Korea Tourism Organization Targets Bali to Boost Indonesian Visitor Numbers
The Korea Tourism Organization's Jakarta office has identified Bali as a strategic market to increase the flow of Indonesian tourists to South Korea, holding a tourism seminar in Seminyak. Driven by direct flight availability and K-culture popularity, Indonesian visits to Korea exceeded 365,000 in 2025 and continued rising through 2026.
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Jakarta Office held its "Korea Tourism Seminar 2026" in Seminyak, Badung, on November 11. KTO Jakarta Office Director Kim Jisun stated that Bali's potential as an international tourism hub, combined with abundant direct flight options to South Korea, makes it a priority market for strengthening cooperation with local travel agencies and tourism industry players.
The push comes amid surging interest in South Korea driven by the popularity of K-culture, including K-pop, K-dramas, Korean cuisine, and lifestyle trends. Indonesian visitor numbers to South Korea hit a record of over 365,000 in 2025, and the upward trend continued into 2026, surpassing 330,000 visitors by September.
This initiative is a marketing effort by South Korea aimed at the Indonesian market, particularly travelers based in Bali, and does not involve any changes to entry or tourism regulations within Bali or Indonesia itself.
Things to Consider
Travelers based in Bali considering a trip to South Korea should verify current direct flight schedules, fares, and visa requirements directly with the Korean embassy/consulate or licensed travel agencies, as details can change. Since this announcement is a promotional initiative by South Korea and does not affect entry or tourism rules within Bali or Indonesia, no changes are needed to visa or stay permit procedures for those currently in Bali.
Source: JPNN.com Bali