AJU PRESS - ASIA NEWS HUB

Journalist

Ki Su Jeong violet1701@ajunews.com

Foreign visitors to South Korea recover to pre-pandemic levels SEOUL, January 30 (AJP) - The number of foreign visitors to South Korea last year surpassed pre-pandemic levels, according to data released by the Korea Tourism Organization on Friday. The country welcomed about 18.94 million visitors last year, up 8.2 percent from the previous record of 17.50 million in 2019, just before the coronavirus pandemic closed borders around the world. Chinese visitors accounted for the most with 5.48 million, followed by Japan with 3.65 million, Taiwan with 1.89 million, the U.S. with 1.48 million, and Hong Kong with 620,000. In December alone, South Korea saw 1.52 million visitors, up 19.5 percent from the same month a year earlier. With visitor numbers from China gradually recovering to 77.4 percent from levels seen in 2019, Taiwan led the rebound with a 181.4 percent increase, followed by the U.S. at 136.5 percent, driven in part by the popularity of K-pop and other cultural attractions. Outbound travel by South Koreans also recovered to 29.55 million last year. During the Christmas holiday season in December, some 2.75 million people traveled overseas, seeing a recovery to 117.3 percent compared to the same month in 2019. 2026-01-30 15:50:46
Asia's largest cruise ship to sail from Incheon under Lotte Tour partnership SEOUL, January 28 (AJP) - South Korea's Lotte Tour Development has partnered with global cruise operator MSC Cruises to operate a large cruise ship with South Korea as its home port. The company said on Wednesday it signed a strategic partnership agreement with MSC Cruises on Jan. 27 covering charter operations. Under the agreement, the 170,000-ton MSC Bellissima will begin sailings from Incheon Port in June 2027. Lotte Tour Development described the vessel as the largest cruise ship to operate from a South Korean home port. The MSC Bellissima is about 315 meters long, and can accommodate up to 5,600 passengers. Existing cruise ships used for charter operations in South Korea typically measure about 110,000 tons, the company said. The inaugural itinerary will be a six-night, seven-day voyage departing from Incheon, calling at Keelung in Taiwan and Sasebo in Japan, before returning to Incheon. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-01-28 10:14:37
Korean travel firm ties up with Son Heung-min's LAFC on fan tours SEOUL, January 26 (AJP) - South Korean tourism platform MyRealTrip has signed an official partnership with Los Angeles FC (LAFC) of Major League Soccer to offer South Korean fans safer and more differentiated sports travel products. The deal came as interest in MLS has surged following the transfer of South Korea national team captain Son Heung-min to LAFC. Under the agreement, MyRealTrip was named LAFC’s official Korea partner and will offer exclusive ticket sales and match-attendance travel packages developed in collaboration with the club. The first product will be an “LAFC Fan Tour,” a match package built around LAFC’s season opener on Feb. 21. The match is expected to feature LAFC against Inter Miami, which counts Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul among its players. MyRealTrip described the fixture as one of the marquee matchups of the 2026 MLS season. The package combines tickets to the LAFC–Inter Miami match with a Los Angeles itinerary, offered as a three-night, four-day trip and limited to the first 200 buyers. “LAFC is honored to collaborate with MyRealTrip as we expand the club’s global reach and connect with fans around the world,” LAFC co-chair Larry Freedman said in a press release. He added that the partnership is expected to make it easier for South Korean fans to visit BMO Stadium, experience Los Angeles and engage more deeply with the club both inside and outside the venue. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2026-01-26 15:47:04
[[BTS Comeback]] Ticketing is only half the battle SEOUL, January 26 (AJP) -"Booking a room is as important as scoring tickets." With BTS’s comeback in the Gwanghwamun area and the kick off of its April world tour in Goyang now confirmed, fans are increasingly turning their attention to accommodation near the venues. The idea is straightforward: avoid the most congested post-show routes and reduce travel time, ideally by staying within walking distance. The trend has even produced its own term among fans: “sukso-ting,” a portmanteau of the Korean word for accommodation (“sukso”) and “ticketing,” reflecting how booking hotels has become part of the concert preparation process. Hotels within walking distance expected to draw the most demand in Gwanghwamun A show in the city center offers strong accessibility, but heavy crowding and congestion are also expected, particularly during exit. For that reason, hotels that allow fans to move on foot are likely to be among the most sought-after options. "The Four Seasons Hotel Seoul" is located next to Gwanghwamun Square, offering views that can include Gyeongbokgung Palace and the surrounding