HCMC – South Korea is considering issuing multiple-entry tourist visas valid for up to 10 years to travelers from major Vietnamese cities, as part of measures to boost international arrivals.
South Korea is weighing policies to promote tourism, particularly easing visa requirements and expanding entry points at airports, according to information cited by the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) from the South Korean government.
Vietnamese tourists from major urban areas may be granted 10-year multiple-entry tourist visas, similar to the current five-year visa scheme.
If implemented, the policy would facilitate repeated travels by Vietnamese for tourism, business or family visits over a longer period.
On aviation infrastructure, the South Korean government aims to disperse visitor flows beyond the Seoul metropolitan area. International routes will be expanded to regional airports, with some airports potentially granted exclusive rights to operate international routes. Airlines launching new international services will receive incentives, including reduced airport charges and financial support.
Domestic flights between Incheon Airport and regional airports are set to increase. Late-night airport bus services, currently operating on 13 routes in Seoul, are planned to expand to Chungcheong and Gangwon provinces.
In 2025, South Korea welcomed more than 18 million international visitors, up around 15% from 2024 and exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Vietnam remained a key Southeast Asian source market, with nearly 550,000 Vietnamese visitors, up 9% year-on-year. The country targets around 600,000 Vietnamese arrivals in 2026, surpassing 2019 levels.
Conversely, South Korea is one of Vietnam’s largest inbound markets. In 2025, Vietnam received over 4.6 million South Korean visitors, maintaining its position as the top source of international arrivals.
