Too close to Seoul to stand out? Gyeonggi bets on independent travelers to revive tourism

Gyeonggi Province, which surrounds Seoul and is home to over 13 million people, is rolling out a new strategy in hopes of attracting more international tourists. Despite being one of South Korea’s most accessible regions from the capital, trouble navigating often keeps foreign visitors away. In an attempt to address the situation, the province announced its “3.3.5.5 Strategy." Despite its size, access to the DMZ, and proximity to Incheon Airport, Gyeonggi Province’s share of foreign visitors dro

Aug. 6, 2025

Legoland Korea opens new water attraction ‘Marina Jets Bay’

Legoland Korea, a theme park opened in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, in 2022, is diving into summer with the official launch of “Marina Jets Bay,” a new water play attraction unveiled Friday. Spanning over 100 square meters, the interactive floor fountain was built with a 1.7 billion won ($1.2 million) investment and can accommodate up to 200 visitors at once. Located in the park’s recently expanded City zone between the popular Wave Racers and Coast Guard Academy rides, Marina Jets Bay is the la

Aug. 1, 2025

Ride the waves at these three surfing spots in Korea

Surfing may not be the first thing you associate with South Korea, but the sport has found a home here, thanks to growing interest and improved access to equipment and instruction. From the sandy shores of Yangyang in Gangwon Province to the volcanic beaches of Jeju Island and the bustling city of Busan, Korea’s beaches are drawing in wave riders of all levels. Here are three spots to catch some waves, check out the local surf culture and chill out by the beach. Jukdo Beach, Yangyang Located bet

July 31, 2025

'Squid Game,' Park Bo-gum and K-pop: Korea continues to attract tourists with K-content

Clad in the iconic green tracksuit from “Squid Game,” Ria dashes through South Korean landmarks, pursued by guards in pink jumpsuits. But this isn’t a teaser for a new season of the global Netflix sensation — it’s a tourism promotion video that has racked up more than 11 million views since its release on July 3. In another campaign leveraging the popularity of “All of Us Are Dead,” two high school students and Jason, a friend turning into a zombie, take viewers through major tourist attractions

July 29, 2025

Hotels team up with beauty brands for luxe summer packages

Hotels in South Korea are teaming up with premium beauty and lifestyle brands to offer special summer travel experiences. Targeting millennials and Generation Z, these partnerships combine hospitality with curated wellness and beauty offerings to elevate guest satisfaction. At Vista Walkerhill Seoul, guests booking the "Pool-cation" package will receive a summer beauty set from local lifestyle brand Keyth. The package caters to summer skin care needs with a sun serum, hand cream and eau de parfu

July 21, 2025

Surak Hyu, Seoul's 1st urban forest retreat offers treehouse stays, digital detox

Nestled at the foot of Suraksan in northern Seoul, a new forest retreat is offering city dwellers a chance to reconnect with nature without leaving the city. Surak Hyu, officially opened Thursday, is Korea’s first urban-style forest recreation facility, combining serene woodland experiences with modern, minimalist accommodation. Operated by the Nowon District Office, Surak Hyu is just 2 kilometers from Bureamsan Station on Seoul Subway Line No. 4. Despite its proximity to the city, the moment vi

July 19, 2025

Pokemon GO to Jeju Island this fall for first-ever Pokemon-themed attractions

The Korea Tourism Organization, Pokemon Korea Inc. and Jeju Tourism Organization have signed a strategic partnership to launch the “2025 Pokemon Jeju Project: Pokemon Wonder Island in Jeju,” organizers announced Thursday. Set to run from Oct. 2 to 26, the Pokemon-themed event will take place across Yeomiji Botanical Garden and the Jungmun Tourism Complex, to revitalize tourism on the island. Key programs include a Pokemon-themed photo zone at Jeju International Airport, a Pokemon GO stamp rally

