Indonesia Boosts Premium Tourism in Seoul: From Golf, Spa to Wellness Tourism

The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) continues to expand its international market penetration by launching premium tourism promotions at the Wonderful Indonesia Business Matching event in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, September 8, 2025.

Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana was present in person to present Indonesia's leading tourism potential to South Korean tourism industry players. Indonesia's presence at this event marks an important momentum to affirm the archipelago nation's image as a world-class destination offering unique travel experiences distinct from other countries in the Asian region.

"Indonesia is an archipelago nation with 17 thousand islands, equipped with rich traditions and beautiful scenery. This undoubtedly offers diverse travel experiences at every destination," she said as quoted in the ministry's press release.

Focus on Premium Tourism 

In her presentation, the Tourism Minister highlighted various destinations gaining popularity among South Korean tourists. For the young couple segment, Indonesia offers Bali, Sumba, and Labuan Bajo as romantic honeymoon paradises. Meanwhile, for adventure tourism, destinations like Raja Ampat, Wakatobi, Morotai, and Manado-Likupang are promoted as havens for divers and lovers of underwater beauty.

Not only that, Indonesia also sees significant opportunities in golf tourism, which is increasingly popular among foreign tourists, including those from South Korea. According to Minister Widiyanti, the Batam, Bintan, Bali, and Jakarta regions are becoming new magnets with international-standard golf courses. 

"Marine and golf tourism attract quality tourists. Together, we can create targeted programs to deliver these premium experiences directly to customers," she said.

Golf itself is not just a sport, but part of a premium lifestyle. Many Korean tourists combine business trips with playing golf abroad. With complete facilities and tropical scenery hard to find in their home country, Indonesia has a competitive edge to attract this market.

Wellness Tourism and Culture

Besides adventure and golf, Kemenparekraf also promotes wellness tourism as a future tourism trend. Ubud in Bali and Yogyakarta are positioned as wellness tourism centers, offering spa services, traditional massages, and holistic healing practices now favored by global tourists.

On the other hand, cultural richness also received focus. UNESCO World Heritage sites like Borobudur Temple are promoted as choices for educational and spiritual tourism. The combination of nature, culture, and wellness tourism makes Indonesia a complete destination for the international market.

"Indonesia remains open, friendly, and all major tourist destinations across the country are accessible. We are fully dedicated to providing safe and memorable travel experiences," she said.

“Go Beyond Ordinary” Campaign and Economic Potential

At this event, Kemenparekraf launched the "Go Beyond Ordinary" campaign, emphasizing that Indonesian tourism is not just a trip, but an unforgettable experience.

A total of 14 tourism sector stakeholders joined the delegation, ranging from tour operators, airlines, tourism site managers, to hotels. This collaboration is expected to produce attractive and relevant tour packages for South Korean tourists, known for their preference for unique destinations, premium services, and authentic experiences.

The Wonderful Indonesia Business Matching event in Seoul is projected to attract up to 5,250 foreign tourists and create foreign exchange opportunities worth 7.26 million US dollars. This figure proves that well-targeted promotions can directly impact the growth of the national tourism industry.

Strategy to Penetrate the South Korean Market

Choosing South Korea as a promotion target is not without reason. The Land of Ginseng is known for its high number of outbound travelers, especially to Southeast Asian countries. Bali itself has long been a favorite for Korean tourists, and now the government wants to expand its reach to destinations outside Bali.

The tendency of Korean tourists seeking exclusive experiences, from honeymoons to wellness, aligns with the direction of Indonesia's premium tourism development. With aggressive promotion support, classy services, and security guarantees, Indonesia has great potential to capture more market share from competing countries like Thailand and Vietnam. (Antara)