area through large windows. The hotel also has an indoor pool and spa. "Hotel Koreana," directly adjacent to the square, is positioned just across a crosswalk from the venue. Its rooms have undergone renovations, making it a practical choice for those who prioritize proximity. "The Plaza Seoul" is roughly a 10 to 15 minute walk from Gwanghwamun. With its distinctive interior design and boutique style atmosphere, it is presented as an option for those who prefer staying bit away from the densest crowds while still remaining within a manageable distance. "Prepare for an endurance test": For Goyang, target the KINTEX area The April's world tour opener at Goyang Sports Complex will take place near Daehwa Station on Subway Line 3. Because the venue sits farther from central Seoul, securing a room in the northern Gyeonggi area is important in order for fans to not only shorten their travel time but also maintain their condition ahead of the concert. The "Sono Calm Goyang," described as a local landmark in Goyang, is located about five minutes by car from the stadium (approximately 2.5 kilometers). It is introduced as the only five-star hotel in northern Gyeonggi Province and is near KINTEX, making it a leading option for both business visitors and BTS fans. With comfortable room conditions and a range of dining options, the hotel is positioned to meet the needs of fans seeking both meals and rest before and after the event. Inquiries for April reservations are already said to be increasing. The "Gloucester Hotel Kintex" is presented as a more budget-friendly alternative for those seeking comfortable room conditions. Nearby facilities include "Hyundai Department Store" and "One Mount," and the stadium is described as close enough to reach with basic taxi rate. From budget picks to style-forward stays, more options are available Accommodation choices are not limited to five-star hotels. In the Gwanghwamun area, business hotels such as "Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun" and "L7 Myeongdong by Lotte" are cited as alternatives with clean facilities at reasonable prices. For travelers visiting with friends from abroad, finding hotels near Seochon or Bukchon Hanok Village can be a memorable option. In Goyang, one should not be disapointed if they failed to book "Sono Calm." Residence-style hotels near KINTEX, including "Kintex by K-Tree" and "Urban-est," are equipped with cooking facilities, allowing small groups of friends to gather and spend time together after the event. Moreover, remodeled small-to-mid-sized boutique hotels near the food district next to Daehwa Station provides cost friendly options. Important factor is timing. Regardless of the price, securing a base camp that accounts for routes to and from the venue will shape fan's ultimate BTS experience in March and April. 2026-01-26 10:47:37
INTERVIEW: Tourism chief aims to boost Seoul's global appeal SEOUL, October 22 (AJP) - Ghil Gi-yeon, who recently secured a third term as CEO of the Seoul Tourism Organization, has been instrumental in revitalizing the tourism industry since assuming his post in July 2021, helping restore the city's vibrancy in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. "With support from Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, we carried out several major projects swiftly and efficiently, including opening a marketplace at Gwanghwamun Plaza, organizing a series of seasonal events like a lantern festival along the Cheonggye Stream, and offering mountain-climbing programs," said Ghil, who now envisions making Seoul one of the top five global tourist destinations with a focus on "art tourism." "What was most rewarding about those projects was the tangible outcomes and favorable responses from both citizens and tourists," he added. Among them, the most notable project was the launch of tourism booths to assist hikers in climbing mountains across Seoul. "I thought outdoor activities would be key in the post-COVID era," he said. "Starting with programs to climb Mt. Bugaksan in 2022, which were later expanded to other nearby mountains including Gwanaksan, the number of participants soared to over 100,000 as of June this year. The project has since been adopted by other local governments with similar programs," he added. Various summer-themed leisure activities and other seasonal festivals in central Seoul have gained popularity, encouraging more Seoulites to take part. In particular, the annual lantern festival along the Cheonggye Stream, featuring dazzling lights and media art installations, has become one of the city's major nighttime attractions for tourists. To cater to the growing number of individual travelers, the organization also opened a cultural lounge last year, attracting more than 22,000 visitors in its first year alone. Interactive programs such as traditional craft-making, calligraphy, makeup classes, and other K-pop-themed events there have drawn strong interest from foreign tourists and youngsters. Ghil, who was awarded a government merit last year in recognition of his