The official website of the Republic of Korea
In preparation for the era of 20 million foreign tourists, domestic tourism is seeing dynamic shifts. Analyses by the Korea Tourism Organization, Korea Tourism Data Lab and Data Plus, a platform under telecom giant LG Uplus, show that foreign visitors no longer hit just the popular spots but are opting for “dailycation,” a neologism combining the words “daily” and “vacation,” to experience the Korean lifestyle and sentiment.
This year’s buzzword for travel by foreign visitors to Korea is “local exploration,” referring to the growing trend of such tourists to explore places nationwide instead of just in Seoul. With the densely connected networks of the nation’s high-speed rail allowing half-day trips, paths to every corner of the country have flung wide open. This has led to the rise of free independent travel in Korea.
By Lee Jeongwoo and Park Dae Jin
Trains open entire nation to int’l tourists
Hordes of travelers on Sept. 27, 2023, crowd Seoul Station. (Korea.net DB)
With the spread of Hallyu (Korean Wave) and global knowledge of Korea, foreign tourist preferences in the country are changing. They are stepping out of the comfort zone of Seoul by heading to small cities in the provinces. The nation’s fast and convenient rail networks have played a decisive role in this shift, something reflected in statistics. The Korea Railroad Corp. said the number of international passengers jumped from 1.43 million in 2023 to 2.5 million last year; the figure was 2.48 million alone in the first half of this year. This indicates more than just rising demand merely for mobility but also shifts in tastes centered on the unique vibes and appeal of the countryside.
Time travel in Gunsan
Chowon Photo Studio in Gunsan, Jeollabuk-do Province, is where the 1997 hit movie “Christmas in August” was filmed. (Korea Tourism Organization)
Gunsan, Jeollabuk-do Province, has well-preserved modern architecture, with alleys and buildings creating a look back in time evocative of a film setting. Word of this has spread through social media, attracting foreign visitors and making the city great for exploring the Korea of yesteryear.
Daegu: hip city of individualism
This statue of singer Kim Kwang-Seok, dubbed “Korea’s Bob Dylan,” is on the commemorative street that bears his name in Daegu’s Jung-gu District. (Daegu Metropolitan City)
Daegu’s attraction for foreign tourists stems from its unique individualism and sensibility. Kim Kwangseok-gil Street, where the singer Kim Kwang-seok (1964-96), dubbed “Korea’s Bob Dylan,” once lived, and modern alleys are must-visit places for fans of Hallyu. The city is also where things hip and retro coexist, as shown by its old alleyways with diverse concept cafes and bookstores as well as a lively food scene.
Busan: hub of medical and wellness tourism
Dongbaek Coastal Trail in Busan (Busan Metropolitan City)
Busan is evolving from the country’s largest port city into a global medical and wellness hub and marine leisure center. Medical tours, a key driver of tourism in Busan, offer state-of-the-art infrastructure amid the expansive landscapes of Haeundae and Gwangalli beaches. Specialized services ranging from health check-ups to cosmetic surgery attract patients not only from Asia but also Europe and the Americas. The city’s dynamism, natural serenity and sense of healing and vitality make Busan a global tourist hot spot.
New face of Jeju Island: travel in nature
Soesokkak Estuary in Seogwipo, Jeju Island (Jeju Special Self-Governing Province)
Long one of the country’s leading tourist destinations, Jeju Island has recently shifted its focus to “healing in nature.” Instead of crowded beaches, visitors there opt to experience nature such as Saryeoni Forest and Hallasan Mountain trails. Foreign youth who seek more dynamic experiences are growingly exploring the island’s one-of-a-kind geology and vegetation. Eschewing fancy hotels, they stay in small accommodations in hidden villages, interact with the locals and meditate in nature. Through Jeju’s inner essence, their journey easily exceeds sightseeing to create a new travel standard in Jeju.
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