By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo
The Embassy of Kazakhstan in Korea, together with Kazakh Tourism JSC NC, organized a Road Show to showcase Kazakhstan’s tourism potential in Seoul on June 4, 2025.
The event brought together about 150 participants, including representatives of leading Korean tour operators, airlines, the Secretariat of the Central Asia – Republic of Korea Cooperation Forum, the Korea Association of Travel Agents (KATA), tourism experts, and journalists from both countries. The Kazakh delegation included 10 organizations and companies such as Kazakh Tourism JSC NC, the Almaty Tourism Bureau, Air Astana and SCAT Airlines, and the Shymbulak ski resort.
In his welcoming remarks, Ambassador of Kazakhstan Nurgali Arystanov emphasized the positive trends in the country’s socio-economic development. In 2024, Kazakhstan's economy grew by 5.1%, and the volume of foreign direct investment reached a record high.
He also noted that tourism is developing rapidly in Kazakhstan thanks to the political support of the national leadership. He highlighted the dynamic growth of the MICE sector (business events, conferences, and exhibitions), citing the successful hosting of the Astana International Forum on May 29–30, 2025. One of the forum’s honored guests was the 8th UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, who was received by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
It should be noted that Korea continues to be one of Kazakhstan’s key tourism markets. In 2024, 40,180 Korean nationals visited Kazakhstan, an increase of 12.8% compared to 2023. The number of Korean tourists also rose to 26,861, up by 12% year-on-year.
This growth in inbound tourism is attributed to the visa-free regime, the expansion of direct flights to Almaty, Astana, and Shymkent to 17 flights per week, and Kazakhstan’s active promotion in the South Korean market.
On the sidelines of the Road Show, meetings were held between Korean and Kazakh tour operators. During the event, Air Astana, SCAT, and Eastar Jet—airlines operating direct regular flights between Korea and Kazakhstan—raffled off tickets to Almaty and Shymkent. Event partners also awarded hotel stay vouchers for ibis Almaty Jetisu, Oi-Qaragai mountain resort, and visits to the Shymbulak ski resort.
In addition, the Almaty City Tourism Department, together with Kazakh tour operators, participated in the Seoul International Tourism Fair (SITF), where they organized a national tourism booth.
