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In 2016, the number of Vietnamese tourists visiting South Korea reached 251,402, a 54.5% increase compared to 2015. As of July 9, 2017, the total number of Vietnamese tourists to South Korea reached 177,976, a 29.8% increase compared to the same period last year. This demonstrates that Vietnam is one of the leading markets in Southeast Asia for South Korean tourism. Recognizing the importance and abundant potential of the Vietnamese market, the Chungcheong region, comprising four administrative units – Chungcheongbuk-do Province, Chungcheongnam-do Province, Daejeon City, and Sejong City – became the fifth of eight regions to visit and introduce its tourism potential to Vietnamese tourism businesses and media outlets in 2017.
Within the framework of the workshop, the Chungcheong Region Tourism Promotion Association and the Korea Tourism Organization in Vietnam also signed an MOU with Vietravel, committing to cooperate in developing and promoting new tourism products to the region.
The Chungcheong region is located more than two hours by road from Seoul. This vast area in the center of South Korea spans the territories of the three kingdoms of Silla, Baekje, and Goguryo during the Three Kingdoms period of the Korean Peninsula. Therefore, it preserves many historical relics and diverse cultural features typical of these cultures.
Daejeon is one of the six major municipalities directly under the central government of South Korea. It's a vibrant city with many unique architectural structures and man-made parks, attracting international tourists. Sejong City is a smaller city planned to become the administrative center of South Korea, with most government agencies and ministries relocated there. The city also boasts national nature parks that are well-maintained and preserved, home to many rare species of flora and fauna. Chungcheongbuk-do Province is famous for its beautiful natural scenery and renowned resorts such as Cheongdamdae. Situated beside the picturesque Daecheongho Lake, Cheongdamdae's captivating scenery, which changes with the seasons, has made it a favorite vacation destination for many South Korean presidents. While Chungcheongbuk-do Province boasts Beobjusa Temple, home to numerous national treasures associated with the ancient Silla dynasty, Chungcheongnam-do Province preserves many cultural aspects of the Beakje dynasty and its contemporaries. A prime example of surviving architecture is Gongju Gongsanseong Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, along with many other Korean historical sites.
The Chungcheong region is also famous for many of the best signature dishes in Korea. These include Kalguksu – a noodle dish with a sweet and refreshing broth, and braised duck, a specialty with a unique regional flavor. As a former vacation spot for many presidents, the area also boasts a range of 3- to 5-star hotels to cater to the diverse needs of tourists.
With the expansion of eligibility for multiple-entry visas to South Korea and the simplification of visa application procedures for Vietnamese tourists, implemented by the Korean Embassy in Vietnam and the Korean Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City since July 10, 2017, the number of Vietnamese visitors to South Korea is expected to maintain its growth momentum and is projected to increase significantly in the coming years.
This requires South Korean tourism to constantly introduce new tourism products alongside traditional ones to cater to the needs of repeat visitors and young travelers who want to explore new destinations, including the Chungcheong region with its attractive destinations that will be showcased at the conference.
For more information, please contact:
Korea Tourism Organization in Vietnam
P1302, 13th Floor, Charmvit Tower, 117 Tran Duy Hung Street, Cau Giay District, Hanoi.
Tel : +84 4 3221 6276 - Fax : +84 4 3556 4141
Email: hanoi@knto.or.kr/ ktoinvietnam@gmail.com
