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September 3, 2025Greece’s ancient ruins and sunny islands have long fascinated Koreans, from comic retellings of Greek myths to Greek yogurt and Mediterranean cuisine in cafes in Seoul. Yet even as more Koreans become interested in Greek culture, few make the trip to famous sites such as Santorini or Crete, generally visiting them only on honeymoon or as part of guided tours that take in neighboring Turkey. The Greece and South Korea Tourism Ties make a new phase of Asia-Europe Tourism Ties.Greek Minister Aims to Strengthen Tourism Ties with KoreaMinister Kefalogianni expressed her commitment to fostering stronger tourism connections between Greece and Korea during her official visit. “The purpose of my visit is to strengthen the bonds of friendship between our countries in the field of tourism,” she shared. “Korea is among the countries where Greece sees great potential for mutual growth in tourism.”The minister’s visit was a step toward overcoming long-standing barriers that have limited tourism exchanges, especially the lack of direct flights between Seoul and Athens. According to Kefalogianni, these connections would significantly boost visitor numbers to both countries, benefiting travelers from Greece as much as those from Korea.Tourism Stats Reveal Room for GrowthGreece has welcomed over 40 million international travelers last year, yet only 55,000 were from Korea, a mere 0.13 percent of total arrivals. Most Korean tourists visiting Greece take part in brief, package tours or Mediterranean cruise stops, which barely allow them to explore the country’s deep history and diverse culture.On the flip side, Korean tourism to Greece remains limited by practical obstacles such as insufficient air links, despite rising interest in K-pop, Korean cuisine, and Korean culture. Minister Kefalogianni acknowledged Korea’s impressive standing in technology, culture, and innovation, underscoring the potential for more Koreans to visit Greece as their interest in the Mediterranean grows.Direct Air Routes Seen as Key to Unlocking Tourism PotentialCentral to talks between the two countries was the push for establishing direct air routes, which both parties believe will significantly improve tourism flows. Minister Kefalogianni remains optimistic that better connectivity, along with collaborative marketing campaigns, will lead to increased mutual tourism, particularly with Korea and Greece preparing to sign a memorandum of understanding on tourism development.Improved air connections could boost visitors not only from Korea to Greece but also from Greece to Korea, creating a more balanced exchange and fostering deeper cultural connections.K-Culture Sparks Interest in Greece as Filming LocationGreece is keen to leverage the global success of K-culture to increase tourism collaborations. Minister Kefalogianni met with K-drama producers in Seoul to explore how Greece’s diverse landscapes could serve as a backdrop for mythological, historical, and romantic storytelling.Moreover, Greece has launched the “Creative Greece” initiative, offering competitive tax incentives to attract international film productions. The minister sees this as an opportunity to bring more Korean production crews to Greece, boosting both the tourism industry and the local economy by showcasing Greek culture and landscapes to global audiences.“The combination of Greece’s diverse settings, solid production incentives, and a skilled local workforce makes the country an ideal destination for Korean creators,” said Kefalogianni. She believes such cross-cultural collaborations could increase the visibility and desirability of travel between the two nations.Sustainability in Tourism: Greece Sets High StandardsSustainability remains a core focus for Greece’s tourism strategy. Minister Kefalogianni emphasized that Greece is working to preserve its natural and cultural heritage while highlighting lesser-known destinations and new tourism experiences such as yachting, diving, winter sports, and gastronomy.“We aim to protect the country’s natural and cultural resources while offering fresh tourism products to appeal to diverse international audiences,” she said. Greece is also taking a leading role in sustainable tourism through the creation of tools like a National Observatory for Sustainable Tourism Development, aiming to set high standards for the industry.Greece and Korea Celebrate 65 Years of Diplomatic RelationsThis year marks 65 years of diplomatic ties between Greece and Korea. Both countries are eager to nurture closer relations, not only through tourism but also in other sectors like culture and economics. Tourism leaders hope that as air connectivity improves and both sides ramp up their marketing efforts, more travelers will soon traverse the ancient temples of Athens and the vibrant streets of Seoul.The efforts to improve tourism between Greece and Korea come at a time when cultural exchanges between the two nations are stronger than ever. From Greek mythology influencing Korean comics to Korean pop culture gaining global attention, both nations are motivated to turn their cultural affinities into concrete actions.Looking to the Future: Collaborative Growth in TourismThe objective of increasing tourism relations between Greece and Korea is increasingly becoming a reality as both nations acknowledge the opportunities for reciprocal growth. By overcoming practical obstacles, such as the absence of direct flights, and cashing in on the thriving K-culture trend, Greece looks to make new connections for Korean tourists to Greece and Greek tourists to Korea.Meanwhile, with sustainable tourism objectives and a vision of cultural exchange, the prospects are good for augmenting relations and growing travel between the Korean Peninsula and the Mediterranean.

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