Hanoi (VNA) – Visitors from the Republic of Korea (RoK) make up the largest proportion among the top 10 tourism markets to Vietnam, according to the Vietnam NationalAdministration of Tourism under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

The Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) announced that since2019, around 4.29 million Korean tourists have visited Vietnam, and the country hasalso welcomed 550,000 holiday-makers from the Southeast Asian nation.

In the first eight months of this year, Vietnam served about200,000 travellers from the RoK, while around 80,000 Vietnamese visited theEast Asian country.

At present, both sides are stepping up communications topopularise their tourist attractions to each other’s travel lovers.

This month, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourismis planning to organise a programme to promote the country's industry in the RoK.

Meanwhile, the KTO has organised a wide range of specialactivities, including “Travel to Korea Begins Again” - a programme held at its bustling Incheon Airport in June and July to welcome foreign tourists back to thecountry; a MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) roadshowprogramme in late June to connect travel agencies of both countries to promoteMICE tourism; “Hi Korea” - a tourism campaign on Tik Tok to inspire youngVietnamese people to visit the RoK; and “Korea Days in Hanoi” - an event to beheld in November on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of bilateraldiplomatic ties.

KTO Chief Representative in Vietnam Lee Jae-hoon said theorganisation always exerts efforts to provide to Vietnamese tourists great tripsto the RoK, adding that its programmes will help visitors feel welcomed andchoose the RoK as their first destination after the pandemic.

The Korean tourism sector will always work hard to improveand turn the country into a favourite destination among the Vietnamesetravellers, he added.

Located in the heart of Southeast Asia and home to a richculture, diverse natural landscapes, delicious cuisine, and friendly localpeople, Vietnam has been a rising destination in recent years, drawing more andmore world travelers, and routinely receiving praise from leading global travelmagazines, including its attraction to Korean travelers.

While the Republic of Korea has resumed the issuance ofshort-term travel visa, Korean travelers can enjoy visa exemption for a stay of upto 15 days in Vietnam. International visitors are not required for COVID-19 tests or health declaration upon their arrival in Vietnam.

To better serve the travel demand between the two countries,in July, budget carrier Vietjet Air launched direct routes linking Vietnam’sHanoi, Nha Trang, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City to Busan – which is a beautifulport city in the south of the RoK and well-known for its beaches, temples and the uniquecolored Gamcheon culture village, romantic Haeundae Dalmaji Hill, HaedongYonggungsa temple among other hidden gems.

“The new routes between Busan and Vietnam’s top fourdestinations emphasise Vietjet’s readiness, as the largest carrier operatingbetween the two countries in terms of flight capacity, to meet rising regionaltravel demand in the coming time. Vietjet is committed to offering more flightoptions with the most affordable fares to bring passengers to their favouritedestinations,” said Vietjet Vice President Nguyen Thanh Son.

Along with the four direct routes to Busan, Vietjet currentlyoperates six routes from Vienam’s top destinations namely Ho Chi Minh City/Hanoi/ Da Nang/ Phu Quoc/ Nha Trang /Hai Phong to the RoK's capital city of Seoul with 1- 2return flights on a daily basis and will increase their flight frequencies inthe coming time.

In late June, Korean Air - the RoK’s biggest airline -reopened its direct air route from Incheon to the central city of Da Nang./.