K-Culture: South Korea among the top travel destinations

South Korea is booming. There is currently an unprecedented surge of interest from European travelers in this country where futurism and age-old traditions coexist in perfect harmony.

This new destination, poised to become a cornerstone of long-haul travel, offers a multifaceted immersion, ranging from the vibrant energy of Seoul and Busan to the serenity of Buddhist temples and picturesque hanok villages.

Tour operators’ programs are generally structured around three product pillars: fully customizable tailor-made trips with local experts, « Fly and Rail » packages that leverage Korea’s excellent rail network for maximum freedom, and escorted tours that include UNESCO World Heritage sites.

The destination benefits from exceptional accessibility thanks to the suspension of the K-ETA electronic travel authorization for EU and Swiss citizens until December 31, 2026, facilitating visa-free stays of up to 90 days.

Statistically, the country shattered its records in 2025 with 18.5 million international arrivals, driven by the global phenomenon of « K-culture »—including K-pop, gastronomy, cosmetics, and cinema—which attracts an increasingly young and loyal clientele.

Thanks to excellent regional connections, South Korea is also establishing itself as the ideal stopover for ambitious combined trips with Japan, China, or Thailand, solidifying its position as a key tourist hub in Southeast Asia for years to come.