the eyes of Koreans, Da Nang, the "most livable" city in Vietnam, is an ideal destination due to its accessibility, affordability, beautiful beaches, diverse cuisine, and abundance of options. Choose a seaside luxury resort.

Mr. Yong Sun Ok stated that Koreans adore Da Nang because it is a city where one can both visit and be entertained. "Da Nang is well-known among Koreans. This location has numerous appealing attractions and an exceptional tourism infrastructure. The airport is close to the city, where numerous hotel and resort options are available. Additionally, the infrastructure, transportation, and safety are all excellent. Mr. Yong Sun Ok heaped praise on the Han River city, noting that its cuisine is also a strength, with dishes beloved by Koreans.

It can be said that few places "pamper" tourists as much as Da Nang. When visitors come to this area, they have access to both the beach and numerous mountain attractions. Sun World Ba Na Hills is one destination where the number of Korean tourists "dominated" other international tourist markets.

Possessing a year-round cool climate similar to that of temperate Europe, breathtaking natural landscapes, and captivating photography vantage points that appeal to Korean tastes, such as Golden Bridge, French Village, Eclipse Square, and Divine Waterfall. Sun World... features exciting events throughout the four seasons Ba Na Hills is the number one attraction that Korean tourists recommend to one another as a must-see while exploring Da Nang. Ba Na Hills is appropriate for tourists of all ages and genders, including couples, families, and groups.

According to statistics from the tourist area, approximately 33 percent of Ba Na's visitors in the first few months of the year were Korean. During the summer months, this figure still exceeds 15%, whereas other international tourist markets account for only 1-5%. "Visiting Sun World Ba Na Hills is highly recommended. Choi Hyun, a tourist from Gangwon province, remarked, "I feel like I've been granted an extra visa to Europe, even though I'm in Vietnam." Cho Il-sang, a tourist from Seoul, remarked, "Besides Golden Bridge, Sun World Ba Na Hills tourist area is also famous for being an all-in-one amusement park, where visitors can enjoy many interesting and exciting experiences."

Recently, Korea's Financial News also pointed out that for every 3 tourists, there is 1 Korean tourist at Sun World Ba Na Hills. According to an interview with a representative of the tourist area, one of the reasons why Korean tourists visit Ba Na Hills is because this location is conducive to the mentality of Korean tourists. Koreans appreciate the ambiance of an ancient European town and are interested in Instagram's top-rated locations. Particularly, Koreans regard the Golden Bridge as one of Vietnam's tourism symbols.

Phu Quoc - "rising star" for Koreans

Recently, the Korean news agency Yonhap News stated that compared to Da Nang or Ha Long, Phu Quoc is a lesser-known resort paradise. According to a Yonhap survey, the number of Korean visitors to Phu Quoc is gradually increasing as a result of word-of-mouth, so "it would be prudent to visit now before it becomes overly popular."

Increasing numbers of Korean tourists are visiting the island, to the point where Korean signs are frequently seen in restaurants and massage parlors in the island's central city. Fish sauce is a specialty that is highly valued by Korean customers who enjoy fresh seafood.

According to a representative of the Sun World Hon Thom tourist area, the majority of international visitors using the cable car are Korean, followed by those from China. Koreans enjoy riding the world's longest 3-wire cable car to view Phu Quoc's pristine, emerald-green beaches from above. In addition, a variety of resort options with breathtaking views of the ocean as well as historical culture exploration and visits to Sunset Town are additional reasons why an increasing number of Korean tourists choose Phu Quoc when travelling to Vietnam.

Fansipan – “Koreans like mountains”

In addition to coastal cities such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc that attract Korean tourists, Koreans are beginning to favour high mountain destinations in Vietnam, particularly Sa Pa, due to the cable car. ascent to the summit of Fansipan, similar to Ba Na. Mr. Yong Sun Ok remarked that Koreans enjoy mountains. "I myself enjoy riding the cable car. I believe the most appealing aspect is being able to view the landscape from above," he said.

Sun World Fansipan Legend tourist area recorded 14,300 Korean visitors in the first half of the year, accounting for 11% of the total number of international visitors to Fansipan and representing an increase compared to previous years. Even on some days, the majority of international visitors to this tourist destination are Korean.

One of the reasons is that the number of Korean customers who have checked into this location on Instagram has increased. Koreans are "enchanted" by the cable car traversing the impressive terraced fields typical of Vietnam's Northwest or by the red mountain train traversing the poetically beautiful Muong Hoa valley in Switzerland.

In addition, conquering Fansipan is one of the reasons why Koreans enjoy themselves. Fansipan is nearly twice as tall as Hallasan, the highest mountain in Korea, at 3,143 metres. Ms. Jung Yuri, a tourist from Jeju Island, where Hallasan Mountain is located, shared: "This makes us happy." Many Korean visitors to Fansipan also compare the landscape to their conceptions of paradise.

Future Vietnamese tourism will attract a growing number of Korean visitors due to the country's attractive destinations and variety of experiences. Not only Da Nang, but many destinations of the S-shaped land will remain on the "must visit" list of Korean tourists who wish to experience a truly exciting Vietnam with distinctive landscapes in each region.

Anh Nguyen