SEOUL – Indonesia is making a concerted effort to attract more Korean tourists by highlighting its lesser-known attractions, moving beyond the ever-popular Bali. At the Seoul International Tourism Fair (SITF) held in COEX, Gangnam-gu, Indonesia's Taman Safari, Southeast Asia's largest safari park, was a prominent exhibitor, actively engaging Korean visitors.

Alexander Zulkarnain, Marketing Director of Taman Safari, emphasized the long-standing diplomatic ties between Indonesia and Korea, which have steadily developed over 52 years. "Tourism now plays a crucial role in the relationship between our two countries," Zulkarnain stated during an interview at the fair on June 6. He noted the significant increase in Korean visitors, with approximately 436,000 Koreans having traveled to Indonesia in 2024 alone. While Bali has traditionally been the top destination, he observed a growing trend of Koreans exploring other cities like Jakarta and Yogyakarta.

"Korean travelers are now seeking more meaningful and memorable experiences rather than just simple sightseeing," Zulkarnain explained. To cater to this evolving preference, he specifically promoted Jakarta Aquarium & Safari (JAQS), located within the Neo Soho shopping mall in central Jakarta. While well-known among locals, JAQS remains relatively unfamiliar to Korean tourists.

"Here, visitors can directly interact with over 3,500 marine and terrestrial animals," Zulkarnain highlighted. He also underscored the unique "Pearl of the South Sea" mermaid show, based on traditional Indonesian folklore, as an impressive experience for Korean visitors. A distinctive feature of JAQS is the Pingu Restaurant, where diners can enjoy Indonesian fusion cuisine while observing Humboldt penguins.

During the fair, Zulkarnain engaged with Korean media, travel agencies, and influencers to analyze the latest travel trends. He identified several key preferences among Korean travelers: "Korean travelers prioritize convenience, such as easy online booking and the provision of Korean language services." He added that they are not merely interested in observing but seek hands-on local experiences. "Taman Safari's environmental conservation programs and animal interaction opportunities align well with these demands," he asserted.

Zulkarnain also pointed out the increasing interest in sustainable travel among Korean tourists. "As a leading wildlife conservation institution in Indonesia, Taman Safari is an ideal destination for Korean travelers seeking ethical and eco-friendly travel options."

Moving forward, Taman Safari plans to enhance its services for Korean tourists by strengthening Korean language support, simplifying online booking processes, and collaborating with Korean travel platforms. They are also developing customized products for the Korean market, including educational family tours, experiential programs for young adults, and wellness retreats.

Looking ahead to the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Indonesia, Zulkarnain expressed a long-term vision to further expand tourism exchanges between the two