South Korea’s Gyeonggi Province Courts Thai Tourists
Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, is stepping up its tourism efforts. The provincial government has opened an office in Thailand to promote travel and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) events.
Jo Won-yong, head of the Gyeonggi Tourism Organization, says his team aims to expand cooperation with Thailand in the long term. He invites Thai tourists to visit Gyeonggi Province, which boasts a mix of natural beauty, unique culture, and entertainment options.
A New Tourism Hub
Lee Nam-joo, head of the tourism policy team, notes that having a representative office in Bangkok will help promote Gyeonggi Province’s tourism industry. The goal is to attract more tourists from Thailand and Southeast Asia. Gyeonggi Province has the potential to become a major tourism hub in Korea and a center for the MICE industry.
The province also offers free insurance to international tourists, covering unexpected events during their stay. This initiative aims to provide a safe and secure environment for visitors.
Tourism on the Rise
In 2024, Gyeonggi Province welcomed 2.17 million foreign tourists, a 48.3% increase from the previous year. This is a significant recovery, with tourist numbers reaching 83.2% of pre-pandemic levels. The province expects the number of tourists to continue growing in 2025, driven by the popularity of Korean culture and new tour packages.
For Thai tourists, the numbers are also promising. Before the pandemic, around 570,000 Thai tourists visited Korea in 2019. Although the number dropped to 330,000 in 2024, the province hopes to see a rebound to pre-pandemic levels in 2025.
Gyeonggi Province is ready to welcome tourists with its unique attractions, such as the Laveniz water park in Gimpo. The province offers a range of products and services for independent travelers and groups, including high-value tourism packages like incentive tours.