Not only has the global popularity of the Netflix series Squid Game increased curiosity among local travellers to experience the Republic of Korea first-hand, but the Oscar-winning SA documentary My Octopus Teacher has created greater awareness among Korean travellers about South Africa's natural attractions.

This is according to Ruby James, marketing coordinator for the Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) in London, under which SA Falls.

"The tourism sectors in both our countries can take advantage of this greater awareness that has been created," suggests James.  

Officials believe just a small spike in tourist interest could make a significant economic difference to each country. If South Africa and South Korea could attract just 1% of the number of outbound travellers each country had in 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, that would mean 280 000 Korean tourists for SA and 60 000 South African tourists for Korea each year, says Chull-joo Park, ambassador of the Republic of Korea in SA.

"The tourism sectors in both our countries can take advantage of this greater awareness that has been created," suggests James.  

Officials believe just a small spike in tourist interest could make a significant economic difference to each country. If South Africa and South Korea could attract just 1% of the number of outbound travellers each country had in 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, that would mean 280 000 Korean tourists for SA and 60 000 South African tourists for Korea each year, says Chull-joo Park, ambassador of the Republic of Korea in SA.