The recent Jeju Air crash on December 29, 2024, has shaken South Korean travelers, and Vietnam is feeling the heat. Normally packed with South Korean tourists during the peak season, places like Da Nang and Phu Quoc are now unusually quiet.
Tourist Numbers Take a Dive
Tour companies in Vietnam, like Thanh Bach Tourism, are reporting big drops—30% fewer bookings and just as many canceled group tours. Tran The Hai from Sailing Club Leisure Group in Phu Quoc says their numbers are down by about 10%. Even though things are improving a little, it’s clear this isn’t going to be a quick fix.
Agoda data backs this up: South Korea is usually one of Vietnam’s top sources of tourists, along with Japan and the U.S. But popular hotspots like Nha Trang and Da Nang aren’t buzzing like they used to be.
Other Issues Adding to the Chaos
It’s not just the crash causing problems. The temporary closure of Muan Airport in South Korea and political tension back home have made people even warier about traveling.
Hotels in Da Nang are taking a big hit too. A four-star hotel in Ngu Hanh Son District said 50-60 guests canceled their stays between December 30 and January 10.
The crash’s ripple effect is huge. A day after the accident, Jeju Air saw a whopping 68,000 ticket cancellations.
South Koreans Losing Faith in Low-Cost Airlines
Travel agencies in Korea are scrambling. They’ve pulled ads, stopped promoting trips on TV shopping channels, and are focused on refunding flights and tours.
Low-cost carriers (LCCs) like Jeju Air are under scrutiny. Their fleet of Boeing 737-800 planes—39 in total—is making travelers uneasy. Many winter getaway packages to Southeast Asia and Japan, which rely on these budget airlines, have been scrapped.
Travelers Are Nervous
Seoul resident Aram Jeong, a regular visitor to Vietnam, says she’s hitting pause on her travel plans. “I’m relieved to be safe, but I’m not ready to trust budget airlines anytime soon,” she shared.
Can Vietnam Bounce Back?
Vietnam’s tourism industry has a tough road ahead. While some confidence might return over time, for now, they’re left waiting for the usual crowd of South Korean tourists to feel safe flying again.