Strong South-east Asia-South Korea Tourism Exchange: Opportunities for Growth

Strong South-east Asia-South Korea Tourism Exchange: Opportunities for Growth

The Rising Tide: South Korea and Southeast Asia Embrace a Tourism Boom

Strong South-east Asia-South Korea Tourism Exchange: Opportunities for Growth
Jong Woo Kang, Director for Regional Cooperation and Integration at the Asian Development Bank, presents key findings from the ASEAN-South korea tourism collaboration at the ASEAN Tourism Conference 2025.

The ties between South Korea and Southeast Asia are strengthening, fueled by a surge in tourism that promises immense benefits for both regions. This burgeoning partnership, highlighted in a recent report titled “ASEAN–Republic of Korea Tourism Cooperation: Fostering People-to-People,” is poised to usher in a new era of cultural exchange and economic growth.

The numbers speak volumes. Between 2015 and 2019, the number of Southeast Asian tourists visiting South Korea skyrocketed by an impressive 14.7% annually. By 2019, visitors from Southeast Asia accounted for a significant 15% of all tourists arriving in South Korea, trailing only China and japan. This trend underscores the growing allure of South Korea as a travel destination for travelers from the region.

What’s driving this fascination? Beyond its technological prowess and vibrant cities, South Korea offers a unique cultural tapestry woven with the global phenomenon of “hallyu” – the captivating wave of Korean pop culture encompassing K-pop, dramas, and movies. Lush landscapes and relatively accessible visa policies further add to its appeal.

Meanwhile, south Korean travelers are increasingly drawn to the diverse offerings of Southeast Asia, seeking value-for-money experiences, tantalizing culinary adventures, and pristine beach destinations. This influx of tourists represents a substantial 7.3% of the total inbound foreign tourists in the region.

Jong Woo Kang, Director for Regional Cooperation and Integration at the Asian Development Bank, shared these insights at the recent ASEAN Tourism Conference. Recognizing the immense potential of this burgeoning tourism partnership, Kang also pointed out crucial challenges that require attention.

“Most of the arrival traffic is concentrated in Incheon International Airport,” Kang noted. “We need to look at improving the connectivity between primary cities and secondary cities in both South korea and Southeast Asia. The cost of airfare also affects outbound travel decisions by travelers on both sides.”

Overtourism in certain destinations, uneven development across regions, visa restrictions, and limited air connectivity also pose obstacles to the seamless growth of this sector.

Despite these hurdles, the report paints a picture of immense opportunities for collaboration. By joining forces in areas like sustainable tourism practices, innovative digital marketing strategies, and even film production, South Korea and Southeast Asia can cultivate a more resilient and inclusive tourism ecosystem.

Kang suggests exploring special interest tours, promoting digital nomad visas, and upgrading infrastructure in secondary destinations to diversify the tourism landscape and ensure benefits are distributed across both regions.

This burgeoning tourism partnership holds immense promise for the future, fostering closer ties and unlocking new avenues for growth and prosperity.

Southeast Asia and South Korea: A Booming Tourism Partnership

The tourism landscape connecting Southeast Asia and South Korea is experiencing a remarkable surge. This burgeoning partnership is driven by a fascinating mix of cultural allure, economic opportunity, and strong regional cooperation.

Jong Woo Kang, Director of Regional Cooperation and Integration at the Asian Development Bank (ADB), sheds light on the key factors propelling this growth.”The tourism growth between our regions is notable,” Kang affirms. “I believe there are several intertwined factors at play.”

Frist and foremost, the vibrant cultures of Southeast asia and South Korea’s ‘Hallyu’ wave have created a powerful draw between the two regions. K-pop,K-dramas,and Korean cuisine have captivated audiences in Southeast Asia,inspiring countless travelers to experience the source firsthand. conversely, Southeast Asia’s rich cultural tapestry beckons Korean tourists seeking unique and enriching experiences.

Kang highlights, “Southeast Asia’s rich cultural diversity and South Korea’s ‘Hallyu’ or Korean wave have created a mutual interest. K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean cuisine have been instrumental in drawing Southeast Asian tourists to South Korea and vice versa.”

Furthermore, economic growth in both regions has fueled a surge in disposable income, enabling more people to pursue travel aspirations. Additionally, South Korea’s increasingly accessible visa policies for Southeast Asian nationals, including visa exemptions and e-visas, have substantially eased travel barriers.

Another crucial factor driving this tourism boom is the strong regional cooperation between ASEAN and South korea. Initiatives such as the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Free Trade Agreement (ARK FTA) and the ASEAN-ROK Tourism Cooperation have fostered deeper connectivity and collaborative efforts to enhance tourism flows.

As a key player in this regional development, ADB actively supports these collaborative efforts. “ADB is committed to fostering regional cooperation and integration to achieve a prosperous,inclusive Asia-Pacific,” Kang explains.

One of ADB’s most recent initiatives is the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Tourism Cooperation: Fostering People-to-People Connectivity project. This project aims to increase tourist exchange between Southeast Asia and South korea by bolstering destination marketing, improving tourism infrastructure, and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth within the sector.

Mr. Kang also advocates for “candid discussions with policymakers” in South Korea to explore expanding visa exemptions and e-visa accessibility for Southeast Asian travelers, further streamlining travel experiences and fostering stronger links between the two regions.

