RoK takes lead in tourist arrivals in Thua Thien-Hue
Visitors from the Republic of Korea (RoK) accounted for one third of the 1.01 million foreign tourists to the central province of Thua Thien-Hue in the first half of this year, creating the largest market of the province’s tourism sector, statistics show.
Foreign tourists visit Dai Noi (Imperial Citadel) in Hue city (Photo: VNA)
Thua Thien-Hue (VNA) –🌊 Visitors from the Republic of Korea (RoK) accounted for one third of the 1.01 million foreign tourists to the central province of Thua Thien-Hue in the first half of this year, creating the largest market of the province’s tourism sector, statistics show.
Other important markets include France, Germany and the UK. The province, home to the capital of the last feudal dynasty in Vietnan, welcomed a total of 2.38 million tourists in the period, a rise of 36.36 percent over the same period last year. In the January-June period, Thua Thien-Hue raked in 2.27 trillion VND (98. 7 million USD) in tourism revenue. However, the province has yet to have major shopping centres and is currently lacking of Korean-speaking tour guides to serve holidaymakers from the RoK.
To attract more visitors, since the start of the year, Thua Thien-Hue hosted numerous events such as cultural festivals, notably the 10th Hue Festival, which took place between April 27 and May 2.
ℱ The province also took measures to restore its relics, while creating new qualified services, thus meeting increasing demand of visitors.
In addition, the provincial tourism sector has enhanced links with other localities in the region to ensure the operation of the Road of Heritage Sites in Central Vietnam travel tour. In early July, the Hue Monument Conservation Centre started to launch an art programme titled “Royal Inspiration” in Hue Imperial City by night and Change of Guards ceremony at Ngo Mon Gate, creating a highlight for the Hue Imperial Palace at night. Vice Director of the provincial Tourism Department Le Huu Minh said that in 2018, the province will expand some areas on Truong Tien bridge to turn it into a cultural space at night. A cultural space will also be established in Le Loi street, and more food zones and art activities arranged in Pham Ngu Lao, Vo Thi Sau and Chu Van An streets, he added. The province recently launched a project to illuminate the Hue flag tower at night with 1,000 LED bulbs. Thua Thien-Hue aims to attract 4 – 4.2 million visitors this year, up 10 – 12 percent, with about 40 – 45 percent being foreigners. It hopes to record a 15-percent increase in tourism revenue to 4.2 – 4.3 trillion VND (184.1 – 188.5 million USD Hue city in Thua Thien-Hue province is home to five UNESCO-recognised heritages, namely the Complex of Hue Monuments (World Heritage Site), Nha nhac – Vietnamese court music (part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity), the woodblocks of the Nguyen Dynasty (part of the Memory of the World Programme), the imperial archives of the Nguyen Dynasty (part of the Memory of the World Programme), and the Royal Literature on Hue Royal Architecture (part of Documentary Heritage in the Memory of the World Programme in the Asia-Pacific region).-VNA
The Republic of Korea (RoK) and Vietnam’s central province of Quang Nam will intensify community and cultural activities, and share experience in preserving and promoting cultural values.
The Republic of Korea’s Seoul city and the Saigontourist Travel Service Company of Vietnam will join hands to develop tourism in both nations under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked between the two sides last month.
A seminar on ASEAN-Republic of Korea tourism investment took place in Seoul on June 6 to provide up-to-date information on investment environment and opportunities to invest in tourism industries of the 10 ASEAN member states.
The Vietnamese central city of Da Nang has become one of the most popular tourist destinations for people of the Republic of Korea this year, according to a Korean online ticket seller.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
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According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
Foreign tourists visit Dai Noi (Imperial Citadel) in Hue city (Photo: VNA) 
