VNAT Seeks Approval for Permits for S. Korean Tour Guides

The tourism authority of Vietnam is seeking permission from the government to allow South Koreans living in the country to work as tour guides in an effort to ease the shortage of the country.

 

Deputy director of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) Pham Tu told a press conference yesterday that VNAT would work with the South Korean Embassy to ask the government to revise a law that makes it illegal for foreigners to work as tourist guides.

 

Since the beginning of the year, Vietnam has received over 43,800 South Korean tourists, but the country only has a few number of tourist guides who can speak Korean.

 

“The plan will not only help satisfy market needs but will also help us manage the Korean tour guides currently working in Vietnam illegally,” said Tu, adding that the Koreans who desire to become tour guides in Vietnam could be trained in Vietnamese culture, geography and history. After training, they would be able to sign short-term labor contracts with local companies to manage tours for travelers from South Korea.

 

A recent investigation in Hanoi discovered 16 Koreans illegally working as tour guides.

 

Foreigners are now not permitted to work as tour guides in Vietnam. (Young People)