Asiana Airlines, the Republic of Korea’s second largest airline, has opened a direct air route between Pusan and Ho Chi Minh City. It will run three flights a week every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Speaking at an inauguration ceremony, Asiana Airlines President Kang Joo An said that the air route will create favourable conditions for businesses in Pusan – the second largest city in RoK – to invest in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam as well.

The number of Korean arrivals to Vietnam has increased sharply in recent years, from 300,000 in 2005 to 400,000 in 2006.