achievements and efforts to promote Korean culture, said, "Through these immersive programs and hands-on activities, we can give visitors a true sense of what makes Seoul special." The organization also formed the so-called "Seoul Art Tourism Alliance" (SATA) this year, a partnership of some 83 public and private agencies from the performance, exhibition, and tourism sectors, in a bid to attract more global conferences and conventions, as well as develop new tourism courses to enhance the city's competitiveness. "Seoul has already emerged as one of the world's leading tourist destinations, but its true competitiveness lies in the happiness of its citizens," he emphasized. "Through innovative approaches and strategies that integrate art into daily life, we want to make Seoul a must-visit destination that international tourists are eager to explore." * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-22 14:24:57
Signiel Busan named Asia's 'leading beach hotel' for second consecutive year SEOUL, October 15 (AJP) - Signiel Busan in South Korea's southern port city of Busan has been named Asia's "Leading Beach Hotel" for the second consecutive year, the luxury hotel said on Wednesday. The recognition came from the World Travel Awards, which has selected winners through votes cast by travel experts and industry professionals across more than 160 countries since 1993. Located near Haeundae Beach, the hotel is praised for its panoramic ocean views from all rooms, luxurious interiors, and top-tier facilities and amenities. Its year-round infinity pool, offering ever-changing views of Haeundae, proves popular with guests. The hotel also features ChaoLan, a Michelin-listed modern Cantonese restaurant, along with diverse dining options, a luxury spa, and a lounge, all contributing to its acclaim. General Manager Shim Young-min said the hotel is proud of the latest recognition. "Being selected for the second consecutive year by the prestigious World Travel Awards is an honor. We will continue to endeavor to enhance our facilities and services," he said. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-15 09:49:16
Everland amusement park draws visitors with K-pop-themed fireworks show SEOUL, October 14 (AJP) - The soundtrack of Netflix's hit South Korean anime "KPop Demon Hunters" filled the air as “golden” fireworks lit up the sky over amusement park Everland in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. The fireworks show features hit songs from the anime in a nighttime concert-style spectacular that blends music, lighting, and special effects. A massive 24-meter by 11-meter LED screen and immersive sound system bring iconic moments from the film to life, with lyrics displayed on-screen to encourage visitors to sing along. During the 10-minute show, songs such as "Golden," "How It's Done," "Soda Pop," and "Your Idol" play as thousands of fireworks burst in sync with the music. Everland boosted the number of fireworks by 25 percent to create an even more dazzling spectacle. Along with the show, a dedicated anime-inspired zone which opened late last month continues to attract thousands of visitors daily. Fans dressed in anime costumes dance and sing along to the soundtrack, creating a festive atmosphere. Exclusive on-site merchandise further adds to the excitement for visitors. An Everland staffer said, "Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of 'KPop Demon Hunters' all day, from the anime-themed zone by day to the fireworks show at night." * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-10-14 10:47:34
South Korean casino operator embraces AI to transform industry SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - Grand Korea Leisure, a casino operator known for its foreigner-only “Seven Luck” casinos, said on Tuesday it has established an “AI Innovation Team” to accelerate the gambling industry’s transition into artificial intelligence. The company, led by Chief Executive Yoon Doo-hyun, framed the initiative as a shift from earlier digital upgrades — which largely focused on efficiency through conventional IT — toward higher-value services such as predictive analytics and personalized customer experiences. The new unit will explore ways to tailor casino experiences for individual visitors, deploy AI-driven enterprise resource planning systems to anticipate demand, and pursue broader tourism innovations through partnerships between public and private sectors. “Aligned with the government’s AI transformation policy, we aim to contribute to an innovative economy and become Asia’s top urban tourism platform company by 2035,” the company said in a release. The move reflects GKL’s recent push to integrate new technologies into its operations. In 2023, the company introduced Seven Luck Plus, a blockchain-based service platform, followed by autonomous service robots in 2024. In August, it began developing a stablecoin-based payment and voucher system targeted at foreign tourists. * This article, published by Aju Business Daily, was translated by AI and edited by AJP. 2025-09-24 09:43:23