Navigating the Future of Tourism: challenges and Opportunities for Southeast Asia and South Korea

The rise of tourism between Southeast Asia and South Korea presents a tapestry of exciting possibilities. Yet, as with any burgeoning industry, challenges must be addressed to ensure sustainable and responsible growth.

According to Mr. Kang, “while the growth is promising, there are challenges we must tackle together.” These key hurdles include infrastructure gaps,sustainability concerns,and a need for skilled human resources.

Infrastructure limitations, notably in secondary cities and rural areas, pose a significant obstacle to accommodating the increasing number of tourists. Expanding and upgrading transportation networks, accommodations, and other essential services are crucial to meet the growing demand.

Furthermore,sustainability must be at the forefront of tourism development.Mr. Kang emphasizes the importance of “ensuring that tourism growth is sustainable and benefits local communities.” This involves safeguarding cultural heritage, preserving the environment, and promoting responsible practices throughout the tourism industry.

The industry’s growth also necessitates a skilled workforce.”As the industry grows, we need to develop a skilled workforce,” asserts Mr. Kang. This requires a multi-pronged approach,including investments in vocational training,fostering public-private partnerships,and attracting investments in tourism education.

Despite these challenges, Mr. Kang remains optimistic. He believes that “by working together, we can overcome challenges and unlock even greater tourism potential between our regions.” This collaborative approach, fueled by shared goals and a commitment to responsible development, holds the key to unlocking a brighter future for tourism in both Southeast Asia and South korea.

How can Southeast Asia and South Korea collaborate to ensure sustainable and inclusive tourism growth?

Interview with Jong Woo Kang, director of Regional Cooperation and Integration, Asian Growth Bank

Archyde: Welcome, Mr.Kang. Your recent insights at the ASEAN Tourism Conference on the surging tourism partnership between Southeast asia and South Korea have sparked critically important interest. Could you start by updating us on the current state of this burgeoning partnership?

Kang: Thank you. Indeed, the tourism scene between Southeast Asia and South Korea is thriving. In 2019, South Korea welcomed over 3.5 million visitors from Southeast Asia, a remarkable 14.7% annual growth since 2015. Meanwhile,Southeast Asia received nearly 1.6 million Korean tourists, accounting for 7.3% of its total inbound foreign tourists. These figures underscore the growing appeal of both regions to each other’s travelers.

archyde: What do you believe are the primary factors driving this mutual attraction?

Kang: There are several interconnected factors at play. First, the vibrant cultures of Southeast Asia and South Korea’s ‘Hallyu’ wave have created a powerful draw. K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean cuisine have captivated audiences in Southeast Asia, inspiring many to visit South Korea.Conversely,Southeast Asia’s rich cultural tapestry lures Korean tourists seeking unique experiences. Economic growth in both regions has also fueled travel aspirations, while increasingly accessible visa policies have eased travel barriers.

Archyde: South Korea’s cultural influence seems to be a significant driving force. How does ‘Hallyu’ contribute to this tourism boom?

Kang: Absolutely. ‘Hallyu’ has been instrumental in drawing tourists from Southeast Asia to South Korea, and vice versa. K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean cuisine have created a curiosity amongst Southeast Asian audiences to experience South Korea firsthand. Similarly, Korean tourists are attracted to Southeast Asia’s diverse cultures, past sites, and natural beauty. The ‘Hallyu’ effect has also fostered people-to-people exchanges,promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of each region’s culture.

Archyde: You also mentioned some challenges hinder the smooth growth of this tourism sector. Could you elaborate on these?

Kang: Indeed. While the prospects are promising,there are several hurdles we need to address. First, arrival traffic is concentrated in primary destinations and airports like Incheon International. We need to improve connectivity between primary and secondary cities, encouraging tourists to explore beyond major hubs. The cost of airfare also considerably impacts travel decisions. Additionally, overtourism in certain destinations, uneven development across regions, visa restrictions, and limited air connectivity pose obstacles to the sector’s seamless growth.

Archyde: Given these challenges, how can Southeast Asia and South Korea collaborate to ensure sustainable and inclusive tourism growth?

Kang: There are immense opportunities for collaboration. By focusing on sustainable tourism practices, innovative digital marketing strategies, and even film production, we can create a more resilient tourism ecosystem. Exploring special interest tours, promoting digital nomad visas, and upgrading infrastructure in secondary destinations can help diversify the tourism landscape and distribute benefits across both regions. Furthermore, ADB’s commitment to supporting inclusive and sustainable growth aligns perfectly with these initiatives.

Archyde: Your insights paint a promising picture for the future of this tourism partnership. How can stakeholders continue to foster this growth?

Kang: Stakeholders, including governments, private sectors, and international organizations like ADB, should continue to collaborate and invest in the tourism industry. This includes enhancing connectivity, promoting sustainable practices, facilitating visa processes, and fostering regional cooperation through initiatives like the ASEAN-ROK Free Trade Agreement and the ASEAN-ROK Tourism Cooperation. by working together, we can unlock new avenues for growth and prosperity, fostering closer ties between Southeast asia and south Korea.

Archyde: Thank you, Mr. Kang, for your insightful responses.We appreciate your expertise in shedding light on this fascinating tourism partnership.

Kang: My pleasure. I look forward to seeing the tourism scene between Southeast Asia and South Korea flourish in the years to come.

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