July 18, 2025

Jacky Cheung to perform first-ever concert in South Korea at Inspire Arena

Jacky Cheung will be bringing his celebrated "60+ Concert Tour" to South Korea this fall, marking his first time performing in the country. The performance will take place at Inspire Arena on Sept. 13, marking Cheung’s debut concert in South Korea after more than four decades of international stardom. Tickets will be available starting July 22 via Nol Interpark Ticket and on July 23 through Damai.cn. Cheung, 63, rose to fame after winning the 18th District Amateur Singing Festival in Hong Kong i

July 18, 2025

Nowon-gu opens Seoul's first urban forest lodge

A new forest retreat has opened on the slopes of Suraksan in northern Seoul, offering city dwellers a rare chance to unplug in nature without leaving the city. Surak Hyu, which officially opens Thursday, is Seoul’s first public forest lodge built within city limits. The 23.1 billion won project ($16.7 million) was jointly developed by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Nowon-gu over seven years. Located in Nowon-gu’s Sanggye-dong neighborhood, Surak Hyu is built across 9,800 square meters of

July 16, 2025

Make your stopover in Korea count

Targeting international travelers with layovers of 24 to 72 hours at Incheon Airport, Korea is offering a “K-Stopover” program to help them make the most of their time here. The specialized travel program provides curated tour packages covering accommodation, transportation, guided tours and cultural experiences. The initiative is open to those whose layovers in Korea extend between one and three days. “There’s so much to discover even in just 48 hours,” said a representative from Incheon Airpor

July 12, 2025

Take a train to Busan for retreat in comfort, luxury

BUSAN -- From a serene walk through a bamboo forest to a scenic ride along the coast on an aerial rail, Busan offers a luxurious escape for summer travelers. Known for stunning beaches like Haeundae and its busy port, Busan is easily accessible from Seoul in just two hours and 20 minutes via Korail’s latest express train, the KTX-Cheongryong. Into the heart of nature On hot summer days, Ahopsan Forest in Gijang-gun, northern Busan, offers a cool, shaded retreat. The forest features rare turtle b

July 5, 2025

Hydrangeas are in full bloom – here's where to see them

As summer sets in, hydrangeas bloom in brilliant shades of blue, pink and lavender across Korea, drawing flower enthusiasts and tourists alike to gardens and nature parks across the country. Known for their large, lush petals and various hues, hydrangeas reach their peak from early June through July. From central Korea to the southern coast, here are three hydrangea-viewing destinations that offer not just floral beauty but immersive seasonal experiences: Yugu Saekdong Hydrangea Garden, Yulbom F

June 28, 2025

[Best Brand] Serenity Golf & Resort to launch luxury retreat near Seoul

Serenity Country Club, located in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, is set to open Serenity Golf & Resort — combining world-class golfing with upscale accommodations and cultural experiences — in the second half of the year. Situated near major cities such as Daejeon, Sejong and Cheonan, Serenity Golf & Resort offers convenient access. When the Seoul-Sejong Second Gyeongbu Expressway is fully completed, the travel time from Seoul is projected to be just 90 minutes. According to a Serenity re

June 25, 2025

[Best Brand] Ambassador Hotel Group marks 70 years as pioneer in Korea’s hospitality industry

Ambassador Hotel Group, Korea’s first privately owned hotel enterprise, celebrates its 70th anniversary this year. The group began its journey in 1955 with the opening of Geum-Soo-Jang, a 19-room hotel. Now operating 28 hotels across eight major cities nationwide, the group has grown into a leading force in Korean hospitality. Its flagship property, The Ambassador Seoul- A Pullman Hotel, formerly Geum-Soo-Jang, exemplifies the company’s legacy of innovation and tradition. The hotel underwent a m

June 25, 2025

Hotel HDC to transform hotels into multifunctional cultural spaces

Hotel HDC marked its 20th anniversary by hosting a forum on changes and outlook in the hotel investment environment in Seoul on June 19. The event, which also unveiled the company’s growth story and future vision, featured a presentation by Kim Min-joon, senior vice president at global commercial real estate firm JLL Korea. The forum included panel discussions with experts such as Kim Dae-kwan, dean of Kyung Hee University’s School of Hotel and Tourism Management; Kim Sung-eun, director of the K

June 25, 2025