Monterrey invites Korean football fans to Mexico in June, emphasizing safety, cultural welcome

Maricarmen Martínez, minister of tourism of Nuevo León, provides a presentation in regards to the Mexican state at a promotional occasion held at Lotte Resort Seoul in central Seoul, April 10. Korea Instances photograph by Anna J. Park

Maricarmen Martinez, minister of tourism for the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon, visited Korea to advertise her state and invite Korean soccer followers to journey to northern Mexico this summer season. Her go to comes as Monterrey, the state capital, prepares to host a group-stage match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June, the place the South Korean nationwide staff will play its third and ultimate Group A fixture.

A monitor shows a lady enjoying soccer throughout a promotional occasion at Lotte Resort Seoul in central Seoul, April 10. Korea Instances photograph by Anna J. Park

Talking at a tourism promotion occasion held at Lotte Resort Seoul earlier this month, Martinez highlighted Monterrey’s accessibility and security. She famous that town is served by greater than 61 worldwide routes and welcomes roughly 15 million vacationers every year.

The occasion was organized by the Mexican Embassy in Korea to advertise tourism in Nuevo Leon, one of many host states for the World Cup in North America.

“Monterrey, one of many host cities of the World Cup, is among the many most secure cities in Mexico,” the tourism minister stated.

“We’re working intently with FIFA to make sure the security of followers and officers, and we’re dedicated to sustaining excessive requirements of safety throughout all services.”

Maricarmen Martínez, minister of tourism of Nuevo León, speaks throughout a presentation in regards to the Mexican state at a promotional occasion held at Lotte Resort Seoul in central Seoul, April 10. Yonhap

She additionally pointed to the sturdy presence of Korean companies in Monterrey, together with associates of Hyundai Motor Group and Kia Motors. Martinez added that a lot of Korean followers are anticipated to attend Korea’s match towards South Africa, with particular cultural occasions, equivalent to Okay-pop performances and Korean meals festivals, being deliberate to welcome them.

Adrian Garcia, deputy head of mission on the Embassy of Mexico in Korea, reiterated the Mexican authorities’s dedication to security through the summer season soccer recreation occasion.

“The Mexican authorities is coordinating intently with a number of businesses to make sure safety. We’ll use all obtainable public assets to guard followers visiting Mexico,” he stated. “Nuevo Leon is extensively considered a dynamic middle of northern Mexico, combining industrial power with various tourism choices.”

Past Monterrey’s city enchantment, he defined that the Mexican area options journey and eco-tourism locations, wealthy culinary traditions and the picturesque “Pueblos Mágicos,” designated cities recognized for his or her cultural and historic significance.

Adrian Garcia, deputy head of mission of the Embassy of Mexico in Korea, speaks throughout a presentation in regards to the Mexican state of Nuevo León at a promotional occasion held at Lotte Resort Seoul in central Seoul, April 10. Courtesy of Embassy of Mexico in Korea

In accordance with Garcia, bilateral commerce between Korea and Mexico reached about $30 billion in 2025, making Korea Mexico’s fifth-largest buying and selling companion in addition to a key precedence within the tourism sector as effectively. A direct flight route operated by Aeromexico between Nuevo Leon and Korea additional underscores the rising connection between the 2 nations.

“What’s much more thrilling is that Monterrey has been chosen as a bunch metropolis for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, and can stage no less than one match involving the Korean nationwide staff. The federal government of Nuevo Leon is absolutely ready to welcome Korean vacationers and soccer followers in a festive and protected ambiance,” Garcia stated.

Through the match, Korea’s nationwide staff will play all of its group-stage matches in Mexico, going through the Czech Republic, Mexico and South Africa. The primary and second matches will happen in Guadalajara on June 11 and 18 (native time), whereas the third shall be held in Monterrey on June 24 (native time).