Deputy Head of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) Pham Tu told a press conference that VNAT would work with the South Korean Embassy in asking the government to revise a law that makes it illegal for foreigners to work as tourist guides.

Since the beginning of the year, Vietnam has received over 43,800 South Korean tourists, but the country only has some 50 tourist guides who can speak Korean.

"The plan will not only help satisfy market needs but will also help us manage the Korean tour guides currently working in Vietnam illegally," said Tu.

Tu said the Koreans who desire to become tourist guides in Vietnam could be trained in Vietnamese culture, geography and history. After training, they would be able to sign short-term labor contracts with local companies to manage tours for travelers from South Korea.

A recent investigation in Hanoi discovered 16 Koreans illegally working as tour guides.

Source - Thanh Nien