Thousands gather to celebrate the arrival of the millionth Korean visitor in the coastal metropolis
In the heart of Vietnam, the central city of Da Nang marked a significant milestone in its tourism history in 2025. The city welcomed its one millionth Korean visitor, a testament to the strong bilateral ties between Da Nang and South Korea that have been growing steadily since 2011.
The milestone was celebrated at a ceremony during the annual Việt Nam-Korea Culture Exchange Festival. The event, attended by over 200 businesses and organizations from both countries, featured art performances, exhibitions, cultural exchanges, trade, and investment events.
The relationship between Da Nang and South Korea began to solidify in 2011 when Asiana Airlines launched the first direct flight from South Korea to Da Nang International Airport. Since then, Korean Air has also started operations, and currently, 13 South Korean airlines operate regular flights from multiple cities within South Korea such as Busan, Seoul, Daegu, and Cheongju to Da Nang. This extensive passenger exchange and tourism flow have made South Korea one of Da Nang's top three key tourism markets.
To encourage and celebrate this strong tourism cooperation, Da Nang has organised annual events like the Korea-Vietnam Culture Exchange Festival and implemented programs such as the "Korean Tourist Appreciation Week." In 2025, this week ran from August 1 to August 8, acknowledging Korean tourists and stakeholders, promoting cultural exchange, stimulating tourism demand, and demonstrating the city’s appreciation for South Korean visitors and partners.
The growth in tourism cooperation is also supported by partnerships with eight Korean localities, expanding not only tourism but also cultural, educational, and smart city collaborations.
The ceremony was more than just a celebration; it was an indication of the continued growth of tourism from Korea to Da Nang. With the number of flights from Korea to Da Nang increasing to 150 per week, the city is well-positioned to welcome even more Korean visitors in the future. As the top source of international tourists for Da Nang since 2016, South Korea's role in the growth of tourism in the city is historically significant and marks a bright future for bilateral relations and tourism development.
- The strong business ties between Da Nang and South Korea, evident in the increasing number of flights, have led to South Korea becoming one of Da Nang's top three key markets in terms of business and tourism.
- The close relationship between the two regions is fostered not only through tourism but also through cultural, educational, and smart city collaborations, as a result of partnerships with eight Korean localities.
- The annual Việt Nam-Korea Culture Exchange Festival serves as a platform for both countries' businesses and organizations to engage in trade, investment, and cultural exchange, enhancing lifestyle dynamics in Da Nang.
- The extensive passenger exchange and tourism flow between Da Nang and South Korea, marked by the 150 weekly flights, not only bolster the finance industry but also contribute to the enrichment of the city's lifestyle through the cultural exchange brought by South Korean visitors.
