Co-hosted by the Kazakhstan Embassy in Seoul and SCAT Airlines, the event brought together experts from the aviation and travel industry, diplomats, and other distinguished guests, offering them a valuable chance to learn about the southern Kazakh city amid deepening bilateral ties with Seoul.
Kazakhstan Ambassador to Seoul Nurgali Arystanov said, "This will be a historic day for our relationship and people-to-people exchanges."
Arystanov highlighted Shymkent's importance as part of Kazakhstan's "golden triangle" along with Astana and Almaty, which already have regular flights to Seoul. He said the new direct flight marks a significant step forward in bilateral exchanges.
Arystanov also explained Kazakhstan's 30-day visa-free program for South Korean travelers as part of efforts to boost tourism and urged tour agencies to offer attractive travel packages.
He then proposed a tour program featuring Kazakhstan's key attractions including UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Mausoleum of Khoja Ahmed Yasawi and the Petroglyphs of Tamgaly Tas.
SCAT Airlines' branch manager Andrey Tsygankov proudly said, "SCAT Airlines has been flying since 1997. We've carried over 50 million passengers with more than two million choosing us each year."
"Shymkent isn't just Kazakhstan's third-largest city. It's a rapidly growing southern hub with over 1.2 million people," he said, expressing hope that the new flight would further boost exchanges between the two countries. "It has always been famous for its amazing kebabs, but now it is also becoming known as an aviation hub," he added.
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