Tourism Committee

India-South Korea Tourism Committee

The India-South Korea Tourism Committee is dedicated to promoting travel, cultural exchange, and tourism infrastructure development between the two nations. It focuses on enhancing bilateral tourism through improved travel policies, marketing campaigns, and heritage collaborations, making it easier for tourists from both countries to explore each other’s rich history, culture, and modern attractions.

Boosting Bilateral Tourism

  • Promoting India as a spiritual and historical destination for Korean tourists.

  • Encouraging more Indian travelers to explore South Korea, including its cities, heritage sites, and pop culture attractions.

  • Supporting tour operators, travel agencies, and online platforms in both countries.

Promoting Buddhist Pilgrimage Tourism

  • Encouraging South Korean visitors to pilgrimage sites like Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Kushinagar.

  • Facilitating direct flights and improved travel routes to Buddhist heritage locations.

  • Organizing Buddhist heritage tours for Korean monks, scholars, and devotees.

Expanding Cultural & Pop Culture Tourism

  • Promoting K-pop, K-drama, and Korean food tourism among Indian travelers.

  • Encouraging Bollywood tourism in Korea, including visits to film locations and cultural festivals.

  • Organizing Korean-Indian cultural festivals to attract tourists.

Enhancing Visa & Travel Policies

  • Simplifying visa procedures to encourage easier travel for business and leisure tourists.

  • Introducing long-term tourist visas and special packages for students, business travelers, and cultural exchange visitors.

  • Exploring possibilities for visa-free or e-visa programs to boost tourism.

Strengthening Tourism Infrastructure & Connectivity

  • Expanding direct flight routes between major cities in India and South Korea.

  • Improving joint tourism marketing campaigns through digital platforms and social media.

  • Encouraging investment in hotels, resorts, and tourist facilities catering to both Indian and Korean travelers.

  • Major Initiatives & Collaborations:

    • India-Korea Tourism & Cultural Exchange Summit: Promotes tourism partnerships and investment opportunities.

    • Korea Tourism Festival in India: Showcases South Korean attractions, food, and cultural experiences.

    • India-Korea Travel Cooperation Agreements: Facilitates exchange programs for travel industry professionals.

    • Buddhist Heritage Tourism Promotion: Joint projects to restore and promote Buddhist sites.

Impact on Bilateral Tourism:

  • Increase in Korean Visitors to India: Rising interest in Buddhist pilgrimage and heritage tourism.

  • Growth of Indian Tourists in Korea: More Indians traveling for K-pop, K-dramas, and shopping tourism.

  • Expansion of Direct Flights: More convenient travel options boosting tourist numbers.

  • Stronger Cultural Exchange: Deeper understanding and appreciation of each other’s traditions and lifestyle.

Conclusion:

The India-South Korea Tourism Committee plays a vital role in strengthening travel, culture, and economic ties. By promoting historical, cultural, and modern tourism experiences, both nations can foster greater people-to-people connections, economic growth, and long-term diplomatic relations.