[ad_1]
The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chennai, India, has unveiled its new visa application centers in Chennai and Bengaluru, starting from September 1, 2023, for the convenience of travellers in the region.
Residents from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Pondicherry, and Tamil Nadu planning to visit South Korea can now submit their visa applications, including express visa requests, at the new South Korea visa application centers (KVACs).
The centers are operational from Monday to Friday, with timings from 9 AM to 1 PM for individuals, 9 AM to 12 PM for travel agents, and 10 AM to 3 PM for passport collection.
These KVACs are managed in collaboration with VFS Global. They also provide optional services to cater to the needs of different applicants. The Embassy already operates KVACs in New Delhi and Kolkata, having commenced their services in 2011.
This initiative aligns with South Korea’s efforts to promote tourism from India, particularly as the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. The Korean Tourism Department (KTD) based in Seoul is organising a significant roadshow in New Delhi in late August to attract Indian tourists. Similar roadshows are planned for other major Indian cities.
Featuring participants such as JeollaNamdo Tourism Organization, Gwangju City, nine destination management companies, Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Bioface and Amorepacific, KTO put together a platform to explore various aspects of Korean travel and lifestyle. The tourism organisation also announced the appointment of TV actress and model Anushka Sen as the Honorary Ambassador of Korea Tourism from India.
Tourism from India to South Korea had been steadily increasing until 2019 but witnessed a decline due to the impact of Covid-19 and other factors. As part of the 2023 marketing strategy to boost tourism, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) India office recently introduced a special K-incentive Scheme to encourage sales of Korea travel packages among Indian travel agents. Additionally, regional tourist destinations such as Busan, Gangwon, and Jellanam-do provinces are being actively promoted to Indian travellers.
Notably, Chennai is home to over 300 Korean companies, primarily operating in the automobile and electronics sectors, while Bengaluru continues to experience the expansion of Korean IT-based firms. With thriving business activities between South Korea and India, the operation of KVACs in these regions is expected to foster increased collaboration and visits.
Source link
