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South Korea is preparing a historic push in its visa policy to achieve its goal of welcoming 30 million international tourists by 2027. The news that the country plans to issue multiple-entry visas valid for up to 10 years to Vietnamese tourists is becoming a focal point of attention among travel enthusiasts. This is considered a crucial tourism diplomacy strategy, opening the door to stronger connections between the two countries amidst record-breaking demand from Vietnamese people for sightseeing, shopping, and enjoying the arts in South Korea.
According to reports from the National Tourism Strategy Conference, the South Korean government is considering easing visa regulations for residents of Vietnam's three largest cities: Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Currently, this group enjoys a 5-year visa, but the new proposal would double that validity. Possessing a travel permit valid for a decade would mean travelers could freely fly to Incheon anytime without worrying about financial documentation or annual renewal queues. This would be particularly significant for affluent travelers, businesspeople, and young people who appreciate Korean popular culture.
The vibrant cherry blossom scenery in Korea is a magnet attracting millions of Vietnamese tourists every spring.
This proposal coincides with the peak of the Korean tourism craze in Vietnam. Beyond simply admiring cherry blossoms at Yeojwacheon Stream or strolling under ginkgo trees, music fans are buzzing with excitement about upcoming concerts by global K-pop group BTS. The relaxation of the 10-year visa requirement is expected to make it easier for ARMYs (BTS fans) and K-pop fans in general to travel to South Korea for major music events, combined with high-end tourism and beauty services, which are strengths of the country.
South Korea's new strategy focuses not only on visa validity periods but also on relieving pressure on the capital, Seoul. Currently, over 80% of international tourist traffic is concentrated in Seoul, causing localized congestion while the potential in other regions remains untapped. To change this situation, the South Korean government is focusing its efforts on supporting airlines to open direct flights to local airports such as Busan, Daegu, and Yangyang through reduced infrastructure fees and financial assistance. The Smart Entry system (automated gate system) will also be expanded, making the entry process smoother and more modern, minimizing waiting times for tourists.
K-Pop fans from all over the world flock to South Korea to attend major music events, contributing significantly to tourism revenue.
Seoul and other major South Korean cities continue to solidify their position as "shopping and beauty paradises" for high-end tourists from Vietnam.
South Korea's favorable treatment of the Vietnamese market stems from impressive growth figures. In 2025, the number of Vietnamese visitors to South Korea is projected to reach approximately 550,000, a 9% increase compared to the previous year. The target for 2026 is to reach 600,000, nearly reaching the pre-pandemic record. Conversely, South Korea maintains its position as the largest source market for Vietnamese tourists, with nearly one million visitors in the first two months of the year alone. This bustling two-way exchange of visitors is the driving force behind the South Korean Ministry of Justice's early finalization of the official regulations on the 10-year visa this year.
Furthermore, pilot policies such as visa exemption for groups of three or more and upgrading port control systems for cruise ship passengers (expected to reach 1.7 million) demonstrate a flexible and open approach to tourism management. Experts believe that when the 10-year visa is officially implemented, it will create a double boost: both promoting economic trade and strengthening cultural ties. Vietnamese tourists, with their increasingly high spending on luxury services, will be a crucial factor in helping South Korea's tourism economy recover and develop sustainably in the next decade.
