By UN Journal Lee Kap-soo

South Korean airline Eastar Jet has launched a new direct flight on the Seoul – Almaty route on April 7, marking another step in strengthening ties between Kazakhstan and South Korea. This is the first flight to Kazakhstan operated by Korean low-cost airline (LCC).

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Ambassador of Kazakhstan Nurgali Arystanov emphasized that currently there were 11 direct flights per week between the two countries, and the addition of two new flights by Eastar Jet creates a new "aviation bridge", which will further promote business partnerships and increase tourist flow.

He noted that people-to-people ties between the two countries are on the surge, helping to deepen mutual understanding and trust. In particular, in 2024, the number of South Korean tourists visiting Kazakhstan reached 40,180, showing a 12% increase, while 53,224 citizens of Kazakhstan visited South Korea, an 8% rise from the previous year.

The Kazakh diplomat also highlighted investment cooperation, noting that in 2024, South Korea became the third largest investor in Kazakhstan's economy, investing $1.2 billion USD. Currently, 876 companies with South Korean capital are operating in Kazakhstan, implementing large-scale innovative and infrastructure projects in partnership with leading South Korean companies.

In his turn, CEO of Eastar Jet Cho Joongseok said: "The flight to Almaty is both a new challenge and a great opportunity for our airline. Kazakhstan is the heart of Central Asia, a resource-rich country, as well as an important center for tourism and cultural exchange. We are confident that with the launch of this flight, economic and humanitarian cooperation between our countries will only strengthen."

He also shared Eastar Jet’s plans for active cooperation with various organizations to "make travel for Korean tourists to Almaty even more accessible and comfortable." He emphasized that "passengers will be able to personally enjoy Kazakhstan's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage."

The opening of the new flight marks another step in deepening and expanding the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and South Korea.