ONLINEKOREANEWS.COM

Tag: TravelKorea

  • 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.

  • Will Korea Have a White Christmas This Year?

    Rain is expected nationwide over the weekend, followed by a sharp drop in temperatures into sub-zero levels, bringing a brief cold spell. However, snowfall is unlikely on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day next week, making a white Christmas difficult to expect.

    Ahead of Christmas, another round of rain is forecast across the country.

    On December 23 and 24, cloudy skies and rain are expected nationwide due to the influence of a trough. With temperatures remaining higher than average, most regions—including Seoul—are likely to see rain, while snow may mix in only in Gangwon Province and high-altitude mountainous areas.

    Even on December 25, a white Christmas is considered unlikely. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, a high-pressure system is expected to expand again after the trough passes, resulting in generally clear conditions. As of now, the possibility of snowfall remains low.

  • From the 13th to the 14th, most regions across South Korea are expected to see cloudy skies accompanied by snow or rain, with sub-zero temperatures continuing. Travelers and residents are advised to take extra care in maintaining their health.

    According to the Korea Meteorological Administration on the 11th, strong snowfall is expected nationwide on Saturday the 13th, particularly with heavy snow likely in the central inland regions during the afternoon.

    Expected snowfall levels include 3–8 cm in northern and southeastern Gyeonggi, 1–5 cm in Seoul, Incheon, southwestern Gyeonggi, and the Five West Sea Islands, 5–10 cm in inland and mountainous areas of Gangwon, 3–8 cm in central and northern Chungbuk, 1–3 cm in Daejeon, Sejong, inland Chungnam, southern Chungbuk, and 1–5 cm in northern inland and northeastern mountainous Gyeongbuk.

    Forecasted precipitation includes 5–10 mm in Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi, and the Five West Sea Islands; 5–10 mm in inland and mountainous Gangwon; around 5 mm along the Gangwon East Coast; 5–10 mm in Daejeon, Sejong, Chungnam, and Chungbuk; around 5 mm in Gwangju, Jeonnam, and Jeonbuk; 5–10 mm in Ulleungdo and Dokdo; around 5 mm in Busan, Ulsan, Gyeongnam, Daegu, and Gyeongbuk; and 5–10 mm in Jeju Island.

    On Sunday the 14th, rain or snow is also projected from early morning to afternoon, mainly in Chungnam and the Jeolla West Coast regions. Following the snowfall and rain, temperatures will fluctuate, maintaining a cold atmosphere. Although next week’s temperatures may rise about three degrees above seasonal averages, the weather is expected to remain chilly, calling for continued caution.

    A Korea Meteorological Administration official noted that “precipitation type and snowfall levels may vary significantly depending on temperature” and advised the public to remain alert for icy roads and slippery surfaces in affected areas.

    Visitors traveling in Korea are encouraged to take note of these conditions and enjoy their trip while staying safe and warm.

  • Korea’s Most Popular Autumn Destination Drew 170,000 Visitors

    Gangcheonsan County Park in Sunchang, Jeollabuk-do has been named Korea’s most stunning fall foliage destination of the year, attracting roughly 170,000 visitors between late October and late November.

    Gangcheonsan’s signature “high-density foliage,” created by layers of colorful maple varieties, lasted longer than usual as the peak season arrived later this year. The extended operating period alone drew tens of thousands of additional visitors, reaffirming the park’s status as one of Korea’s top autumn travel spots.

    Operational improvements also contributed to the positive response. Four seven-seater unmanned road trains operated during peak periods to reduce visitor fatigue, and free parking improved accessibility.

    Local markets near the park generated over 50 million KRW in sales of seasonal produce such as chestnuts, persimmons, and sweet potatoes, providing an economic boost to the region.

    Winter-season operating hours were adjusted to 7 a.m.–5 p.m. (4:30 p.m. starting December), reflecting more efficient, seasonal management.

    Building on increased interest, Sunchang County plans to upgrade infrastructure, including access roads, expanded parking, and improved guidance systems, positioning Gangcheonsan as a year-round tourist destination.

    Located about four hours from Seoul and three and a half hours from Korea’s west coast, the park is also appealing for day trips.

    Despite the brief peak foliage period, Gangcheonsan showcased the depth of Korea’s autumn scenery and is expected to continue welcoming visitors with new seasonal landscapes.

  • WOWPASS K-POP Payment Card Becomes a Must-Have for Foreign Tourists

    The K-POP payment card launched by WOWPASS, a payment platform designed for foreign visitors, is gaining explosive popularity among global travelers coming to Korea. More than a simple payment tool, the card offers the joy of “carrying your favorite idol in your wallet,” adding emotional excitement to the travel experience.

    Orange Square, the operator of WOWPASS, stated that its K-POP card created in collaboration with JYP Entertainment is receiving strong responses from foreign tourists. Although shaped like a photocards, it functions as an all-in-one prepaid payment card with built-in currency exchange and transportation features, making it a meaningful collectible on its own. Versions featuring JYP artists such as DAY6, TWICE, Stray Kids, ITZY, Xdinary Heroes, and NMIXX have been released, quickly becoming a “must-have travel item” for fans worldwide.

    On social media, reviews such as “I’m happy every time I pay with my favorite idol’s picture” and “It feels like I’m closer to them” continue to spread. As advance purchase requests from fans increased ahead of their trips to Korea, WOWPASS introduced the nation’s first ‘payment-type photocard international delivery system’. This not only meets the needs of global travelers but also gives fans an early sense of excitement for their upcoming K-POP pilgrimage, contributing to inbound tourism growth.

    Orange Square plans to continue offering collaborations that blend K-POP emotion with travel experiences, aiming to provide visiting global fans with an even more special journey in Korea.