What makes Seoul an attractive travel destination?

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NEWs GENERATION is a program hosted by Arirang TV covering Korea’s latest trends and current affairs from the perspective of those in their twenties and thirties (millennial and Gen Zers, dubbed the ‘MZ Generation’ in Korea). For all of my appearances, visit
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Since the easing of COVID-19 regulations, Korea has bounced back as a popular tourist destination. And Seoul in particular saw an upsurge in tourists. I hear the city even released a report recently analyzing where exactly most tourists visit and what they do there. Any notable changes over the years?

Now that the Blue House has been opened up to the general public, becoming an incredibly popular spot among foreigners, businesses within the Bukchon and Seochon areas have started to thrive again as well. According to the Seoul Tourism Organization, foreign tourists in the Bukcho, Seochon, and Blue House areas spent an average of 1.41 billion won per month until October of this year, which was an increase of 264.1 percent compared to the same period in 2019.

Notably, Yeouido has become an especially popular hot spot for those in their 20s and 30s, which is a remarkable change given its past image as a financial district even going back only a few years. This is largely attributed to “The Hyundai Seoul,” which also reported that 72.5 percent of foreign customers were in their 20s and 30s. As you would expect, pop-up stores of popular artists such as IVE and NewJeans and the popularity of trendy Korean fashion brands have helped increase the influx of these young people globally.

Looking at most of my friends who come from outside Korea, “The Hyundai Seoul” is absolutely a must-visit to shop and eat. I think the Blue House is also especially popular because it’s right next to Gyeongbok Palace, where foreign tourists can experience both the traditional and unique parts of Korea, one where the president used to stay.

Then where in Seoul did most foreigners visit most?

I think Ikseon-dong has become a trendy tourist attraction for Americans because of the recent trends of “Newtro,” or “modernized retro.” I’ve heard that some Hanok Cafés have enormously long waits because they’re so popular among foreigners. Similarly, The Blue House has also been filled with lines of tour buses with Chinese tourists to take a look and snap a few photos.

Before we end off, why don't we each go around and share other hot places in Seoul we'd like to recommend to our global viewers.

Speaking from my own experience, a tourist spot I’d like to recommend is Insa-dong, especially Anyoung Insadong and Ssamzigil which are popular shopping malls to buy little souvenirs for your friends.

Finally, Jamsil is a great place to visit if you’d like a fun balance of indoor and outdoor activities, with attractions such as Lotte World and Lotte World Tower for various amusement facilities and a great view of the Seoul skyline. Additionally, if you’re a fan of taking walks, there’s also Olympic Park and Jamsil Hangang Park, where you can try “Hangang Ramyeon” or fried chicken for the authentic Korean experience.