Uzbekistan, the heart of Central Asia's ancient Silk Road, is taking a major step toward global tourism collaboration by partnering with South Korea to expand cultural and city tourism. The two nations have officially signed a cooperation agreement between the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Seoul and South Korea's UN-affiliated Global Organization for the Support of City Tourism, marking a new era of strategic partnership in travel and culture.
This groundbreaking initiative, formalized during the First Global City Tourism Summit in Busan, will strengthen connections between Korean cities and Uzbekistan's historic Silk Road destinations such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. As part of the collaboration, both countries will jointly develop tourism routes, promote cultural festivals, organize exhibitions, and host Uzbekistan Culture Week in Busan, showcasing the nation's artistic, culinary, and architectural heritage to Korean audiences.
The introduction of a regular Tashkent-Busan-Tashkent flight route is another cornerstone of this partnership. The direct link is expected to ease travel between the two nations, encouraging tourism, cultural exchange, and business cooperation. This connectivity will play a vital role in strengthening not only tourism but also economic and people-to-people relations between Central Asia and East Asia.
Through this alliance, Uzbekistan seeks to highlight its position as one of the top emerging destinations in Asia, while South Korea continues to enhance its image as a global hub for smart, sustainable city tourism. Together, both nations are setting a benchmark for international tourism diplomacy, merging ancient Silk Road legacies with modern travel innovation.
The newly signed agreement between Uzbekistan's Embassy in Seoul and the Global Organization for the Support of City Tourism (GOSCT) is designed to create a long-term framework for developing shared tourism experiences. It will focus on cultural, historical, and city-based travel -- bridging Korea's dynamic urban environments with Uzbekistan's ancient Silk Road treasures.
Key components of the agreement include:
This cooperative effort represents a significant milestone in Uzbekistan's tourism modernization strategy, aligning with the country's broader goal of attracting over 10 million international visitors annually by 2030.
The collaboration between Uzbekistan and South Korea underscores the deep cultural ties that connect East Asia and Central Asia -- regions once united by the legendary Silk Road trade routes. With modern tourism infrastructure now bridging these ancient pathways, the partnership aims to revive historical travel corridors and introduce them to a new generation of explorers.
Uzbekistan's major destinations such as:
These destinations are now being integrated into curated itineraries for Korean travelers. Meanwhile, Korean cities such as Seoul, Busan, and Incheon are expected to host Uzbekistan-themed festivals, exhibitions, and tourism fairs to promote two-way travel.
A critical element of this partnership is the planned launch of the Tashkent-Busan-Tashkent direct flight route. The new air link will simplify travel logistics for tourists, business travelers, and cultural delegations from both nations. It will also complement Uzbekistan Airways' regional expansion strategy and Korea's efforts to increase inbound travel from Central Asia.
Benefits of the new flight route include:
By introducing direct flights, both countries aim to eliminate travel barriers and stimulate multi-destination packages connecting Central Asia with East Asia.
South Korea's reputation as a leader in urban innovation and sustainable city tourism provides valuable insight for Uzbekistan's growing travel infrastructure. Through this partnership, Uzbekistan aims to learn from Korea's best practices in smart tourism management, digital travel ecosystems, and sustainable urban development.
Collaborative initiatives will include:
This exchange of expertise will help Uzbekistan modernize its tourism sector, attract tech-savvy visitors, and ensure long-term sustainability of its cultural sites.
The partnership also emphasizes cultural diplomacy, with upcoming events designed to enhance mutual understanding and promote tourism through art, cuisine, and heritage. Planned programs include:
These initiatives aim to build emotional and cultural connections that encourage not only tourism but also academic, business, and media cooperation.
Uzbekistan's strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia makes it a natural partner for countries seeking to expand their reach into Central Asia's tourism market. By connecting with South Korea -- a global tourism leader -- Uzbekistan positions itself as an essential destination in the new Silk Road tourism corridor.
As Uzbekistan continues to emerge as one of the most attractive destinations in Central Asia, its cooperation with South Korea will play a crucial role in shaping the next phase of regional tourism. The fusion of ancient Silk Road charm and modern Korean innovation offers a unique blend that appeals to both cultural and contemporary travelers.
In the coming years, the partnership is expected to lead to:
Uzbekistan's collaboration with South Korea symbolizes more than a tourism agreement -- it represents a bridge between civilizations, past and present. The partnership connects ancient heritage with futuristic travel solutions, bringing together two dynamic nations committed to global cooperation, cultural exchange, and sustainable tourism.
As Uzbekistan and Korea embark on this shared journey, travelers from both countries -- and across the world -- can look forward to discovering vibrant cities, timeless architecture, and unforgettable cultural experiences that celebrate the true spirit of the Silk Road.