Indian television actress Hina Khan has been appointed as the Honorary Ambassador for Korea Tourism by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO). The appointment aims to enhance the visibility and appeal of South Korea as a preferred travel destination among Indian travelers. The official ceremony took place at the KTO Seoul Center (HiKr Ground), with Andrew JH Kim, Acting Executive VP, International Tourism Division, KTO, in attendance. Khan's ambassadorship is for the term of May 2025 to April 2026.
Hina Khan expressed her excitement and gratitude on social media, stating, “Honored to be appointed as the Honorary Ambassador of Korea Tourism! Excited to promote the beauty, culture, and warmth of Korea". She also shared her experiences of visiting South Korea, highlighting the country's ancient palaces, vibrant streets, delicious food, and incredible culture.
The KTO believes that Hina Khan's strong connection with young audiences and her engaging storytelling on social media make her an ideal representative to promote Korea's diverse offerings. Myong Kil Yun, Regional Director – India & SAARC Countries, KTO, stated that this partnership will open new doors for Indian travelers to experience Korea's culture, food, and trends in a more personal and immersive way.
Hina Khan's appointment comes after her recent week-long familiarization (FAM) trip across Seoul, Gangwon-do, and Incheon. During her trip, she explored and showcased unique cultural experiences, Korean vegetarian cuisine, K-Drama filming locations, and K-Pop hotspots. Some of the key attractions that Hina Khan visited and promoted include:
Hina Khan also paid tribute to the global K-pop phenomenon by visiting the iconic BTS bus stop in Gangneung, which was featured on the You Never Walk Alone album cover. Additionally, she and her partner Rocky Jaiswal recreated the romantic red scarf scene from the K-drama "Goblin" and visited the Jumunjin Beach, which is known for its appearance in K-dramas.
This collaboration is part of KTO India's ongoing efforts to engage Indian audiences through curated travel content and theme-based promotions. Hina Khan's role as Honorary Ambassador is expected to further promote Korea as an accessible and appealing destination for Indian travelers.