On December 3, responding to media inquiries regarding reports that several Vietnamese tourists visiting Jeju under a visa-free arrangement did not board their return flight as scheduled, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed swift action.
The Ministry directed the Vietnamese Embassy in South Korea to urgently liaise with local authorities to verify and understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In line with this directive, the Embassy is actively coordinating with South Korean officials, monitoring developments, and supporting efforts to locate the missing individuals. The Embassy has also prepared to implement necessary citizen protection measures.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is further working with domestic agencies and Vietnamese travel companies to gather additional information about the missing citizens.
South Korean media reported that the 38 individuals were part of a group of approximately 90 tourists traveling from Nha Trang to Jeju on a flight on November 14. On November 17, the 38 individuals vanished during the final stop of their sightseeing itinerary, just before their scheduled departure. The remaining members of the group returned to Vietnam as planned.
Vietnamese tourists visiting Jeju for leisure purposes are permitted to stay on the island without a visa for up to 30 days. The missing 38 individuals, who did not have visas, are legally allowed to remain on the island until December 14.
Local immigration authorities are employing surveillance cameras in their efforts to track down the missing individuals.
Tran Thuong