Israel is actively deepening its connection with South Korea, a key Asian market, in a significant effort to make the Holy Land more accessible to international travelers. The Israeli Ministry of Tourism recently hosted a landmark seminar in Seoul to enhance cooperation, particularly focusing on promoting Israel as a premier destination for religious tourism and Christian pilgrimages. This strategic move aims to expand Israel’s presence in Asia and welcomes an influx of South Korean visitors eager to explore the country’s profound spiritual and historical sites.

The prestigious Lotte Hotel in Seoul was the venue for this pivotal event, which forms a core part of Israel’s strategy to boost inbound tourism from South Korea. The seminar attracted over 200 influential attendees, including prominent Protestant church leaders, key local travel agents, and representatives from various airlines. The central theme was the promotion of Israel as a top choice for Christian pilgrims, highlighting sacred sites such as the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem, a location many Christians believe to be where Jesus was crucified.

Noga Sher-Greco, Director of Religious Tourism Marketing at the Israel Ministry of Tourism, reassured the audience that Israel is fully operational and safe for tourists. She underscored the strong recovery of religious tourism following the global pandemic and provided exciting updates on new attractions and important historical sites scheduled to open soon. Israel’s rich religious heritage, featuring numerous key locations for Christian visitors, consistently draws a global audience, making South Korea’s growing interest a highly encouraging development.

Religious tourism has long been a cornerstone of Israel’s travel sector, and South Korea, with its sizable Christian community, stands out as one of the largest sources of religious tourists. In 2019, nearly 60,000 South Koreans visited Israel, a figure the Ministry of Tourism is ambitious to surpass in the coming years.

During the seminar, specialized Korean travel agencies presented bespoke travel packages designed specifically for Christian groups undertaking pilgrimages to Israel. The accompanying exhibition offered detailed itineraries, opportunities for group-tour consultations, and extensive information about Israel’s most iconic religious locations. Travel agents particularly emphasized tailored experiences crafted to meet the unique needs of South Korean travelers on a religious journey.

A significant announcement made at the event concerned the renewed focus on strengthening air connectivity between Israel and South Korea. Israel’s Ambassador to South Korea, Rafael Harpaz, confirmed active discussions with Korean Air, which has expressed interest in restarting flights to Israel. This crucial development promises to simplify travel for South Korean tourists planning their visit to the Holy Land.

In addition to Korean Air, several other international carriers, including Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad Airways, and LOT Polish Airlines, participated in the seminar. They showcased their updated flight schedules and voiced a keen desire to enhance air-route cooperation with Israel. Improved flight options and connectivity are poised to make Israel an even more appealing and accessible destination for travelers from South Korea.

While religious journeys remain a central priority, the Israel Ministry of Tourism is simultaneously keen to attract diverse South Korean tourists, promoting the country as a dynamic destination for culture, history, and adventure. From awe-inspiring archaeological sites like Masada to the vibrant, modern energy of cities such as Tel Aviv and Haifa, Israel presents a wide array of experiences for all traveler types. Beyond its deep historical and religious significance, Israel’s lively local culture, picturesque landscapes, and modern infrastructure make it an ideal spot for South Korean visitors seeking both thrilling adventure and quality relaxation.

For those planning a trip, the Israel Government Tourism Office (IGTO) in Seoul provides up-to-date resources, including visa requirements, travel packages, and suggested customized itineraries. The South Korean travel agents who attended the seminar are also ready to assist with planning and booking both religious tours and broader cultural explorations across Israel. Travelers can ensure a memorable and enriching experience by consulting the official websites of the Israel Ministry of Tourism and the IGTO for the latest information on safety protocols and new attractions.

The Seoul seminar marks a key step in Israel’s broader strategy to significantly increase tourism from the Asian market. With South Korea demonstrating such a strong and growing interest in Israel’s unparalleled religious and cultural offerings, the future looks exceptionally promising for enhanced collaboration between the two nations. As Israel continues to improve its tourism infrastructure and engage new markets, travelers can anticipate even greater opportunities to discover the wonders of the Holy Land. Whether your goal is a deeply spiritual pilgrimage, a fascinating cultural expedition, or an adventure across stunning landscapes, now is an excellent time to plan your journey to this captivating destination.