Photo: Organizing Committee
The boost from visas
In an effort to deepen cooperative relations and provide maximum convenience for Vietnamese citizens, the Korean government has officially expanded the list of eligible groups for multiple-entry visas with a validity period of 10 years, effective from the end of March 2026.
The Korea Travel Roadshow 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City featured the participation of 22 companies from South Korea and over 80 travel agencies from Vietnam (Photo: Organizing Committee).
According to regulations, citizens with permanent residency in Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City are eligible for consideration for multiple-entry visas. In addition, spouses and minor children of visa holders may also be granted corresponding visas. Relaxing visa requirements not only reduces procedural barriers but also reflects the increasingly important position of the Vietnamese market for South Korea's tourism industry. Over the years, the number of Vietnamese visitors to South Korea has continuously grown, especially among young travelers and independent travelers.
Recently, as part of a large-scale promotional campaign in key markets, KTO (Korea Tourism Organization) Vietnam organized the Korea Travel Roadshow 2026 in Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, attracting more than 22 Korean organizations, including local tourism promotion agencies and key tourism organizations. The event aimed to strengthen and promote Vietnam-Korea tourism cooperation, developing in-depth and highly connected Korean tourism products to meet the increasingly diverse needs of Vietnamese tourists.
The event also attracted a large number of Vietnamese tourists interested in learning about tourism in South Korea (Photo: Organizers)
Enhancing cultural depth
With the strong influence of Hallyu culture, the demand for tourism in South Korea is no longer limited to visiting famous check-in spots or shopping. Many tourists are now seeking more personal experiences, from exploring local life, cuisine, and traditional culture to activities related to history and contemporary art.
This trend is reflected in the increasing attention given to historical destinations, including the K-Vietnam Valley project in Bonghwa County, Gyeongsangbuk Province. This space is connected to the story of Prince Ly Long Tuong, a descendant of the Ly Dynasty who migrated to Goryeo in the 13th century, and is considered a symbol of the long-standing historical ties between the two nations.
This place currently preserves many structures showcasing Vietnamese architecture, along with the first statue of King Ly Thai To placed outside of Vietnam. For many tourists, such locations are not simply places to visit but also hold significant historical and emotional value.
The inauguration ceremony of the statue of King Ly Thai To in Bonghwa, South Korea on August 24, 2025 (Photo: Bonghwa County)
Tourism models linked to technology, esports, beauty treatments, smart agriculture, or traditional craft workshops are becoming new choices for Vietnamese tourists visiting South Korea. This shows that the country's tourism industry is striving to innovate experiences to adapt to the rapidly changing travel consumption behavior of the younger generation.
In the context of increasing competition among Asian destinations, visa expansion may provide an initial boost, but the key to long-term appeal remains the experience. According to Ms. Park Eun Jung, Chief Representative of KTO Vietnam, Vietnam has always been a top priority market for Korean tourism. Through this series of roadshows, KTO Vietnam aims not only to strengthen connections but also to offer Vietnamese tourists practical policies. "In particular, the project to promote tourism to Vietnam Village (K-Vietnam Valley) is expected to become a bridge of friendship, bringing meaningful travel itineraries to Vietnamese tourists in 2026 when they visit Korea, strongly promoting bilateral tourism exchange between Vietnam and Korea in the future."
Source: https://vtv.vn/suc-bat-moi-cho-hop-tac-du-lich-viet-han-100260523184751145.htm
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