Where are the Korean tourists?

Tourist Jang Hyun Woo (left) and his family traveling in Da Nang in December 2024. Photo: Linh Huynh .

According to the Korea Tourism Organization and Incheon International Airport Corporation, between January and October 2025, South Koreans made 24,335,383 departures, with 349,919 international flights operated. Both figures represent a 3.2% increase compared to the same period the previous year, the Korea Herald reported.

The online travel platform Agoda also stated, based on its own data, that interest in overseas travel among South Koreans has increased by 15% compared to a year ago.

Reflecting this trend, Agoda has announced a list of the top 10 most popular overseas destinations for South Koreans in 2025, based on accommodation search data.

Vietnam made its mark with three destinations included: Nha Trang, Da Nang , and Phu Quoc , demonstrating the growing appeal of Southeast Asian tourist destinations to Korean visitors.

Tokyo, Fukuoka, and Osaka ranked first, second, and third respectively, further solidifying Japan's enduring appeal. Other destinations in the top 10 included Bali (Indonesia), Bangkok (Thailand), Sapporo (Japan), and Taipei (Taiwan).

This list shows that the trend of prioritizing nearby international destinations is expected to continue among South Koreans in 2025.

Phu Quoc airport is packed with international tourists at the beginning of the year. Photo: Linh Huynh.

In fact, in 2025, South Korea will continue to be the second largest source market for tourists to Vietnam. The Vietnam National Tourism Administration stated that many promotional activities have been implemented in key markets such as Europe, the US, China, Japan, South Korea, India, and Australia.

According to Ms. Tran Thi Bao Thu, Marketing and Communications Director of Vietluxtour travel company, it is not surprising that Korean tourists are focusing on beach resorts such as Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Phu Quoc, as well as major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

This group of customers has increasingly diverse needs, ranging from beach holidays and golf to MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, family vacations, and honeymoons.

Dr. Duong Duc Minh, Deputy Director of the Institute for Economic and Tourism Development Research, noted that after the Covid-19 pandemic, the international tourist market to Vietnam has changed significantly in terms of destinations, spending levels, and service demands.

In particular, tourists from Northeast Asia, especially from South Korea, China, and Japan, are increasingly favoring coastal destinations in Central Vietnam such as Nha Trang, Da Nang, Ha Long, and Phu Quoc.

South Korea holds the leading position thanks to its extensive network of direct flights and diverse range of resort services. Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi remain the main hubs for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, short-term tourism, and connecting points for domestic itineraries, demonstrating the flexibility of the international tourist market in Vietnam.

Jimin and Jungkook's diverse expressions while enjoying Vietnamese food. The two BTS members had the opportunity to experience many dishes, from street food to restaurant cuisine, during their filming trip to Da Nang.