South Korea’s Tourism Boom Transforms Vietnam’s Da Nang, Sparking Both Opportunity and Friction

Da Nang, Vietnam, is experiencing a dramatic surge in tourism from South Korea, reshaping the coastal city into a popular destination for East Asian travelers. While the influx brings economic benefits, it also exposes underlying tensions between visitors and locals, highlighting a complex dynamic of cultural exchange and potential resentment.

A Coastal City’s Rising Popularity

In recent years, Da Nang has become increasingly known among South Korean tourists, earning the nickname “Gyeonggi province of Da Nang,” a playful comparison to the densely populated region surrounding Seoul. South Korea was Vietnam’s largest source of international arrivals, with 4.6 million South Koreans visiting Vietnam in 2024 [Travel and Tour World]. The overall tourism exchange between Vietnam and South Korea reached a record-breaking 5 million visitors in 2024 [Travel and Tour World].

Signs of Korean Influence

The growing presence of South Korean tourists is visible throughout Da Nang. Storefronts display signs in Korean, K-pop music fills restaurants and massage parlors and the streets are crowded with visitors from South Korea [South China Morning Post]. Many restaurant menus are even written in Korean [Young Post Club]. At Han Market, a central hub in Da Nang, vendors playfully tease South Korean tourists by calling them “harabeoji” (grandfather) in Korean [South China Morning Post].

Undercurrents of Friction

Despite the economic benefits, the tourism boom has also revealed some friction between South Korean tourists and local residents. Some vendors at Han Market have noted that South Korean tourists sometimes appear “very angry” or “don’t seem happy” [Young Post Club]. This sentiment echoes broader regional concerns, as evidenced by the #SEAbling hashtag that emerged after an incident at a K-pop concert in Malaysia, where some South Korean fans were accused of mocking Southeast Asians [Young Post Club].

Vietnam’s Tourism Growth in 2026

In the first two months of 2026, South Korea was the largest source market for tourists to Vietnam, with nearly one million visitors [Vietnam.vn]. This growth is occurring as travelers seek alternatives to more volatile destinations [vntravellive.com]. Vietnam welcomed nearly 4.7 million foreign visitors in January–February 2026 [Thông tấn xã Việt Nam (TTXVN)].

Looking Ahead

Da Nang’s experience exemplifies the complex interplay between tourism, economic development, and cultural sensitivity. As South Korea’s presence in Southeast Asia continues to grow, navigating these dynamics will be crucial for fostering positive relationships and ensuring sustainable tourism practices.