Korea Tourism Aims for 270,000 Indian Visitors by 2026 with New Initiatives, ETTravelWorld


Korea Tourism Organization hosted tourism roadshows in New Delhi and Mumbai on 12 and 13 March 2026, aimed at strengthening engagement with the Indian travel trade and outlining its strategy to drive future visitor growth.

The roadshows come amid a steady rise in Indian outbound travel to South Korea. The destination recorded close to 200,000 Indian visitors in 2025, marking a 13% increase compared to the previous year. Globally, Korea welcomed nearly 19 million international visitors, surpassing its annual target.

During the events, KTO introduced key trade-focused initiatives for 2026, including the Korea Premium Travel Consultant (KPTC) programme and the K-Incentive Scheme 4.0. These initiatives are designed to support travel partners in curating high-quality and premium travel experiences for Indian travellers.

“Myong Kil Yun, Regional Director – India & SAARC Countries, Korea Tourism Organization, said: “India continues to be an important and high-potential market for Korea’s tourism industry. We are encouraged by the steady growth in Indian arrivals and the increasing interest among travellers in Korea’s culture and experiences. Building on this momentum, KTO aims to welcome around 270,000 Indian visitors in 2026, while continuing to support our travel trade partners through initiatives such as the KPTC program and K-Incentive Scheme 4.0.”

Under the K-Incentive Scheme 4.0, travel agencies are encouraged to develop Korea-focused itineraries that include at least one destination beyond Seoul, promoting regional dispersion of tourism. Suggested destinations include Busan, Gangwon State, Jeollanam-do and Gyeongju. Participating agencies must submit detailed proposals outlining itineraries and promotional strategies. Selected partners will receive visa facilitation support, promotional assistance and performance-based incentives, with top performers recognised at the end of the programme.

The Korea Premium Travel Consultant (KPTC) programme is positioned as a certification initiative for travel agents specialising in premium travel. Through structured training, it provides insights into luxury tourism offerings in Korea and equips agents to design high-end itineraries featuring premium accommodation and curated experiences. The first webinar under the programme is scheduled for 23 March 2026.

The roadshows form part of KTO’s broader efforts to deepen collaboration with the Indian travel trade while expanding awareness of Korea’s diverse tourism offerings. As demand for experiential and premium travel continues to rise among Indian travellers, these initiatives are expected to support sustained growth and position Korea as a preferred outbound destination.

  • Published On Mar 17, 2026 at 02:59 PM IST

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