Thursday, June 12, 2025

has officially launched its first-ever direct flight connecting to Incheon, South Korea—marking a milestone in transpacific travel and opening a vital new gateway to Asia for the US Midwest. To celebrate and maximize the impact of this historic route, the Organization (KTO) spearheaded a dynamic cultural and business engagement event in Salt Lake City. The initiative aimed to deepen travel industry ties, spark interest in Korean tourism, and showcase the cultural richness and global connectivity that travelers can now access more easily through this strategic air link.

In a significant boost to transpacific connectivity, Delta Air Lines has officially inaugurated a nonstop route between Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) and Incheon International Airport (ICN) in South Korea. To commemorate this milestone, the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), through its Los Angeles office, organized a landmark event titled Discover Your Korea in Salt Lake City 2025 on Wednesday, June 11. Held at the elegant Le Méridien Salt Lake City Downtown Hotel, the event was a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange, tourism promotion, and regional collaboration.

This inaugural direct link from Salt Lake City to Asia was met with great enthusiasm, not only as a new travel corridor but also as a strategic opportunity to deepen tourism ties between the U.S. Midwest and South Korea. The event was carefully curated to attract travel industry professionals from Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico—states that form a vital catchment area for the new route. Through a blend of cultural immersion and professional networking, the showcase set the stage for new tourism partnerships and travel product development centered around Korea.

The gathering was co-hosted by three key players: the Korea Tourism Organization, Incheon International Airport Corporation, and Delta Air Lines. Each brought their unique expertise and commitment to the table, resulting in a well-coordinated, impactful event. More than 80 travel professionals, including top representatives from retail and wholesale agencies, airlines, and travel media, participated in the day-long celebration, signaling strong interest in the Korea travel market.

The event began with an engaging Travel Mart session that seamlessly combined business networking with immersive cultural experiences. Attendees had the chance to try traditional Korean calligraphy, paint decorative hand mirrors, and pose for themed photos in a custom booth inspired by Korean aesthetics. This hands-on component fostered meaningful engagement and gave participants a tangible connection to Korean culture, setting the tone for the rest of the day.

Following the cultural showcase, the official presentations began. The Korea Tourism Organization led with a detailed update on current tourism trends in Korea, showcasing newly developed travel content, rising destination hotspots, and experiential tourism initiatives. Delta Air Lines took the stage next to highlight the significance of its new Salt Lake City–Incheon service, noting the growing demand for direct routes from the interior U.S. to Asia. Representatives from Incheon International Airport emphasized the airport’s strengths as a global transit hub, pointing to its award-winning customer service, modern amenities, and seamless transfer experience.

To add a pop of modern energy to the event, a K-Pop cover dance performance captivated the audience, drawing enthusiastic applause and reinforcing the global popularity of Korean pop culture. This was followed by a networking luncheon where attendees could exchange insights, build connections, and continue conversations sparked earlier in the program. A prize giveaway concluded the gathering on a celebratory note, further elevating the festive atmosphere.

The event’s purpose extended well beyond a single-day promotion. It was designed as a long-term strategic move to cultivate new travel flows to Korea from underrepresented regions in the U.S. By establishing direct connectivity via Delta’s new route and showcasing Korea’s dynamic tourism offerings, the organizers aimed to plant the seeds for future travel demand.

The Korea Tourism Organization sees this initiative as a key component of its broader mission to diversify inbound markets. Through regional events like this one, KTO hopes to deepen Korea’s presence in the U.S. tourism landscape by tailoring its messaging to meet local preferences. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, KTO is refining its strategies to reflect regional travel behavior, interests, and motivations.

Looking ahead, KTO has committed to continuing its outreach throughout the United States, working closely with local travel partners to introduce Korea’s rich blend of cultural heritage, cutting-edge urban life, and breathtaking natural scenery. By forming strong alliances with airlines, airport authorities, tour operators, and media outlets, the organization aims to sustain momentum and ensure that Korea remains top-of-mind for American travelers.

The Salt Lake City event represents a significant step in positioning Korea not just as a vacation destination, but as a central transit and cultural hub in Asia. With the support of Delta’s new route, enhanced airport infrastructure at Incheon, and a clear strategy from KTO, Korea is set to see a rise in tourism from new markets that were previously underserved.

Discover Your Korea in Salt Lake City 2025 was more than a ceremonial launch. It was a proactive investment in the future of Korea’s tourism sector, signaling its commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and market diversification. As cultural curiosity and international travel demand continue to grow, Korea is poised to become a top destination for American travelers seeking unique experiences and effortless global connectivity.