South Korean Tourism in Cambodia Sees Growth but Remains Below Pre-Covid Levels
Despite a 14.6% increase from last year, challenges such as limited direct flights and safety concerns continue to affect South Korean visitor numbers in Siem Reap
The president of the Korean Language Tourist Guide Association in Cambodia, Seam Sokkheng, has urged South Korean tourists to return to Cambodia, emphasizing the country's safety and cultural attractions. Despite a 14.6 percent increase in South Korean visitors between January and August 2023 compared to the previous year, the numbers are still about 30 percent of pre-pandemic levels, largely due to the lack of direct flights to Siem Reap.
Sokkheng addressed recent media reports concerning South Korean nationals facing detainment and coercion in Cambodia, clarifying that these incidents are unrelated to tourism and assuring that tourists feel safe when visiting destinations like Siem Reap. He noted that Korean tourists primarily express concerns over travel inconveniences caused by the absence of direct flights rather than safety issues.
To boost the return of South Korean tourists, Sokkheng called for collaboration between the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism and its South Korean counterpart, as well as with airlines to reestablish direct flights. The association is also enhancing its members' knowledge and promoting Cambodia through Korean media channels to provide a quality travel experience that meets the needs and expectations of tourists.
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Sokkheng addressed recent media reports concerning South Korean nationals facing detainment and coercion in Cambodia, clarifying that these incidents are unrelated to tourism and assuring that tourists feel safe when visiting destinations like Siem Reap. He noted that Korean tourists primarily express concerns over travel inconveniences caused by the absence of direct flights rather than safety issues.
To boost the return of South Korean tourists, Sokkheng called for collaboration between the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism and its South Korean counterpart, as well as with airlines to reestablish direct flights. The association is also enhancing its members' knowledge and promoting Cambodia through Korean media channels to provide a quality travel experience that meets the needs and expectations of tourists.
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