Malta, the jewel of the Mediterranean, offers a new travel experience with Turkish Airlines
The small island nation of Malta, located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, has long been an unfamiliar destination for domestic travelers. However, the situation is rapidly changing as the Malta Tourism Authority and Turkish Airlines are actively targeting the Korean market. At a joint media event held in Seoul in July, the two organizations emphasized a simple message: when the diverse charms of Malta, with its history and nature, meet the efficient hub function of Istanbul, it reveals the unique experiences that Korean travelers can enjoy.
The charm of Malta, where 7,000 years of history lives on
Malta is an independent sovereign state located approximately 90 km south of the Italian island of Sicily, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Its land area is about 316 square kilometers, only one-sixth the size of Jeju Island, but its population reaches 560,000. The history contained within this small area is by no means small. Malta has prehistoric sites, including megalithic temples built approximately 7,000 years ago, as well as traces of Rome and the medieval Knights’ era, scattered throughout the island.
Valletta was established after the Great Siege of Malta in 1565, when Jean Parisot de la Valette, then Grand Master of the Order of St. John, ordered the construction of a new city. The city’s name is derived from his. In 1980, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The head of the Malta Tourism Authority’s Korean and Japanese branches emphasized, “With over 7,000 years of historical sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, more than 320 days of pleasant sunshine per year, and emerald-colored seas, we recommend staying for at least 4 days.”
A paradise for maritime sports and cultural experiences
The small island of Comino, located between Malta and Gozo, is home to the world-renowned Blue Lagoon. The clear, transparent, emerald-green sea stretches endlessly, creating a scene reminiscent of paradise. The color of the water changes to various shades of blue depending on the sunlight, and the shallow, calm waters make it an ideal place for swimming. It is a paradise for travelers who enjoy snorkeling and diving.
Malta’s natural landscapes and historical sites offer more than just tourist attractions; they provide a deep cultural experience. While strolling through the streets of Valletta, one can experience a journey back to the Middle Ages, and the following day, one can encounter the clear waters and coral reefs of the Blue Lagoon.
Istanbul Hub: The Closest Route from Korea
Turkish Airlines, as of 2025, serves over 130 countries and more than 350 cities, possessing the largest international network in the world in terms of the number of countries served. It currently uses Istanbul Airport, located in Arnavutköy, Istanbul, as its hub airport.
Istanbul Airport is located within a 4-hour flight radius of 67 countries, offering excellent convenience for connecting flights. Since April of last year, it has been the first airport in Turkey and Europe to operate three runways simultaneously, with a capacity to accommodate up to 200,000,000 passengers annually. Travelers departing from South Korea can take advantage of short layovers in Istanbul to experience the city’s attractions. Passengers using Turkish Airlines who have a layover time of 6 to 24 hours can enjoy a free city tour, which includes a dedicated bus, a guide, and meals.
Active marketing strategies targeting the Korean market
On July 23, the Malta Tourism Authority and Turkish Airlines jointly held a media event in Seoul, where they unveiled Malta’s diverse appeal as a travel destination, the network facilitated by Istanbul as a hub, and marketing strategies to revitalize the Korean market.
There were 6,088 Korean tourists visiting Malta in 2019, but the pace of recovery since the pandemic has been somewhat slow. As of 2025, approximately 3,200 passengers have traveled between Korea and Malta via Turkish Airlines. In particular, Malta is currently Turkish Airlines’ top destination for student fares departing from Korea, and it is highly popular among young people and those seeking language-study programs. To raise awareness in the Korean market, Malta plans to continue making active marketing investments by working with leading travel agencies in Korea to develop high-value travel packages that extend the length of stay, as well as offering movie-location tours, premium spa resorts and wellness retreats, digital nomad and long-term-stay accommodation programs, and media familiarization tours.
Malta and Istanbul: A synergistic combination
The advantages of traveling to both Malta and Istanbul extend beyond simple convenience. A traveler starting in Korea can experience the culture of Istanbul, a city that connects Europe and Asia, and then encounter 7,000 years of history in the heart of the Mediterranean. From Istanbul’s famous landmarks such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, to the medieval streets of Valletta and the Blue Lagoon of Comino, all of these experiences are seamlessly integrated into a single journey.
A representative of a destination management company specializing in Europe stated that the Malta Tourism Authority’s strategy, which appropriately combines “resort stays” with the latest travel trends such as “language study, wellness, and digital nomadism,” could create a synergistic effect with Turkish Airlines’ connecting flights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is the biggest advantage of traveling to Malta and Istanbul together?
A. When departing from South Korea, you can efficiently reach Malta via Istanbul, which serves as a hub, without worrying about complicated connecting flights. Furthermore, you can use your layover time in Istanbul to experience Turkish culture as well, making for a richer travel experience.
Q. What activities can you enjoy in Malta?
A. Visitors can experience both history and nature through activities such as diving, snorkeling, swimming in the Blue Lagoon, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage streets of Valletta, and visiting ancient megalithic temples. The warm weather, with warm weather for over 320 days a year, allows for a wide range of maritime sports and outdoor activities.
Q. How many days should one stay in Malta?
A. The Malta Tourism Authority recommends a minimum stay of 4 days. Although Malta is a small country, a relaxed itinerary is necessary to fully experience its 7,000 years of historical sites and diverse culture.
Q. Are airline tickets from South Korea to Malta inexpensive?
A. Currently, the route using Turkish Airlines is the most efficient. In particular, Turkish Airlines offers highly competitive prices for student fares from Korea to Malta, with its student fares from Korea to Malta ranking first on the route, particularly for young people and language trainees.
Q. What is the best time to visit Malta?
Malta enjoys mild weather for over 320 days a year, making it a suitable destination to visit throughout all four seasons. However, summer is the best time for those who want to enjoy maritime sports, while exploring historical sites is a more pleasant experience during the comfortable weather of spring or autumn.
Q. Is it possible to utilize the layover time in Istanbul?
A. Yes, it is possible. In particular, if you are using Turkish Airlines and your layover time is 6 hours or more, you can apply for a free city tour program, which includes a dedicated bus, a guide, and meals. Even with a short layover, you can experience Turkish culture at the airport lounge.
