In July 2024, Kyowon Tour Travel Easy Group released data showing that Vietnam ranked first among Koreans' favorite foreign travel destinations, surpassing even Japan.
In addition to famous tourist destinations such as Phu Quoc and Nha Trang, new experiences in Hoi An, Da Lat and Sa Pa are now also attracting the attention of Koreans.
Hankyung Economic Daily reporter Jo Yoon-seo visited Da Nang in the summer of 2024 to find answers to the popularity of Vietnamese tourism.
According to her, the first prominent cause is human.
"The weather in Da Nang is hot, but there is not much air conditioning like in Seoul. People are struggling to ride motorbikes in the hot weather. It is hot and humid, so it is quite uncomfortable. But Vietnamese people all seem comfortable and relaxed. Their eyes are always warm and I am drawn into that atmosphere. I feel happy even though I am sweating profusely," she commented.
Reporter Jo mentioned low prices as the second attractive factor.
“You can have a full bowl of pho for only about 3,000 won (52,000 VND). It’s a worthwhile expense. But I think the reason many Koreans come here is not just because of the cheap price.
I think it was because of the hospitality and warmth of the local people. I laughed a lot during the trip. There are people who have never been to Vietnam, but I think few people come to Vietnam but only once," the female reporter shared.
According to data from Hanatour - the largest travel agency in Korea, currently one in four Koreans who want to travel abroad chooses Vietnam. Popular destinations are Nha Trang, Da Nang, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Sa Pa.
According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, South Korea was the largest market sending visitors in the first 11 months of 2024 with 4.1 million arrivals (accounting for 26.1% of the international visitor market share).
