Trek Me Nepal at the 41st Seoul International Travel Fair (SITF) 2026

Trek Me Nepal recently participated in the 41st Seoul International Travel Fair (SITF 2026), held from June 4 to 7, 2026, at the COEX Exhibition Center (Hall C) in Seoul, South Korea. This event marked a major milestone in our South Korea marketing campaign. Our goal was to promote Nepal as a premier trekking and tour destination among the Korean visitors. Our Korea representative, Shiva Acharya, successfully represented the company by engaging directly with international adventure seekers, local travel operators, and media representatives throughout the four-day fair.

The fair was packed with engaging activities that celebrated global tourism, sustainable exploration, and outdoor adventure. Here are some standout features:

About Seoul International Travel Fair (SITF 2026)

Organized by KOTFA Co. Ltd., SITF is one of Asia's most prominent and longest-running international travel fairs. The 2026 edition brought together diverse cultures, global tourism trends, and industry leaders under one roof. The vibrant exhibition hall in Gangnam featured pavilions from over 33 countries and regions, creating an energetic marketplace for global travel.

Adding a wonderful cultural touchpoint to the event, popular Korean artist Mr. Hwang Mansok, who is famous for his iconic Gangnam Style sculptures, visited the booth. He graciously presented a photograph of one of his signature artworks, celebrating the deep creative and cultural ties between South Korea and Nepal.

Nepal’s Collective Strategy in the East Asian Market

Nepal’s presence at SITF 2026 focused on expanding the world's view of Himalayan travel. Historically, many travelers view Nepal exclusively as a destination for elite, extreme mountaineers. The collective promotion at the fair aimed to correct this misconception.

The campaign highlighted Nepal as a versatile, accessible playground for every tier of explorer. Whether travelers want a challenging high-altitude pass, a peaceful spiritual retreat, or a comfortable family holiday, Nepal offers a safe and deeply welcoming environment. This narrative paired perfectly with the South Korean public's growing demand for deep nature immersion and wellness-focused holidays.

What We Showcased: Curated Himalayan Experiences

Trek Me Nepal, represented by Shiva Acharya, shared some exciting travel packages, carefully chosen to match what South Korean travelers love and their holiday schedules:

• Famous High-Mountain Treks: Classic routes like Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit, and Gokyo Lakes. We focus on safety, walking at a safe pace to get used to the high air, and using experienced local guides.

• Short & Scenic Treks: Quick trips like Mardi Himal and Ghorepani Poon Hill. These are perfect for busy people with only a few days of vacation who still want to see amazing mountain views.

• Culture, Spirit & Wildlife Tours: Fun trips to see the historic temples of Kathmandu, the beautiful lakeside town of Pokhara, the peaceful birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini, and exciting jungle safaris in Chitwan and Bardia.

• Eco-Friendly Travel: We shared our One Guest One Tree project. This shows travelers how every booking with Trek Me Nepal helps plant trees and support local villages.
  

Visitor Insights: Understanding the South Korean Traveler

Engaging with hundreds of visitors over the four-day fair provided our team with key target insights into what today's South Korean traveler looks for:

• From Local Trails to Global Peaks: South Korea has a massive domestic hiking culture. Millions of people regularly hike local mountains like Bukhansan and Seoraksan. We met many active hikers who are now looking to take the ultimate next step and test their skills against the grand scale of the Himalayas.

• Safety, Flights, and Logistics: Visitors were highly detail-oriented during our chats. They asked specific questions about flight connectivity, visa procedures, emergency medical logistics, and the professional training standards of our guiding team.

• The Desire for Flexible Independence: There is a clear shift away from old-school, rigid package tours. Millennial travelers and active retirees alike expressed a strong preference for private, customizable small-group departures where they can set their own daily walking pace.

B2B Progress and Strategic Next Steps

The event was also a major success from a business-to-business perspective. During the dedicated B2B Travel Mart sessions, Shiva Acharya met with regional outbound agencies, adventure clubs, and travel media creators from across South Korea.

These meetings opened up strong avenues for future collaboration. We are currently developing co-branded trekking packages customized for South Korean hiking clubs. We are also planning collaborative content campaigns with digital storytellers to highlight lesser-known, pristine trekking regions in Nepal.

Conclusion

Our time at SITF 2026 was a major success for our international outreach. It proved that the connection between South Korea and Nepal is driven by a shared love for mountain landscapes and outdoor life. With over 23,000 Korean arrivals recorded in the past year alone, the momentum is stronger than ever.

We are incredibly grateful to the organizers at KOTFA, our travel industry colleagues, and every single guest who we interacted with. Our team is already busy following up on all the leads and relationships built in Seoul. We look forward to welcoming our new South Korean friends and guiding them safely on the adventure of a lifetime.

Are you looking to plan your own custom Himalayan getaway? Take a look at our complete range of sustainable Trekking Packages or reach out to our team of experts today.

Bibek Thapa

Content Writer & Social Media Officer

Bibek Thapa is currently pursuing his Bachelor's in Travel and Tourism Management (BTTM) at the National Academy of Travel and Hotel Management (NATHM). His academic background in tourism, combined wi... Read More