RoK tourists to Vietnam top 1 million in first quarter
Tourist arrivals from the Republic of Korea (RoK) to Vietnam exceeded 1 million in the first quarter of 2019, revealed the Korea Tourism Organisation on May 16.
Hanoi (VNA) – Tourist arrivals from the Republic of Korea (RoK) to Vietnamexceeded 1 million in the first quarter of 2019, revealed the Korea TourismOrganisation on May 16.
Vietnamwelcomed about 1.11 million RoK tourists in January-March, a year-on-year surgeof 24.4 percent, surpassing the 1 million mark in a quarter for the first time.
Withthis momentum, the figure is projected to exceed 4 million visitors this year.
Afterreaching the milestone of 1 million visitors for the first time in 2015,tourist arrivals from the RoK to Vietnam jumped to 2.42 million in 2017 and3.44 million last year.
Vietnamhas emerged as a popular destination for Koreans, due to its diverse landscapesand low costs.
Notably, in the first four months of 2019, visitors from the RoK accounted for 29.3 percent of thetotal 847,700 foreigners to the centralprovince of Thua Thien-Hue, home to the capital of thelast feudal dynasty in Vietnam, becoming the largest source of tourists to the province.-VNA
The upcoming visit to Vietnam by RoK President Moon Jae-in will be a good chance for leaders of the two countries to review achievements of bilateral relations in the past 25 years and sketch out plans for future cooperation.
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.
The Republic of Korea (RoK)’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is working on preparations for the opening of a General Consulate in the central city of Da Nang, a famous coastal tourism hub of Vietnam.
Da Nang city in central Vietnam is the most popular summer vacation destination of tourists from the Republic of Korea this year, a shift from last year’s preference for Japanese cities.
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.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
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 to Vietnam (Photo: VNA) 
