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Tag: VisitKorea

  • 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 Cosmos Waves to Pink Muhly Mist: Autumn Magic at Dangnam-ri Island

    Dangnam-ri Island in Yeoju has transformed into a floral wonderland, blanketed with vibrant cosmos and dreamy pink muhly, signaling the peak of autumn.

    Located just about an hour’s drive from Seoul, the island floats on the Namhan River and currently showcases the Seoul metro area’s largest autumn garden. With no entrance or parking fees, it’s an accessible and inviting escape.

    Visitors are first greeted by vast fields of pink muhly, resembling a pink haze against the river backdrop — an instant photo hotspot. Venturing deeper, a breathtaking 1.16 million㎡ sea of cosmos awaits, offering the sensation of being completely immersed in blossoms. Pathways allow for strolls and photography without harming the flowers, while traditional huts and zelkova trees add a uniquely Korean scenic charm.

    Though open year-round for free, the island has little shade, making mornings or late afternoons the best times to visit. On weekends, parking can get crowded, so using the spacious inner parking lots is recommended. While Seoul’s Haneul Park displays the city’s orderly autumn, Dangnam-ri Island provides a more expansive, lyrical autumn in nature.

  • Philakorea 2025: Rare Stamps, K-Culture, and Global Heritage Meet in Seoul

    The World Stamp Exhibition Philakorea 2025 will be held from September 17–21 at COEX Magok Convention Center in Seoul.

    Returning to Korea for the first time in 11 years, this FIP (International Federation of Philately) officially recognized event will showcase 365 works from 65 countries, with a total of 2,002 frames of stamps on display. The exhibition aims to highlight the value of stamps not just as collectibles, but as cultural assets connecting eras and generations.

    Exhibition halls will feature seven themes including art, heritage, K-culture, and the environment. K-culture stamps featuring Korean cuisine and pop culture will also be introduced to the world. Visitors can enjoy interactive content tailored for the digital generation, such as AI-based stamp recommendations, a brainwave-powered letter-sending game, and robot-drawn portrait stamps. Photo booths that instantly transform images and graffiti stamp experiences will add to the excitement.

    Highlights include the first-ever display in Korea of the world’s most expensive stamp, the “One-Cent Magenta,” as well as Korea’s first-ever postal stamp, combining rarity with historical significance. Family-friendly programs such as coloring, “design your own stamp,” and commemorative postmark experiences will also be available.

    Admission to Philakorea 2025 is free, with pre-registration recommended for smoother entry.