The K-Tourism Connection in Istanbul 2025, organized by AVIAREPS Turkey, successfully took place on September 2025, bringing together key tourism stakeholders from Korea and Türkiye to explore new pathways for collaboration and growth.

Hosted at a prominent venue in Istanbul, the event featured representatives from the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), Asiana Airlines, and five leading Destination Management Companies (DMCs) from Korea, alongside Turkish tourism professionals, agencies, and institutional representatives.

Distinguished guests included Woosung Lee, Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Istanbul; Jiman Jung, Director of KTO MENA; Gukhee Kim, General Manager of Asiana Airlines; Ozan Ortaç, Corporate Communications and International Projects Director at the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA); and representatives from the Istanbul Convention and Visitors Bureau (ICVB).

The program began with a dynamic travel fair, offering B2B meetings between Korean DMCs, Asiana Airlines, and Turkish tourism companies—creating new networking opportunities and fostering long-term partnerships between the two markets.

Following the business sessions, guests gathered for an evening reception and dinner in the hotel’s ballroom. The formal addresses by Consul General Woosung Lee and KTO MENA Director Jiman Jung highlighted the growing synergy between the two nations in tourism and cultural exchange. A special video presentation showcased Korea’s diverse attractions and unique tourism offerings, followed by an insightful destination presentation delivered by Aslı Erkan, General Manager of AVIAREPS Turkey.

Adding a vibrant cultural touch to the evening, the K-pop dance group Subak captivated the audience with a high-energy performance that drew enthusiastic applause.

The night concluded with an engaging raffle featuring prizes that reflected both Korean tradition and innovation — from cultural souvenirs to Samsung Galaxy Tabs, culminating in the grand prize: a round-trip flight from Istanbul to Korea, presented by Consul General Woosung Lee and sponsored by Asiana Airlines.

With overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants, the K-Tourism Connection in Istanbul 2025 successfully reinforced the tourism and cultural bridge between Korea and Türkiye, laying the groundwork for enhanced cooperation, mutual promotion, and increased travel exchange between the two nations