NEWS

KTO and KTC Tap Thai FIT Trend with “Unique Korea, Experience Yours” Campaign Targeting Thai free independent travelers with two-city promos and curated experiences

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), in collaboration with Krungthai Card Public Company Limited (KTC), has launched the “Unique Korea, Experience Yours” campaign, responding to a growing surge in Thai travelers opting for free independent travel (FIT). Over 82% of Thai visitors to Korea now design their own itineraries, seeking authentic and personalized experiences beyond Seoul.

The campaign promotes lesser-known destinations such as Busan, Jeju, Daegu, and Ulsan, and offers short-term experiential courses tied to Korean culture. KTC cardmembers benefit from exclusive offers including a “2 Cities, 1 Fare” flight promotion and customizable D.I.Y. experience packages.

In 2024, 323,000 Thai tourists visited Korea. “Thai travelers are looking for more than just sightseeing — they want real, immersive experiences that reflect their personal interests,” said Mrs. Kim Sehee, Deputy Director of KTO Thailand. “Whether it’s K-pop concerts, drama filming locations, beauty clinics, or regional food trails, Korea offers unmatched variety.”

Ms. Arinchaya Lertwattanachai, Marketing Manager of KTO Thailand, noted that the partnership with KTC supports deeper cultural engagement. “This campaign reflects the evolving mindset of younger travelers — flexible, experience-driven, and digitally savvy.”

Asst. Prof. Dr. Kamon Busaban of Chulalongkorn University emphasized Korea’s global success in leveraging cultural soft power. “Korean culture isn’t just consumed — it’s experienced. Tourism, education, and pop culture work in tandem, creating real economic impact.”

“KTC, a long-time exclusive credit card partner of KTO in Thailand, reports strong growth in spending by cardmembers traveling to South Korea. ‘From Jan – Apr 2025, our members’ spending in South Korea surged – particularly in the health & beauty, with aesthetic clinics leading the trend.’ In addition, the category of leading retailers specializing in health and beauty products saw growth across all key metrics—spending volume, number of cardmembers, and transaction frequency—with year-over-year growth exceeding 100% compared to the same period in 2024,” said Miss Varitta Phatanarajta, Head of Credit Card Marketing at KTC.

Exclusive Offers for KTC Cardmembers (May 15 – Dec 10, 2025):

  • Flight Promo: Buy a Korean Air round-trip (Bangkok–Seoul) and get a free domestic ticket (Busan, Jeju, Daegu, or Ulsan) – limited to 50 redemptions.
  • Alternative Airlines: Receive THB 4,000 off a domestic flight when booking international routes via Thai Airways or Asiana.
  • 2-City Travel Packages (4D3N):
    • Seoul–Busan from THB 24,700
    • Seoul–Jeju from THB 26,650
      Includes Korean Air flights + 3-night hotel stay — limited to 100 redemptions.
  • D.I.Y. Travel Package – THB 3,999:
     Choose 2 activities in Seoul, Busan, or Jeju — options include color analysis, K-cooking class, spa experience, local market tour, Sky Capsule ride, etc.

For full details, visit ktc.promo/uniquekorea2025 or contact KTC World Travel Service at 02 123 5050.
To apply for a KTC credit card, visit ktc.today/apply-card.

Note: It is advisable for credit cardholders to use their cards responsibly and repay the full amount by the due date to avoid a 16% annual interest rate.