In a significant move, the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Chennai, India, has inaugurated its modern and spacious visa application centres in Chennai and Bengaluru, effective from September 1st, 2023. This strategic development aims to provide seamless visa application services for travellers in the region.
Streamlined Korea Visa Processing in Southern India
Travellers from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Pondicherry, and Tamil Nadu will now experience streamlined visa application processes for all categories, including express visas, at these cutting-edge South Korea visa application centres, commonly referred to as KVACs. These centres operate from Monday to Friday, offering services 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.
Operated in collaboration with VFS Global, a renowned global outsourcing and technology service specialist for governmental and diplomatic entities, these KVACs also provide optional services tailored to the preferences of discerning applicants.
It’s worth noting that the Embassy has successfully operated KVACs in New Delhi and Kolkata since 2011, further strengthening the bond between South Korea and India.
Boosting Tourism: A Celebratory Effort
South Korea is actively promoting tourism from India, especially as both nations commemorate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. The Korean Tourism Department (KTD), based in Seoul, is leading the charge by organizing an extensive roadshow in New Delhi in late August, with plans to extend these roadshows to other major Indian cities.
While tourism from India to South Korea witnessed remarkable growth until 2019, it faced setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic and various other factors. To revitalize the tourism sector in 2023, the Korean Tourism Organization (KTO) India office has introduced a special K-incentive Scheme, aimed at boosting sales of Korean travel packages among Indian travel agents. This initiative not only spotlights Seoul but also highlights regional tourist destinations such as Busan, Gangwon, and Jellanam-do provinces, catering to the preferences of Indian travellers.
Economic Ties and Collaborative Visits
Chennai boasts over 300 Korean companies that have established a strong presence in the market, with a particular focus on the automobile and electronics sectors. On the other hand, Bengaluru continues to witness the steady expansion of Korean IT-based companies. As economic activities flourish between South Korea and India, the operation of KVACs in these regions will play a pivotal role in enhancing collaborative visits and reinforcing the enduring partnership between the two nations.
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