Rising tourism arrivals between South-East Asia and South Korea are presenting numerous opportunities for economic growth, cultural exchange, and strengthened regional cooperation, finds report, ASEAN–Republic of Korea Tourism Cooperation: Fostering People-to-People.
From 2015 to 2019, international tourist arrivals from South-east Asia to South Korea increased 14.7 per cent a year while people from South-east Asia accounted for 15 per cent of the total tourist flow in 2019. This was behind only China and Japan.
Generally, South-east Asian visitors are drawn to the soft power of Korean culture (hallyu), beautiful destinations, and favourable visa policies.
Meanwhile, South Korean tourists make up 7.3 per cent of the region’s incoming foreign tourists. They seek value-for-money experiences, gastronomy, and sun and beach.
These findings were presented by Jong Woo Kang, director for regional cooperation and integration, economic research and development impact department at the Asian Development Bank, during the ASEAN Tourism Conference last week.
Despite the positive outlook, the report acknowledges several challenges – ranging from overtourism and uneven development in certain destinations to visa restrictions and limited air connectivity – that need to be addressed.
“For example, (most of the arrival traffic) is concentrated in Incheon International Airport. We need to look at improving the connectivity between primary cities and secondary cities in both South Korea and South-east Asia. The cost of airfare also affects the outbound travel decisions by travellers (from both sides),” Kang pointed out.
The report also identifies opportunities for growth. By collaborating on areas like sustainable tourism practices, digital marketing, and film production, both regions can create a more resilient and inclusive tourism sector. Additionally, developing special interest tours, promoting digital nomad visas, and enhancing infrastructure in secondary destinations can attract new traveller segments and ensure a more balanced distribution of tourism benefits.
To facilitate smoother travel, Kang recommended “candid discussions with policymakers” in South Korea to explore “visa exemptions”, and expanding the coverage of existing measures like e-visas for South-east Asian travellers.
