Edu Tour Support Programme is designed to bolster student travel to South Korea
With growing interest in academic travel, the Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) organised an Edu Tour Roadshow to Pune recently. The event introduced the Edu Tour Support Programme, a targeted initiative offering visa waivers, travel incentives, and curated learning experiences aimed at positioning South Korea as a preferred destination for Indian student groups and educational institutions.
In a press statement KTO says that the event, focussed on the newly introduced Edu Tour Support Programme, gathered around 130 key education professionals, including Principals, Chairpersons, Directors, and Career Counsellors from leading Indian schools and universities.
It adds that the Edu Tour Support Programme, designed to bolster student travel to South Korea, is part of KTO’s broader initiative to position the country as a premier destination for educational and cultural immersion.
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The statement adds that this programme is an enhancement of the existing Korea Edu Tour Support Programme, aimed at schools and institutions that actively promote South Korea as an educational travel destination.
KTO says that its renewed commitment to student tourism reflects an increasing demand for international academic travel opportunities and highlights the growing significance of educational tourism within the larger context of South Korea’s tourism strategy.
This programme is an enhancement of the existing Korea Edu Tour Support Programme, aimed at schools and institutions that actively promote South Korea as an educational travel destination
KTO says that the key features of this programme include a comprehensive set of benefits aimed at making student travel to South Korea both accessible and enriching.
It adds that among the core offerings are visa fee waivers for middle and high school students, along with reimbursements for visa service charges to travel agencies managing group visas. Schools organising student groups of 20 or more students can further benefit from flight reimbursement for a designated coordinator, easing the financial burden of organising such trips.
According to statement the programme provides much more than just logistical support. Its goal is to offer students enriching cultural, academic, and collaborative experiences. With a focus on making South Korea an exciting destination for educational tourism, the programme is designed to facilitate both cultural immersion and academic exploration, opening doors for future international collaboration.
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It adds that in line with KTO’s 2025 target of welcoming 18.5 million visitors globally, India is positioned as a key market for growth. The 2024 data indicates a notable increase in Indian tourists traveling to South Korea, with 176,668 visitors from India—a 44 pc increase from the previous year.
It further adds that this surge in travel highlights the growing interest in South Korea as a tourist destination, not just for leisure but also for educational purposes.
KTO says that its special focus on student groups and academic institutions is reflected in its ambitious target for 2025, which includes welcoming 250,000 Indian visitors, with a particular emphasis on student travel.
It adds that the programme is also a key component of this strategy, as KTO works closely with Indian schools and educational bodies to facilitate academic travel. The programme is part of a broader effort to make South Korea an attractive option for educational excursions, promoting academic engagement and student exchanges.
It further adds that the roadshow in Pune was an important event in this regard, providing an opportunity for KTO to present the benefits of the Edu Tour Support Programme directly to the Indian education community. Schools that participated in the event were briefed on the programme’s details, including eligibility criteria and the application process, as well as the range of incentives available to make student travel to South Korea more affordable and appealing.
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The statement adds that the roadshow also highlighted the growing trend of educational tourism, where travel is seen not only as a leisure activity but also as an integral part of students’ academic development.
“South Korea continues to grow in popularity among Indian travellers. At KTO, our mission is to position Korea as a premier global destination, not only for leisure but increasingly for meaningful and enriching educational journeys. Korea offers a safe, modern, and inspiring environment, with a globally acclaimed education system, world-class universities, and excellent infrastructure. It is a destination where students can gain knowledge, build confidence, and create unforgettable life experiences. To support this vision, the KTO’s Educational Tour Support Plan is designed to make Korea more accessible and rewarding for Indian schools. Whether it is cultural immersion, academic exposure, or logistical assistance, we are here to support every step of the journey,” says Myong Kil Yun, Regional Director – India & SAARC Countries, KTO.
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