The Korea Tourism Organization expects a strong 2025 from Canadian travellers
The Korea Tourism Organization’s Canadian office closed out 2024 on a high note, with a record number of people from this country visiting Korea and the subsiding of political unrest that might have made some travellers uneasy about visiting the country as of late.
The office’s Hillary Nguyen told a recent Toronto gathering that Korea last year saw 254,332 visitations from Canada, a 26% increase from 2023.
“We’re super happy,” Nguyen said of the “big numbers.”
Korea saw anti-government demonstrations last year that drew international attention but the situation has since quieted, with Nguyen telling those on hand everything is operating normally in Korea, which she said remains extremely safe for tourists.
“Korea is still open and life continues as usual,” she said. “It does remain completely open.”
Korean Air, WestJet and Air Canada all offer direct Canada-Korea air service, with the Korean carrier linking Toronto and Vancouver with Seoul; WestJet carrying people between Calgary and the Korean capital; and Air Canada serving Seoul from Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver.
Among themes now being promoted by the KTO are luxury stays, green travel, the outdoors, art, education and Hallyu, the latter referring to Korean culture, such as K-pop.
Nguyen said springtime in Korea sees “beautiful blossoming,” with visitors able to attend a cherry blossom festival if they wish.
There are numerous other festivals, including one revolving around green tea, while a bamboo festival features the likes of riding bamboo rafts and making bamboo kites.
Nguyen noted jang – fermented sauces popular in Korean cooking – recently received UNESCO Intangible Cultural status.
Nguyen said her destination has many “hidden gems ” outside Seoul that are historically significant scenic or particularly scenic that tourists can view.
She added that tourists can easily combine Korea with other Asian nations on the same vacation.
Canadians can spend up to 180 days in Korea without needing a visa, she continued.
Meanwhile, Youna Oh, the KTO’s new Canadian director, said her office is eager to work with travel industry counterparts.
“We can get a good result together this year,” she said.
