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Vietnam - a meeting point for connecting journeys.
During her more than a year living and working in Vietnam, Ms. Kyoung Hee Kang, Country Director of Korean Air, has had the opportunity to visit many cities, most recently Quy Nhon in August and the ancient capital of Hue in early September. Each place she visited left her with strong impressions of the people and culture.
"Vietnam not only boasts beautiful natural landscapes, diverse recreational activities, and unique cuisine, but also has a geographical proximity and cultural similarities with South Korea. That's why many Koreans choose to travel here," she shared.
Ms. Kyoung Hee Kang, Country Director of Korean Air, speaks at the press conference.
It's not just a personal feeling; the numbers clearly demonstrate this appeal: South Korea is currently Vietnam's second-largest international tourist market, with over 3 million visitors in the first nine months of 2025 alone. Many South Koreans view Vietnam as an ideal vacation destination, where they find familiar cuisine, novel landscapes, and warm, hospitable smiles.
From Seoul, South Korea's national airline has been bringing travelers to five Vietnamese cities – Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Cam Ranh, and Phu Quoc. Currently, the airline has launched charter flights to Da Lat, opening up opportunities for new travel experiences.
A connecting wing between the two economies.
Also at the press conference, Ms. Kyoung Hee Kang affirmed: "Vietnam is one of our most dynamic and successful markets in Southeast Asia."
Media outlets participating in the press conference
In the first half of 2025, passenger traffic between the two countries continued to grow steadily, with the Ho Chi Minh City - Seoul (Incheon) route being the busiest. This strong growth not only reflects tourism demand but also demonstrates the increasingly strong connection between the Vietnamese and Korean economies. “Our goal is to continue providing reliable and high-quality services, contributing to strengthening Vietnam’s connection with the world,” shared Ms. Kyoung Hee Kang.
Over half a century of connecting the skies between Vietnam and Korea.
Ho Chi Minh City was one of Korean Air's first international destinations (1969), even before the airline began operating in the Americas in 1972. Subsequently, new routes were continuously opened: Hanoi in 2001, Da Nang in 2012, Nha Trang in 2014, and most recently Phu Quoc in 2023, marking the airline's continuous growth in Vietnam.
Travellive representatives posed questions to Korean Air representatives.
From left to right: Kenneth Lee, Communications Manager of Korean Air, Mun Man Sim, Operations Manager, and Woo Young Hur, Cargo Terminal Manager of Korean Air in Ho Chi Minh City, answering questions from the press at a press conference.
With over 55 years of operation, Korean Air is currently among the top 20 airlines in the world, a founding member of the SkyTeam alliance, and a strategic partner of Delta Air Lines. The airline operates a network of over 100 destinations globally in 39 countries across five continents, owns 163 aircraft, and employs more than 20,000 people.
Beyond air transport, Korean Air has expanded into the aerospace sector, participating in aircraft manufacturing, maintenance and repair (MRO), drone/UAV development, satellite launch rockets, and urban air transport research – a testament to the airline's forward-looking vision.
Korean Air introduced its main business areas, including aerospace and MRO.
From its first passengers between Ho Chi Minh City and Seoul to millions of flights annually, Korean Air has remained steadfast in its mission to connect people, cultures, and economies. In this journey, Vietnam is not only an important market but also a partner, sharing the aspiration to reach the world with reliable, green wings.
