Kazakhstan Intensifies Seoul Diplomacy: Tourism Guidebook Launch, IP Talks Bolster Ties Amid Record Travel Growth

The promotion of tourism and cultural exchange has been significantly intensified by the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Seoul. A concerted effort has recently been undertaken to enhance the visibility of the Central Asian nation as a premier travel destination for citizens of Korea. This strategic thrust was demonstrated through the hosting of the Astana roadshow and the official unveiling of the newly published Travel Kazakhstan guidebook, initiatives designed to capture the interest of the Korean populace and substantially increase the volume of reciprocal travel between the two nations. This systematic approach is representative of a broader commitment to deepening diplomatic and cultural ties.

Highlighting the Heritage and Evolution of Astana

The diplomatic mission’s promotional activities commenced with the Astana roadshow, which was successfully conducted in central Seoul late last month. During this event, crucial information regarding the capital city was disseminated by officials from the Astana Tourism Authority. The profound historical journey of Astana was meticulously detailed for the assembled guests. It was explained that the city’s origins are traced back to the establishment of the Akmola fortress in 1830. The city’s status was fundamentally altered in 1997 when it was designated as Kazakhstan’s capital. A subsequent name change occurred in 1998, leading to its establishment as Astana.

Securing Economic Cooperation through Intellectual Property

Beyond the cultural sphere, the strengthening of economic relations was also given considerable attention. It was reported by the Embassy that a critical bilateral meeting regarding intellectual property rights was successfully executed in Seoul. This high-level dialogue was necessitated by the importance of strong regulatory frameworks in international business. The meeting saw participation from Sholpan Abdreyeva, who serves as the Chairperson of Kazakhstan’s Committee on Intellectual Property Rights, alongside Mok Sung-ho, Korea’s Vice Minister of Intellectual Property. Such a consultation underscores the serious consideration being given to protecting the commercial interests of investors operating across both jurisdictions.

The fundamental importance of these protections was articulated by Nurgali Arystanov, Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Korea. Ambassador Arystanov emphasized that Korea has established itself as one of the top three investors in Kazakhstan. For major Korean corporations, such as Samsung and KIA, which have established significant operational footprints within the country, robust intellectual property protection is deemed absolutely essential.

The Unveiling of the Travel Kazakhstan Guidebook

In a separate yet equally important event, a comprehensive presentation was hosted by the embassy to formally introduce Travel Kazakhstan, the new guidebook. This publication was expertly authored by the distinguished Korean travel writer, Seo Byung-yong. The gathering was notably well-attended, with participation exceeding 70 individuals. Representation was drawn from a broad spectrum of influential sectors, including governmental bodies, tourism agencies, academic institutions, and media organizations.

During the launch, Ambassador Arystanov provided commentary on the book’s potential impact. It was expressed by the Ambassador that the publication would undoubtedly contribute to a deepening of cultural ties and would provide a necessary impetus to further boost mutual tourism. The guidebook is intended to serve as a comprehensive resource, demystifying the travel experience to Kazakhstan and offering valuable insights that extend beyond typical tourist information. Author Seo Byung-yong contributed to the event by presenting a series of highlights drawn from his work.

Positive Trends in Bilateral Travel Statistics

The strategic promotion of tourism is strongly supported by recent data demonstrating sustained growth in bilateral travel. Tourism statistics were shared during the promotional event, revealing encouraging trends. It was reported that a total of 41,400 Koreans visited Kazakhstan during the first nine months of 2025. This figure represents a notable increase of 20 percent when compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. Similarly, the movement of citizens in the opposite direction also showed positive momentum. Over the identical timeframe, 46,500 Kazakh citizens traveled to Korea, which constitutes a 12 percent increase in outbound travel to the peninsula.

This increasing volume of traffic in both directions is recognized as tangible evidence of strengthening people-to-people connections and a rising mutual interest in the respective cultures and opportunities available in each country. The continued upward trajectory of these figures validates the efforts being made by both the Embassy of Kazakhstan in Seoul and its counterparts. The observed growth suggests that the diplomatic and promotional initiatives are successfully meeting the latent demand for cultural and leisure exploration.

Conclusion of the Event and Cultural Enrichment

The events culminating in the successful promotion of Kazakhstan’s diplomatic and cultural agenda were brought to a formal close. The main presentations were followed by a lively and informative question-and-answer session, during which attendees were afforded the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the country’s travel appeal and investment climate.

Following the Q&A, a book signing session was conducted, providing participants with the chance to engage directly with author Seo Byung-yong. The entire program was culturally enriched by a captivating musical performance. The assembled audience was treated to a demonstration of traditional talent by Milana Bazarova, a young Kazakh dombra musician, whose skillful playing provided an authentic auditory experience of the nation’s cultural heritage, leaving a lasting impression on those present and effectively bridging the distance between Seoul and Astana. The concerted efforts witnessed during these promotions are expected to yield sustained benefits for the bilateral relationship in the years to come.

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