Greece eyes more Korean travelers through Santorini tourism showcase in Seoul

Greek Ambassador to Korea Loukas Tsokos speaks during a tourism event at Mondrian Seoul Itaewon in central Seoul's Yongsan District, June 8. Korea Times photo by Anna J. Park

The Greek Embassy and the Greek National Tourism Organisation in Korea hosted a tourism promotion event highlighting Santorini and other iconic Greek destinations, as officials and tourism leaders sought to strengthen travel ties and attract more Korean visitors to Greece.

Titled “Greece: A 365 Day Destination," Greek Ambassador to Korea Loukas Tsokos opened the event with a speech underscoring the importance of tourism as a bridge between cultures and economies. Calling tourism-related events his “favorite events,” Tsokos noted that tourism brings joy while fostering deeper understanding between nations.

The ambassador praised Korea’s growing success in promoting its own tourism industry, pointing to the global influence of K-pop, K-dramas and other aspects of Korean culture.

“Korea has become very popular in Greece lately,” he said, adding that Greece hopes to project the image of Santorini to Korean travelers in much the same way Korea has successfully promoted its cultural identity worldwide.

While a significant number of Koreans already travel to Greece annually, the Greek ambassador emphasized that the potential remains far greater given Koreans’ strong interest in overseas travel and growing curiosity about Greek culture, history and destinations.

The event also brought together tourism stakeholders from Greece, including representatives from Athens International Airport and Santorini’s tourism authorities.

Ioanna Papadopoulou, director of International Affairs at Athens International Airport, gives a presentation during a tourism event at Mondrian Seoul Itaewon in Seoul, June 8. Korea Times photo by Anna J. Park

Ioanna Papadopoulou, director of International Affairs at Athens International Airport, explained Athens’ role as the main gateway for international visitors entering Greece and stressed the importance of strengthening connectivity and cooperation with the Korean travel market. She said the airport is committed to working with tourism partners to make travel between Korea and Greece more accessible and convenient.

Another key member of the Greek delegation was Georgia Nomikou, president of the Santorini City Council, who delivered a presentation on Santorini, one of Greece’s most celebrated destinations.

During her presentation, Nomikou showcased Santorini’s rich historical and cultural heritage, guiding attendees through archaeological sites and ancient settlements that reflect more than 7,000 years of the island’s history.

From the prehistoric settlement of Akrotiri to the ancient city of Thera, she illustrated how successive Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic and Roman eras shaped the island, highlighting a cultural legacy that extends far beyond Santorini’s famed sunsets and whitewashed villages. Her presentation offered a deeper look into the island’s history, culture and lesser-known attractions beyond the iconic scenery for which Santorini is best known.