VFS Global Partners With Korea Association of Travel Agents to Boost Inbound Tourism to South Korea

Global visa facilitation major VFS Global has partnered with the Korea Association of Travel Agents (KATA) to strengthen inbound tourism and simplify travel processes for international visitors planning trips to South Korea.

The collaboration was formalised during a strategic meeting at KATA’s headquarters in Seoul, where representatives from both organisations discussed joint initiatives focused on visa facilitation, travel industry support, and destination promotion.

Key Focus of the Partnership

The partnership aims to leverage VFS Global’s worldwide visa processing network and KATA’s extensive travel trade reach to make South Korea more accessible for global travellers. The collaboration will support travel agencies, improve visa awareness, and encourage seamless travel planning for tourists worldwide.

KATA leadership highlighted that the alliance will help enhance accessibility for travellers and position South Korea as a preferred destination for international tourism.

Strengthening Visa Support for Tourists

VFS Global has been working with the South Korean government on visa services since 2007 and currently operates multiple visa application centres across different countries, having processed more than 250,000 Korean visa applications so far.

The company also brings extensive experience through its tourism services division, which supports promotional campaigns and travel facilitation for multiple destinations globally.

South Korea’s Tourism Growth Plans

South Korea has ambitious goals to attract 30 million foreign visitors annually by 2030. In 2025, the country welcomed 18.7 million international tourists, surpassing its pre-pandemic record from 2019.

The partnership with KATA is expected to contribute significantly toward achieving this target by improving travel accessibility and strengthening international tourism outreach.

What This Means for Indian Travellers

For Indian tourists and travel businesses, the collaboration could lead to smoother visa processes, better coordination with travel agencies, and more promotional opportunities for South Korea as a popular holiday destination.

Final Takeaway

The VFS Global–KATA partnership marks an important step toward simplifying travel and promoting South Korea as a global tourism hotspot. With improved visa support and industry collaboration, international travel demand to the country is likely to grow further in the coming years.