KUCHING: South Korea is on Sarawak’s radar for new direct AirBorneo flights from Kuching, with Jeju Island emerging as a potential destination.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Jeju was being considered partly due to its status as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Kuching, meanwhile, is expected to receive similar recognition next year, giving the two destinations another point of connection.
“So, Korea is definitely on our radar for direct air connectivity, and we hope AirBorneo can make it a reality in the near future,” he said in a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS).
Abdul Karim was speaking at a press conference after attending the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Travel Mart 2026 Knowledge Forum here yesterday (Aug 18).
He said the potential route also took into account strong interest among Sarawakians in travelling to South Korea, while the country represented a promising tourism market for the state.
He said South Korea’s achievements in music, technology, the automotive industry and sports further added to its appeal as a market for Sarawak.
On AirBorneo’s international expansion, Abdul Karim said Bangkok was also among the destinations being considered.
“That is why the Premier wants Jeju Island as a destination, perhaps after Jakarta.
“Jakarta will be the next destination next month, but after that, it could be Bangkok or Jeju Island,” he said.
