Da Nang cyclo drivers learn Korean to serve city's largest tourism market

The Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center has launched a Korean-language training program for 83 drivers, teaching them how to communicate and Koreans' travel culture.

In the last 11 months Da Nang received two million South Korean visitors, or 28% of all international arrivals.

Since September cyclos have used GPS-based audio guides that play commentary in 15 languages as they pass major sights.

A Korean-language training session for Da Nang’s cyclo drivers. Photo courtesy of Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center

Cyclo tours offer an eco-friendly way to see Da Nang, passing landmarks including the Cham Sculpture Museum, the Bach Dang riverfront and the Han River. A 30-minute ride costs about VND200,000 ($7.60) per person.

The tours are now sold on platforms including Klook, GetYourGuide and Kkday.

Klook reports nearly 100 bookings in just over three months since starting in September, mostly by South Korean travelers.

Da Nang’s cyclo drivers in their uniforms. Photo courtesy of danangfantasticity

Da Nang’s 83-strong tourist cyclo team was formed in 2003 and is managed by the city’s Tourism Promotion Center.

The drivers are trained to provide polite service and avoid touting, must meet certain health requirements, follow traffic laws, know local attractions, and speak foreign languages.

Vietnam has received 19 million visitors this year, up 21% year-on-year from the record number in 2019.

Chinese led the arrivals list with nearly 4.8 million visitors followed by South Korea with over 3.9 million.

Tour operators say South Korean travelers can be demanding but are quality-focused and willing to spend money generously.