According to VNA , citing data released by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) on July 19, approximately 2.34 million South Korean citizens departed the country for tourism purposes in May 2026.
Japan continues to be the most popular destination with approximately 951,000 visitors, accounting for 40.6% of South Korea's total foreign tourists.Vietnam ranked second with approximately 278,000 visitors, surpassing many familiar destinations in the region such as the US (100,000 visitors), Taiwan (China) (79,000 visitors), Thailand (64,000 visitors), the Philippines (61,000 visitors), and Hong Kong (China) (59,000 visitors).
Why is Vietnam attracting more and more South Korean tourists?
Over the years, South Korea has consistently been among Vietnam's largest international tourist markets. Conversely, Vietnam has also gradually become a popular choice for South Koreans for short breaks, family vacations, and leisure travel.
One of Vietnam's biggest advantages is its geographical proximity. Flight times from many major South Korean cities to Vietnam are only about 4-6 hours, making it ideal for short vacations.
In addition, the network of direct flights between the two countries is expanding. Currently, many airlines operate flights connecting Seoul, Busan, and many other cities in South Korea with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc, making travel more convenient.
Travel costs are also a significant competitive advantage. With reasonable spending, Korean tourists can access quality hotels, resorts, golf courses, healthcare services, and dining options, while many destinations maintain competitive prices compared to other countries in the region.
Furthermore, the increasingly deep economic relations, investment, and cultural exchanges between Vietnam and South Korea have contributed to making Vietnam more familiar to the Korean people. The Korean community living and working in Vietnam, along with the presence of many Korean businesses, helps to narrow the information and psychological gap between the two countries.
Beach resorts remain a major attraction.
Coastal locations continue to be a top choice for South Korean tourists.
Destinations like Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Mui Ne - Phan Thiet attract visitors with their combination of beach resorts, diverse resort systems, golf courses, cuisine, and various entertainment activities.
Besides its natural landscapes, the ability to combine various types of tourism in a single trip also helps Vietnam increase its competitiveness. Tourists can combine relaxation, heritage sightseeing, cultural experiences, shopping, or wellness treatments without having to travel too much.
There is still significant room for growth.
Maintaining its position as the second most popular destination for South Korean tourists demonstrates Vietnam's significant advantage in one of the most important international tourism markets.
However, to sustain growth, many experts believe the tourism industry needs to shift from focusing on increasing quantity to improving quality and segmenting its products.
Among these groups, younger travelers tend to prioritize new experiences, culinary delights, and destinations suitable for sharing on social media. Families are more concerned with convenience and safety, while middle-aged travelers have a high demand for golf, relaxation, and wellness. For business travelers, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism remains a segment with significant potential.
Prospects
Vietnam's continued ranking among the top destinations for South Korean tourists not only reflects the attractiveness of its tourism industry but also demonstrates the effectiveness of its air connectivity network and the increasingly close cooperative relationship between the two countries.
Given the continued high demand for international travel from South Koreans, diversifying products, improving service quality, and developing high value-added segments are expected to help Vietnam not only maintain its current position but also increase tourist spending and length of stay in the coming years.