According to the VNA correspondent in Seoul, in May 2026, around 2.34 million Korean citizens travelled abroad for tourism. The number of Korean people travelling overseas rebounded after four months of decline, reflecting an international travel demand recovery in the context of high fuel prices and exchange rates.

Among international destinations, Vietnam welcomed approximately 278,000 Korean visitors, ranked second. It was followed by the United States with around 100,000 visitors, Taiwan (China) with 79,000, Thailand with 64,000, the Philippines with 61,000, and Hong Kong (China) with 59,000.

Vietnam’s continued second-place ranking reflects its growing appeal to Korean travellers. For many years, Korea has remained one of the most important international tourism markets for Vietnam, while Vietnam has become a familiar choice among Koreans for short holidays and family trips.

A Korean tourist visited Vietnam. (Photo: Lao Dong Newspaper)

Popular destinations among Korean tourists are primarily coastal and resort locations including Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Mui Ne-Phan Thiet. In addition to natural scenery, a wide range of resorts, well-developed tourism services, and diverse cuisine are also factors that attract visitors.

In recent years, many Korean singers, actors, and celebrities have also chosen Vietnam as a holiday destination or filming location for entertainment programmes. Images shared on social media have helped promote Vietnam’s tourism appeal to a broad Korean audience, generating a positive impact on travel demand.

Key factors making Vietnam attractive to Korean tourists include its geographical proximity, reasonable travel costs and an expanding network of air routes. Many airlines currently operate direct services connecting major Korean cities with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc, making travel more convenient.

Vietnam-Korea Family Festival in the RoK Celebrates Cultural Roots and Community Bonds Recently, at the Hana Bank Hall in Seoul, the Vietnam Women’s Union in the RoK organized the program “Hung Kings Commemoration Day - Vietnam-Korea Family Festival” in a warm and cohesive atmosphere.

Vietnam Joins Annual Global Culture Festival in the RoK On May 10th, the Seongnam city government in Gyeonggi Province, Southern Seoul, held its 15th Global Culture Festival at City Hall Square with the theme “Experiencing Traditional Weddings Around the World.” Several diplomatic missions, international organizations, and expats in the RoK attended.