THE ROLE OF TOURISM IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS BETWEEN SOUTH KOREA AND JAPAN

Abstract

This article explores the role of tourism in shaping international relations between South Korea and Japan, two nations with deep cultural ties and a complex historical relationship. While political tensions and unresolved historical disputes have periodically strained official diplomatic channels, tourism has emerged as a vital form of soft power and people-to-people diplomacy. The movement of citizens across borders fosters mutual understanding, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange, often serving as a stabilizing force in times of political discord. The article highlights how tourism contributes not only to economic development but also to the normalization of relations and the promotion of peace in Northeast Asia. By examining past trends, current dynamics, and future opportunities, the study argues that sustained tourism can play a meaningful role in building trust and facilitating reconciliation between the two countries.