Amid the impact of fluctuating fuel prices on the global aviation market, the number of Vietnamese tourists visiting South Korea has continued to maintain positive growth momentum in 2026. In particular, the MICE tourism segment recorded growth of more than 64% compared to the same period last year, highlighting South Korea’s increasing appeal to Vietnamese travelers.
According to the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) in Vietnam, as of April 2026, KTO had supported 12,888 incentive tour visitors, up 64.4% compared to the same period in 2025. The result reaffirms South Korea’s position as one of the top international destinations for Vietnamese tourists, while also contributing to stronger cultural exchanges and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Alongside the strong recovery of the tourism market, the Vietnam–South Korea friendship has continued to deepen through high-level exchanges, notably General Secretary To Lam’s visit to South Korea in August 2025 and the South Korean President’s official visit to Vietnam in April 2026.
In an effort to facilitate travel for Vietnamese citizens, the South Korean government has expanded eligibility for the 10-year multiple-entry visa (C-3-91), effective from late March 2026. The new policy applies to residents of Hanoi, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City; travelers who have previously visited OECD member countries; employees working at major Korean-invested enterprises in Vietnam; senior executives and managers at leading Vietnamese companies, along with their family members.
According to KTO, the expanded visa policy is expected to further stimulate tourism demand, people-to-people exchanges and bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and South Korea in the coming years. From May 20–22, KTO also organized the “Korea Travel Roadshow 2026” B2B tourism promotion series in Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City, attracting more than 22 local tourism organizations, travel companies and entertainment firms from South Korea.
Within the framework of the program, KTO announced various support policies for Vietnamese travel agencies, focusing on K-Culture products, charter tours, sports tourism, study tours and Vietnam–Korea heritage connection tours.
In addition, KTO will continue cooperating with airlines, banks and online travel platforms to launch a variety of promotional programs for Vietnamese travelers throughout 2026.
Ms. Park Eun Jung, Chief Representative of the Korea Tourism Organization in Vietnam, said Vietnam remains one of South Korea’s key tourism markets. According to her, this year’s Roadshow not only strengthens connections between tourism businesses of the two countries but also promotes new tourism products, especially tours to K-Vietnam Valley — a project expected to become a bridge for cultural and tourism exchanges between Vietnam and South Korea in the near future.
