Taman Safari Indonesia's Chief Marketing Officer Alexander Zulkarnain poses at the Indonesian booth during the Seoul International Travel Fair (SITF) on June 6, 2025. AJP IM Yoon-seo
"Indonesia and South Korea have enjoyed strong diplomatic ties for 52 years," Zulkarnain said in an interview with AJP. "Now, tourism is emerging as a cornerstone of this relationship."
Indonesia has become increasingly popular among South Korean travelers, with approximately 436,000 Koreans visiting in 2024 alone, especially during the summer holidays. While Bali's beaches traditionally attracted the majority, Korean visitors now venture beyond, exploring diverse cities such as Jakarta and Yogyakarta.
"Korean travelers today seek more than just sightseeing," Zulkarnain noted. "They crave meaningful experiences and emotional connections."
During the fair, Zulkarnain highlighted a relatively unknown destination perfect for Korean visitors : the Jakarta Aquarium & Safari (JAQS), situated in Neo Soho at Central Park Jakarta. Although beloved by local residents, it remains largely unknown among Korean tourists.
"JAQS offers something truly unique," he explained. "Visitors can interact closely with over 3,500 aquatic and terrestrial animals, attend live feeding sessions, and enjoy performances inspired by traditional Indonesian mythology."
Another distinctive attraction is the aquarium's Pingoo restaurant, where diners enjoy Indonesian fusion cuisine right beside Humboldt penguins.
"Three key trends stood out clearly," he said. "Firstly, Koreans value convenience. Korean travelers expect easy online booking, multilingual support, clear information, and reliable transportation."
Secondly, Korean travelers seek engaging experiences rather than just sightseeing. "I believe our programs align perfectly with these demands," he said.
Lastly, sustainability seems to be becoming increasingly important among Korean tourists. "As Indonesia’s leading wildlife conservation institution, Taman Safari is also perfect for Korean visitors who value ethical and eco-friendly tourism," Zulkarnain emphasized.
In response to these insights, Taman Safari plans to enhance Korean-language services, simplify digital bookings, and partner closely with popular Korean travel platforms.
"We will also introduce specialized itineraries tailored for Korean visitors, including educational family tours, adventurous youth programs, and romantic wellness retreats," he added.
Looking ahead toward the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Indonesia and Korea, Zulkarnain emphasized the initiative’s long-term vision.
"Our ultimate goal is to gradually strengthen tourism links between Korea and Indonesia, introducing Koreans to the remarkable yet undiscovered attractions of Indonesia," he concluded. "We believe these ongoing efforts will foster lasting relationships and stronger bonds for many years to come."
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