Why This Asian Capital Is Now One Of The Most Popular Destinations In The World
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Travelers from all around the world are flocking to a completely open Asia for longer, multi-country journeys this yr.
U.S. vacationers specifically are trying east this yr. According to knowledge from journey app Hopper, all three of this previous summer time’s top trending locations amongst U.S. vacationers had been Asian cultural capitals.
Seoul, South Korea is a serious vacation spot main this pattern. In truth, Seoul is the eleventh most popular metropolis on the planet for worldwide vacationers, in response to Mastercard’s Global Destinations Cities Index.
The variety of vacationers to South Korea quadrupled at first of this yr, with a complete of 4.4 million guests to the nation as of this June. According to consultants, that quantity is predicted to double by the tip of the yr.
So, why is the South Korean capital extra widespread now than ever earlier than?
Here are 4 explanation why Seoul is now one of the vital widespread locations on the planet:
Trendy Revival of Seochon Neighborhood
The 500-year-old neighborhood of Seochon has modified lots since its heyday within the Joseon period.
Today, the historic neighborhood has been restored and revived, creating an irresistible mixture of authenticity and modernity.
An infusion of fashionable new companies and an inflow of younger artistic Koreans has breathed new life into Seochon over the previous few years. Narrow curving alleyways lined with conventional Korean houses (hanok) of polished darkish wooden and white stone give option to artistic outlets and widespread nook cafes.
Tourists are drawn to the genuine ambiance of the village. Local meals stall proprietor Jo Gyeonghwan told CNA Luxury, “If you explore the alleys, you can see renovated hanok-style cafes and restaurants which cannot be easily found in other areas.”
Recently restored homestays are marketed to vacationers in search of a distinctive conventional expertise in a vibrant space. Architect Park Jung Hyun has been reworking these homes for a few years. With fashionable kinds “ranging from a Korean-Scandinavian design to an earthy-modernist hideout,” these renovated hanoks supply one thing for each form of traveler.
Seoul Set-Jetting
This yr, extra vacationers than ever earlier than are selecting their locations based mostly on their favourite TV sequence and films in a red-hot journey trend often called “set-jetting.”
XO, Kitty, a spin-off of the record-breaking American Netflix sequence To All The Boys, not too long ago held the #3 slot in Netflix’s high 10 rankings and generated a cult-like fan following. A primary of its variety, the sequence attracts key inspiration from widespread K-dramas whereas protecting issues accessible in an English language format. The sequence is set virtually fully in Seoul and options just a few of the town’s well-known landmarks.
Fans of the uber-popular series are flocking from the U.S., Europe, and past to the South Korean capital to see the place a few of its most epic scenes had been filmed. The most iconic spots from the sequence embody the love locks on the N Seoul Tower and the Grand Hyatt Seoul.
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And it’s not simply XO, Kitty bringing Western vacationers to the websites of their favourite Korean reveals.
According to the New York Times, 60% of worldwide Netflix customers have watched a Korean-language TV present or movie. (Earlier this yr, Extraordinary Attorney Woo – an inspirational sequence about an autistic lawyer– skyrocketed into Netflix’s high 10 in over 50 international locations.)
Data from Expedia reveals that two-thirds of vacationers have thought of taking a visit based mostly on their favourite reveals. With the wildfire of worldwide fandom of Korean sequence and films, the set-jetting pattern will most likely proceed to lean in Seoul’s favor.
Tik Tok Tourism and Gen Z Trends
Yep, it’s one other TikTok sensation driving a tourism growth.
‘Personal Color Analysis’ is the newest craze – and it’s obtained vacationers operating proper to Seoul. In a 60-minute session, consultants work out what colours of garments, make-up, equipment, and hair are most flattering to your pores and skin tone.
According to TIME, the subject “personal color analysis Korea” has 375 million TikTok views.
While the service has been round for many years for public figures, the Korean magnificence business has been main the cost in making it accessible to on a regular basis folks.
Like many different magnificence and beauty companies, private coloration evaluation costs in Seoul are as much as 70% decrease than in different main cities like New York or L.A., making it a motivating issue for worldwide tourism.
In truth, so many vacationers are coming to Seoul for this service that the Korean Tourism Organization arrange a pop-up coloration evaluation studio in New York’s Rockefeller Center this summer time. Unsurprisingly, it was an enormous hit – particularly amongst Gen Z.
New Direct Flights
Today, it’s simpler than ever to fly to the South Korean capital. While Seoul’s Incheon Airport has lengthy been a key worldwide flight hub, it’s seeing a surge in new routes from all around the world today.
United Airlines increased their flights from San Francisco to Seoul by 70% earlier this yr, whereas Virgin Atlantic teased new routes for subsequent yr.
Some funds airways are promising costs 20% decrease than full-service carriers like Korean Air and Asiana, making Seoul extra accessible to vacationers on a decrease funds. Low-cost service Air Premia additionally launched a brand new route from Newark to Seoul this previous May, whereas Northern Pacific Airlines plans to supply extra reasonably priced flights to Seoul and different Asian locations through Alaska by the tip of this yr.
In Europe, Prague Airport launched new direct flights to Seoul at the beginning of the summer time season. In Australia, Jetstar additionally launched a long-awaited service from Sydney to Seoul just a few months in the past. Asian locations like Vietnam, Japan, and Singapore additionally added new routes from each full-service and low-cost carriers.
As airways all around the world scramble to fulfill elevated demand for flights to Seoul, it’s secure to say we’re not the one ones seeing this Asian capital’s reputation skyrocket!
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com