Ordos City Emerges as a Tourism Hotspot for South Korean Visitors
Ordos City, located in northern China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, is drawing strong interest from international travellers this summer. Among them, South Korean tourists stand out, attracted by visa-free entry, customised experiences, and the convenience of direct charter flights.
Unique Desert Adventures in Ordos
A recent chartered flight from Daegu brought South Korean tourists to Ordos, where they sought landscapes and adventures unavailable at home. One of the most popular destinations is the Yinkentala Scenic Area, home to 82 space capsule-style hotels nestled deep in the desert.
Guests can enjoy panoramic views of sunrise and sunset from their capsules, ride camels across untouched sand dunes, or test their skills on desert motorbikes. One visitor described the grassland rides as exhilarating, adding that such experiences are rare in South Korea.
Tour guide Huang Long noted the fascination among South Korean travellers with camel riding, something many had only seen on television before arriving in Ordos.
Growing Popularity Drives Expansion
According to scenic spot data, more than 10,000 South Korean visitors stayed in the desert capsules between June and September 2024. Demand continues to rise, and an additional 120 units are now under construction to welcome more guests.
Xu Jie, manager of the project, said the launch of the direct charter flight on June 11 quickly boosted arrivals. By the time the service concludes on September 15, Ordos expects to host around 15,000 South Korean tourists.
Beyond the desert, visitors also enjoy staying in traditional yurts on the grasslands. Evenings bring a cultural touch, as tourists sip milk tea while admiring expansive skies and sweeping grassland views.
Enhancing Cultural Tourism Appeal
To make experiences more accessible, local attractions have introduced Korean-language signs and commentary at restaurants and performances. This step has made cultural immersion easier for inbound tourists.
Li Yanhong, general manager of the Ordos Grassland tourist area, said cultural exchange plays a vital role. “Tourists from South Korea yearn for the experience of grasslands and deserts. Ordos offers both, giving us a strong advantage,” he explained.
Since the charter season began in June 2025, Ordos City has welcomed over 80 inbound charter flights. These flights have brought more than 12,100 international tourists, including visitors from South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand.
with inputs from Reuters