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Da Nang City, dubbed the "tourism capital" of Central Vietnam, is increasingly asserting its position as one of the top destinations favored by international tourists, especially those from South Korea.
A clear testament to this strong appeal is the impressive number of Korean tourists flocking to Da Nang in 2024, exceeding 1 million, and this trend is expected to continue strongly in the first half of 2025. Not only is it a popular destination for general tourists, Da Nang has also become a "secret vacation paradise" for many Korean stars. For example, Vietnamese fans recently spotted two members of the global K-pop group BTS, Jungkook and Jimin, on the streets of Da Nang, and famous actor Lee Jong Suk also chose the city as a vacation destination with his family.
Recently, two members of BTS were spotted traveling in Da Nang after completing their military service.
Actor Lee Jong Suk also recently posted photos from a luxury hotel in Da Nang.
Da Nang's appeal stems from a combination of factors, most notably its pleasant climate. Unlike the damp and chilly weather of Hanoi or the intense heat characteristic of some other coastal regions, Da Nang offers fresh air with gentle sunshine and cool sea breezes year-round. According to many travelers, the ideal time to explore Da Nang is from February to April, when the weather is dry and cool in spring, creating favorable conditions for sightseeing and exploration. Although the rainy season from May to August may disrupt travel plans, the city's diverse beauty remains a major plus.
One of the things tourists love most about visiting Da Nang is its pleasant climate; the sun isn't too harsh, but there's a cool sea breeze.
Another key factor is its geographical convenience and diverse landscape. Just a 2- to 3-hour flight from Seoul, South Korea—a journey roughly the same as a domestic flight to Jeju Island—allows visitors to reach Da Nang.
From South Korea, for example, the capital Seoul, flying to Da Nang takes only about 2-3 hours, the same time as flying from Seoul to Jeju Island.
Instead of choosing Jeju with its similar beach scenery, many Koreans prefer Da Nang for its unique combination of sea, mountains, and river in a harmonious whole. Just a 30-minute drive from the city center, visitors can enjoy the famous My Khe beach, admire the magnificent Hand Bridge atop Ba Na Hills, and stroll along the romantic Han River. The ability to experience the entire "triangle" of sea, mountains, and river in a single day is rare, making Da Nang a unique destination.
With its abundance of beaches, mountains, and rivers, it's no wonder that many South Korean tourists, especially Korean celebrities, frequently choose Da Nang to "escape" from the showbiz world.
The combination of stunning scenery and friendly amenities explains why Da Nang has become a top choice for many tourists, especially Korean artists seeking an escape from the spotlight and busy schedules. Recognizing the large number of Korean visitors, many establishments in Da Nang have proactively adapted to their tastes, from providing bilingual Korean-Vietnamese menus and signage to the increasing number of authentic Korean restaurants. Even locals are continuously learning Korean to communicate, creating a very comfortable and pleasant tourist environment for visitors from the Land of Kimchi.
In May, South Korean actress Seo Ye Ji also visited Da Nang and Hoi An.
Furthermore, the allure of Vietnamese cuisine in general, and Da Nang in particular, cannot be overlooked. Vietnamese food, with its richness and harmony ranging from dry dishes like banh mi, com tam, and spring rolls to flavorful soups like pho, bun bo, and bun rieu, has captured the hearts of many international tourists. Many even consider enjoying the unique street food or traditional meals in Vietnam as one of the most important reasons to return and explore the country. In addition, the reasonable cost of living in Da Nang is also a major plus, allowing tourists to enjoy a fulfilling vacation without worrying too much about their budget.
Another equally important factor is the cuisine. Vietnamese cuisine is something that international tourists really enjoy when they come here.
Da Nang is also a familiar location on Korean television. The city has appeared in many popular travel reality shows such as "Battle Trip" and "Carefree Travelers," as well as popular entertainment programs like "Knowing Brothers" and the dating show "Love Catcher in Bali." Furthermore, Da Nang's beauty has been chosen as the backdrop for photo shoots of famous stars like Seo Yeji and even appeared in the hit drama "Taxi Driver 2," helping to make Da Nang's image increasingly popular and familiar to the Korean public.
Da Nang has appeared numerous times on popular Korean television programs.
The television program Knowing Brothers was filmed in Da Nang.
With all its outstanding advantages, from a mild climate, harmonious natural landscapes encompassing sea, mountains, and rivers, rich cuisine, reasonable costs, to frequent appearances in Korean media – Da Nang is no longer just an ordinary tourist destination. It offers a truly relaxing atmosphere, private yet intimate enough for stars to temporarily escape their busy schedules and the spotlight. Not as noisy as Seoul or as distant as Europe, Da Nang is both familiar and refreshing enough for weary hearts to find true rest.
