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Hello, dear listeners! I am Kiều Chinh, and this is the program “Stories from Seoul,” broadcast on KBS WORLD Radio, the international radio station of Korea.

In recent years, Vietnam has become one of the must-visit destinations for Korean tourists. Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc are already well-known among many travelers. However, according to a 2024 travel trend report based on keyword searches conducted by Skyscanner, Đà Lạt is expected to be the most sought-after international retreat for Korean tourists in 2024.

So, what has made Da Lat such a popular destination recently? In today’s program, we will meet Mr. Nguyen Minh Tan, Director of the Vietnam Branch of the Korea-Vietnam Tourism Exchange Research Institute (KOVET) under the Korean Tourism Policy Research Association. He is also the Director of TGROUP, a company specializing in providing travel services for Korean tourists visiting Da Lat, a destination that has been attracting increasing interest from Koreans.

MC Kiều Chinh:
According to the People’s Committee of Lâm Đồng Province, in 2023, Đà Lạt welcomed 400,000 international visitors, with Korean tourists accounting for 80%. What has caused this sharp increase in the number of Korean tourists visiting Đà Lạt?

Mr. Nguyễn Minh Tân:
Indeed, the number of Korean tourists visiting Đà Lạt has increased rapidly. I often joke, “Winter in Korea must be empty, right? Because everyone is in Đà Lạt!”

Several factors have contributed to this trend:
Korean reality TV shows have filmed in Đà Lạt, including I Live Alone (나 혼자 산다), showcasing its beautiful scenery, local cuisine, and unique culture to the Korean public.
Vietnamese authorities in Lâm Đồng have actively promoted tourism partnerships between the two countries, facilitating businesses to bring Korean tourists to Đà Lạt.
Previously, Đà Lạt was considered a secondary destination after visiting Nha Trang or Ho Chi Minh City. However, direct flights from Incheon, Busan, and Muan to Đà Lạt have made travel much easier for Korean visitors.

MC Kiều Chinh:
Those who have spent time in Đà Lạt understand its unique charm—some even use “Đà Lạt” as an adjective rather than just a place name! As a Đà Lạt native, how would you describe this charm from a local’s perspective?
Mr. Nguyễn Minh Tân:
Having lived, studied, and worked in Korea, I realized that Đà Lạt is as beautiful year-round as Korea’s spring season. This is why many Korean visitors call it “The City of Eternal Spring” (영원한 봄의 도시).

Moreover, Đà Lạt locals are known for being gentle, elegant, and hospitable. The city exudes a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, which is why TGROUP’s "One-Month in Đà Lạt" program has gained significant interest from Korean tourists, especially retirees looking for a serene retreat after years of hard work and stress.

MC Kiều Chinh:
What types of tourism are most popular among Korean visitors in Đà Lạt?
Mr. Nguyễn Minh Tân:
Korean tourists in Đà Lạt generally fall into two main categories:

Large tour groups following pre-arranged itineraries by travel agencies.
Independent travelers, small groups, and family trips, which are growing in popularity.
With modern technology, a smartphone with internet access allows foreign tourists to explore Đà Lạt conveniently on their own.

MC Kiều Chinh:
What are the top 5 favorite destinations among Korean tourists in Đà Lạt?
Mr. Nguyễn Minh Tân:
Some of their favorite activities include:
Strolling along Xuân Hương Lake.
Visiting Lang Biang Mountain, Hang Nga Crazy House, Đà Lạt Railway Station, and Domaine de Marie Church.
Experiencing local culture, such as learning to make rượu cần (fermented rice wine) or chocolate from cacao beans at Balava Farm.

MC Kiều Chinh:
Vietnamese young people have always been drawn to Đà Lạt, even before its recent rise in popularity among Koreans. How do Vietnamese and Korean tourists differ in their approach to traveling in Đà Lạt?
Mr. Nguyễn Minh Tân:
Both groups appreciate Đà Lạt’s natural beauty. However, their travel styles differ:
Vietnamese youth love motorbike trips around the city.
Korean visitors prefer walking tours to explore every corner of Đà Lạt.
I was once surprised to see a young Korean couple in a tiny alley café, using a translation app to chat with the owner and online maps to find their way.
Another major difference is that many Korean tourists enjoy golfing, often dedicating half their trip to this activity.

