South Korea’s tourism and hospitality sector faces challenges

Aviation safety incidents significantly impact consumer confidence in air travel, particularly in markets where tourism plays a vital role in the economy.

In South Korea, two recent airline accidents have intensified concerns over aviation safety, raising questions about the reliability of domestic carriers. As South Korea positions itself as a major travel hub in Northeast Asia, incidents that undermine trust in air travel directly affect its tourism sector.

Given the country's dependence on inbound tourism, particularly from China, Japan, and Southeast Asia, any deterioration in the perceived safety of air transport could have immediate economic repercussions.

The tourism industry is highly sensitive to aviation-related disruptions, as air connectivity remains a key factor in destination attractiveness. The airline accidents coincide with efforts to revitalize post-pandemic tourism, with the government implementing policies to attract foreign visitors.

Negative publicity surrounding airline safety threatens to counteract these measures, potentially leading to declining international arrivals and a slowdown in domestic travel. The broader…