The tourism landscape between South-East Asia and South Korea is undergoing a transformative phase, marked by significant growth and mutual benefits. According to the report ASEAN–Republic of Korea Tourism Cooperation: Fostering people-to-People, international tourist arrivals from South-East Asia to South Korea surged by 14.7% annually between 2015 and 2019. By 2019, South-East Asian visitors accounted for 15% of South Korea’s total tourist flow, trailing only behind China and Japan.
This upward trend is driven by the allure of Korean culture, or hallyu, which continues to captivate global audiences. South-East Asian tourists are drawn to South Korea’s beautiful destinations and favourable visa policies. Conversely, South Korean tourists, who make up 7.3% of South-East Asia’s incoming foreign tourists, are attracted to the region’s value-for-money experiences, gastronomy, and sun-and-beach destinations.
However, the report, presented by Jong Woo Kang, director for regional cooperation and integration at the Asian Development Bank, highlights several challenges. These include overtourism, uneven development in certain destinations, visa restrictions, and limited air connectivity. Kang emphasized, “for example, (most of the arrival traffic) is concentrated in Incheon International Airport. We need to look at improving the connectivity between primary cities and secondary cities in both South Korea and South-east Asia. The cost of airfare also affects the outbound travel decisions by travellers (from both sides).”
To address these issues, the report identifies key opportunities for collaboration.Lasting tourism practices, digital marketing, and film production are areas where both regions can work together to build a more resilient and inclusive tourism sector.Additionally, developing special interest tours, promoting digital nomad visas, and enhancing infrastructure in secondary destinations can attract new traveller segments and ensure a more balanced distribution of tourism benefits.
Kang also recommended “candid discussions with policymakers” in South Korea to explore “visa exemptions” and expand the coverage of existing measures like e-visas for South-East Asian travellers.
Key Insights at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| tourist Arrivals (2015-2019) | 14.7% annual increase from South-East Asia to south Korea |
| South-East Asia’s Share (2019) | 15% of South Korea’s total tourist flow |
| South Korea’s Share | 7.3% of South-East Asia’s incoming foreign tourists |
| challenges | Overtourism, uneven development, visa restrictions, limited air connectivity |
| Opportunities | sustainable tourism, digital marketing, film production, special interest tours |
The growing tourism ties between South-East Asia and South korea not only foster economic growth but also strengthen cultural exchange and regional cooperation.By addressing existing challenges and leveraging collaborative opportunities, both regions can unlock the full potential of their tourism sectors.For more insights into the evolving tourism landscape, explore the full report ASEAN–Republic of Korea Tourism Cooperation: Fostering People-to-People.