MC Kiều Chinh:
When designing travel packages, how does TGROUP ensure that Korean visitors fully experience Đà Lạt’s unique charm?
Mr. Nguyễn Minh Tân:
Unlike companies that focus on large tour groups or budget travel, TGROUP specializes in small, independent, and family tours. Our priorities are:
Developing smart travel solutions through an advanced website.
Avoiding low-cost, mass tourism or excessive shopping stops.
Highlighting local attractions, authentic restaurants, and cultural experiences.
One key cultural attraction is coffee. Since Americano is practically Korea’s national drink, we offer coffee farm tours, where tourists can experience everything from harvesting beans to roasting and brewing.

MC Kiều Chinh:
Do you see the Korean travel market in Đà Lạt as a “Blue Ocean” (new, untapped market)?
Mr. Nguyễn Minh Tân:
In 2019, when I founded TGROUP, the Korean market was still a niche. However, by early 2023, more travel companies entered this space, hiring Korean-speaking staff and opening Korean restaurants and spas.
Many experts believe Đà Lạt has only a two-year window to attract Korean tourists before demand peaks. However, I believe it can last longer—if we focus on sustainable tourism that values culture, nature, and quality experiences over mass tourism.

MC Kiều Chinh:
That’s an interesting perspective. So, what do you think Đà Lạt should do to maintain its appeal to Korean tourists in the long run?
Mr. Nguyễn Minh Tân:
To sustain interest from Korean travelers, Đà Lạt should focus on:
Developing high-quality tourism experiences instead of relying solely on large tourist numbers.
Improving infrastructure, especially in terms of roads, public transportation, and accessibility.
Enhancing Korean-friendly services, such as:
Korean-language signs and guides.
More authentic Korean restaurants (currently, many local places only offer limited Korean dishes).
Protecting Đà Lạt’s natural beauty by implementing stricter environmental policies to prevent overdevelopment and pollution.

MC Kiều Chinh:
Aside from Đà Lạt, do you see other Vietnamese cities becoming popular among Korean tourists in the future?
Mr. Nguyễn Minh Tân:
Yes, apart from Đà Lạt, some other destinations gaining popularity among Koreans include:
Hội An – A charming ancient town with a peaceful ambiance.
Hà Giang – Perfect for adventurous travelers who love exploring nature.
Côn Đảo – An emerging luxury eco-tourism destination.
Each place has its own strengths, and Vietnam’s diverse landscapes make it an attractive destination for Korean tourists beyond just Đà Lạt.

MC Kiều Chinh:
Before we wrap up, do you have any advice for young Vietnamese entrepreneurs looking to work in tourism, especially in the Korean market?
Mr. Nguyễn Minh Tân:
Definitely! Here are a few key points:
Study Korean culture and language – Understanding your customers is crucial.
Focus on service quality – Korean travelers value professionalism and efficiency.
Utilize technology – Digital platforms and social media are essential for modern tourism businesses.
Be creative – Look for unique ways to offer unforgettable travel experiences.
Most importantly, passion is the key. If you truly love what you do, success will follow!

MC Kiều Chinh:
Thank you so much, Mr. Nguyễn Minh Tân, for sharing your valuable insights today!
Mr. Nguyễn Minh Tân:
Thank you, Kiều Chinh, and thanks to all KBS WORLD Radio listeners! I hope to welcome more Korean friends to Đà Lạt soon.

Through today's conversation, we’ve gained a deeper understanding of why Đà Lạt has become a favorite destination for Korean tourists and how Vietnam’s tourism industry can continue to develop sustainably.

Thank you for tuning in to Stories from Seoul! See you next time!