South Korea On AirBorneo’s Radar For Direct Kuching-Jeju Island Flights
KUCHING: South Korea is on Sarawak's radar as one of the potential new destinations to be established via direct AirBorneo flights from Kuching, particularly to Jeju Island.
Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said that direct air connectivity between Kuching and Jeju holds the potential to unlock more tourism opportunities, given that both destinations feature attractions as UNESCO Global Geoparks (UGGp).
According to him, Jeju Island has already received the recognition, whereas Kuching is expected to attain the status next year.
“Thus, Korea is indeed on our radar for direct flight connections, and we hope AirBorneo can make it a reality in the near future,” he said.
He said this during a press conference after attending the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart (PTM) 2026 Knowledge Forum at a leading hotel here on Tuesday.
Dato Sri Abdul Karim added that the proposal also takes into account the strong interest among Sarawakians to travel to South Korea, alongside viewing the country as a high-potential tourism market.
He noted that South Korea boasts impressive achievements in various fields including music, technology, automotive, and sports, making it an attractive market to explore.
Meanwhile, he mentioned that Bangkok is also among the destinations being considered by AirBorneo after direct flights to Jakarta are realised next month.
“That is why Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg wants Jeju Island as a destination, possibly after Jakarta.
“Jakarta will be the next destination next month, but after that, it could be Bangkok or Jeju Island,” he added.
Also present were the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak Morshidi Fredrick, Chief Executive Officer of Sarawak Tourism Board Dr Sharzede Salleh Datu Salleh Askor, PATA Chairman Henry Oh, and PATA Chief Executive Officer Noor Ahmad Hamid. — UKASnews
Prepared by: Ahmad Daniel Faiz
Photos: Muhd Naseem
Translator: Ryan Lim
