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Tag: SeoulTravel

  • Seoul Implements Special Safety Measures for Christmas and Year-End Crowds

    The Seoul Metropolitan Government will implement “special safety management measures” through January 4 next year in key areas and events expected to draw large crowds during Christmas and the year-end holiday season.

    With winter festivals seeing a sharp surge in visitors—about 1.08 million people attending the Gwanghwamun Market and the Seoul Lantern Festival alone—the city has launched preemptive actions to prevent safety incidents in busy districts and event venues.

    The safety management plan covers six high-traffic areas where crowds are expected around Christmas, including Myeongdong, the Itaewon Tourism Special Zone, Seongsu-dong Café Street, the Hongdae Tourism Special Zone, Gangnam Station, and Apgujeong Rodeo Street, as well as three major events such as the New Year’s Eve Bell-Ringing Ceremony and sunrise events at Achasan and Namsan.

    Through the 24th, the city, district governments, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, police, and fire authorities will conduct joint inspections focusing on crowd control, traffic measures, rescue and emergency systems, and facility safety.

    On December 24–25 and December 31, Seoul plans to monitor on-site conditions in real time using the disaster safety communication network and a mobile situation room, and to immediately notify citizens if risks arise. On the day of the New Year’s Eve Bell-Ringing Ceremony—an event that draws more than 100,000 people annually—an emergency duty system will be activated to reinforce order and on-site safety management.

    The city aims to ensure that residents and visitors can enjoy the year-end holiday season more safely through these measures.

  • Global Tourists Flock to Korea’s Pharmacies for K-Beauty Favorites

    Foreign tourists visiting Korea are expanding their K-beauty shopping habits beyond the familiar “Olive Young, Daiso, and Musinsa” trio to include local pharmacies.

    According to travel platform Creatrip, sales in the new “K-Pharmacy” category have been steadily rising among foreign visitors.

    International customers are showing particular interest in cosmeceutical products such as skin regeneration creams and acne care ointments. Among them, Rejure Cream—often referred to as the “Salmon Injection Cream”—has emerged as the top-selling item.

    Compared to the first week of September, pharmacy category bookings jumped by 44% in the second week. Tourists from Singapore (+121%), Hong Kong (+96%), and Taiwan (+9%) showed sharp increases, while demand from the U.S. market was also recorded, highlighting the growing diversification of global demand.

  • 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.