Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) signed eight deals at a tourism promotion and culture cooperation forum that was held in Seoul on July 1, under the witness of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who is paying an official visit to the RoK, the Government News has reported.

They include a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on tourism promotion in the 2025-2026 period between the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization; four MoUs between the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and its Korean partners including Hana Tour, Interpark Triple, Mode Tour, and Yellow Balloon Tour; and a MoU on research, information connection and cooperation in promoting tax refund policies for foreign tourists.

A three-party MoU was signed between Ho Guom investment tourist and import export company, Viet Nam-Korea Business & Investment Association, and Hoju Pacific Tours (HPT Group).

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh stressed that tourism and culture cooperation between the two countries has developed strongly.

From August 15, 2023, Vietnam has extended  stay duration for Korean tourists to 45 days from 15 days, and e-visa is valid for up to 90 days.

After the COVID-19 pandemic, the RoK has emerged as Vietnam biggest source of tourists. In the first half of this year, nearly 2.2 million tourists from South Korea visited Vietnam.