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Tag: Korea

  • Busan Set to Achieve 3 Million Tourists, Thanks to APEC

    Busan is on track to become the first city in South Korea to reach 3 million foreign tourists in a single year. This shift in Korea’s tourism landscape, which was once centered around Seoul, is largely attributed to the APEC summit held in Gyeongju at the end of October. The summit wasn’t just another international event—it played a key role in creating a new tourism belt linking Busan and Gyeongju.

    Gyeongju Bulguksa Temple

    As of October 2025, the number of foreign tourists visiting Busan surpassed 2.35 million, setting a new record. The spending scale also grew by 33.2% compared to the previous year, reaching 6.594 trillion KRW. Notably, in October, the number of high-speed bus reservations for foreigners traveling between Busan and Gyeongju increased by 185% compared to the previous year. Most of these travelers were long-haul tourists from the US, Europe, and Australia, indicating a growing trend of “regional travel” connecting the two cities via Seoul.

    Busan Nurimaru APEC House

    Experts are predicting that “this APEC summit has successfully merged Busan’s K-culture with Gyeongju’s K-heritage, creating the ‘most Korean regional tourism route’ and leaving a lasting impression worldwide.” They also forecast that Busan’s goal of 3 million tourists will be easily achieved.

    Gamcheon Culture Village, Busan

    Furthermore, the successful “tourism alliance” between Gyeongju and Busan is seen as an important example of how international events in regions outside of Seoul can build a sustainable local tourism model.

  • Lotteria Steps onto the Runway — Showcases Eco-Friendly Uniforms with Monseinu

    Lotte GRS’s burger franchise brand Lotteria made a surprising appearance at the Fashion Code 2026 S/S runway show held at COEX on October 23, unveiling collaborative workwear designed with the eco-friendly designer brand Monseinu.

    The collaboration marks Lotteria’s latest effort to expand its ESG initiatives into the realm of fashion.

    The project highlights the two brands’ shared philosophy of sustainability and social value, expressed through creative fashion design.

    Monseinu, known for using recycled and natural materials, worked with young artists with disabilities to create workwear inspired by Lotteria’s identity and heritage.

    The artists incorporated Lotteria’s iconic logo into designs for PK shirts, hoodies, caps, and graphic T-shirts, reinterpreting nostalgic childhood memories through colorful graphics. The pieces balance functionality suitable for in-store uniforms with emotional and aesthetic touches, resulting in sophisticated, wearable designs.

    Lotte GRS announced plans to release limited-edition eco-friendly goods such as tote bags and tumblers based on the showcased designs.

    The company also plans to replace existing uniforms with eco-friendly materials, and is considering introducing the new collection for special stores inspired by the fashion show lineup.

  • Korea Turns Chilly: Early Winter Weather Arrives Ahead of Schedule

    This week, South Korea is expected to experience an early winter chill as a result of a cold continental high-pressure system.

    According to the Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA), morning temperatures on the 20th will drop to between 2°C and 15°C, with a chance of first snow in the highlands of northern Gangwon Province. On the morning of the 21st, the temperature may dip to 1°C, and the wind chill in northern Gyeonggi could fall close to freezing. Daytime highs will range from 12°C to 22°C, but strong northwesterly winds will make it feel much colder.

    The cold weather is expected to persist through midweek.

    Frost and thin ice may form in inland areas during early mornings, raising concerns about crop damage. Starting from the weekend (around the 23rd), morning temperatures are expected to rebound slightly to between 6°C and 15°C.

    Meanwhile, rain is expected mainly in eastern Gangwon Province, with 10–50 mm forecast between the 20th and 21st, and 5–30 mm in parts of northern Gyeongbuk and surrounding mountain areas. In high-altitude regions above 1,200 meters, about 1 cm of snow may accumulate. Busan, Ulsan, and Jeju coastal areas will see strong winds and high waves, and additional rainfall is forecast for October 22 and 23–24 along the east coast.

    Overall, the country will see mostly clear or partly cloudy skies this week, but visitors to Korea are advised to dress warmly and take care of their health as temperatures drop sharply.

  • Trend Korea 2026: Balancing Technology and Humanity

    Since 2008, Seoul National University Professor Emeritus Kim Nan-do, Korea’s leading consumer trend researcher and author of the annual Trend Korea series, has forecast the year’s consumer patterns. For 2026, he identified “AI” and “humanity” as the defining keywords.

    The report highlights ten key terms: Human-in-the-Loop, Philconomy, Zero-Click, Ready-Core, AX Organization, Pixel Life, Price Decoding, Health Quotient (HQ), 1.5 Households, and Fundamentalism. Some reflect the growing influence of AI, while others emphasize emotion, tradition, and essential values.

    In particular, while AI dominates every sector, keywords such as “Zero-Click” and “AX Organization” demonstrate its direct technological impact. Meanwhile, “Philconomy” and “Fundamentalism” represent a trend toward prioritizing human-centered and fundamental values.

    Professor Kim stressed that “as AI advances, human involvement, emotion, and traditional values become increasingly important,” emphasizing that 2026 will be a consumer era where technology and humanity coexist.

  • BTS Fans Rejoice: McDonald’s Happy Meal Adds Collectible TinyTAN Figures

    McDonald’s announced on September 11 the launch of limited-edition Happy Meal toys featuring BTS’s beloved characters TinyTAN.

    The TinyTAN lineup consists of all seven BTS members in adorable form. The mini figures, totaling 14, come in two versions: the Playback Edition, recreating outfits from the 2021 “The BTS Meal” campaign, and the Encore Edition, featuring costumes with the McDonald’s logo.

    Each Happy Meal includes one figure, and customers can directly choose which one they want. The Playback Edition launches first on September 11, followed by the Encore Edition on October 2. Sales will end early if stock runs out at individual locations.

    A McDonald’s spokesperson commented, “The Happy Meal has always been a symbol of McDonald’s, bringing small joys across generations. Alongside the TinyTAN mini figures, we will continue to deliver fun and happiness through our Happy Meals and toys.”

  • Chipotle Expands to Asia: Seoul Chosen as First Destination

    SPC Group announced plans to bring U.S. Mexican franchise Chipotle Mexican Grill (hereafter Chipotle) to Seoul in the first half of next year. The Seoul branch will be the brand’s first store in Asia.

    According to the food service industry, SPC Group will introduce Chipotle to Korea through either a licensing agreement or a joint venture with the headquarters. Founded in 1993 in the U.S., Chipotle is a “fast-casual dining” chain offering Tex-Mex cuisine.

    The menu features burritos, tacos, and bowls made primarily with organic and gluten-free ingredients. Like sandwich chain Subway, Chipotle allows customers to choose salad, meats, beans, and cheese, which are then wrapped in a burrito or served in a bowl. The chain is particularly known for its strong “value for money.”

    Chipotle currently operates around 3,300 stores in the U.S. alone. Though it serves Mexican food, the brand has become deeply embedded in American daily life by offering healthy meals in a convenient format. Its quick adaptation to the growth of delivery demand during the pandemic gave Chipotle a new momentum for growth, solidifying its role in ushering in the “fast-casual” dining era.