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Tag: Ktourism

  • Korea Welcomes Record-Breaking 18.5 Millionth Foreign Visitor

    On the 23rd, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism held a welcome ceremony at Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 under the theme “K-Tourism Embracing the World,” celebrating the arrival of the 18.5 millionth inbound tourist, marking a record high in foreign visitor numbers.

    The 18.5 millionth visitor to Korea this year was Charmaine Lee, a Singaporean national and a fan of K-pop Demon Hunters. She said she wanted to visit the locations featured in the series first.

    The figure of 18.5 million surpasses the previous pre-pandemic record of 17.5 million set in 2019 by one million visitors. Following a sharp decline to 11.03 million foreign tourists in 2023 due to the pandemic, arrivals rebounded to 16.37 million last year before setting a new record this year. With about a week remaining until the end of the year, total arrivals are expected to exceed 18.7 million.

    Driven by the global popularity of K-pop Demon Hunters as a catalyst for the K-wave, Korea’s tourism landscape has undergone a noticeable transformation, with assessments suggesting the country has fully shaken off the lingering effects of the pandemic.

  • From Shopping Mall to Urban Playground: Seoul’s Dopamine Station Boom

    Yongsan I’Park Mall in Seoul has transformed from a simple shopping venue into a must-visit “hot place” for Gen Z and international tourists.

    Its 3rd-floor “Dopamine Station,” featuring over 200 gacha (capsule toy) machines, generates monthly sales of 300–400 million KRW, drawing up to 30,000 daily visitors during peak vacation seasons. According to the Korea Tourism Organization, it recently ranked second among Seoul’s top attractions, solidifying its reputation as a K-culture landmark.

    Branded as an “urban playground,” Dopamine Station houses unique shops such as the Nintendo Store, Crayon Shin-chan and Cardcaptor Sakura goods stores, rare plant shops, and mechanical keyboard pop-ups. Visitors can also enjoy the Kirby crane event, Nexon’s first game café, U.S. burger chain Five Guys, and a K-food restaurant inspired by Korean street food, making it equally appealing to international guests.

    Its strong SNS buzz has amplified its popularity, with official account views up 80% year-on-year and 70% of visitors in their 20s and 30s. No longer just a mall, it has become a cultural, gaming, and culinary experience space unique to Korea — and is set to continue rising as a global K-lifestyle destination.