Right: A photo taken on Sept. 23, 2025 shows Namsan Tower in central Seoul. AJP Han Jun-gu
SEOUL, September 24 (AJP) - The climactic final battle of "KPop Demon Hunters," where HUNTR/X delivers the crushing blow to the demon, unfolds at Seoul's iconic Namsan Tower. The landmark scene has turned the tower into the pinnacle stop on the growing "pilgrimage" trail for fans tracing the film's shooting locations.
Namsan Tower's appeal goes beyond fandom. With its cable car ride, panoramic skyline views, and the famed "love-lock" tradition, the spot is already a magnet for foreign visitors — now even more crowded thanks to the barnburner hit.
Yet the pilgrimage is more than fandom tourism. It immerses travelers in the essence of Korea itself: a living blend of millennia-old history and vibrant modern culture.
Bottom: Visitors walk through Bukchon Hanok Village in central Seoul on Sept. 23, 2025. AJP Han Jun-gu
Polish couple Sebastian and Aleksandra joined the stream of foreign fans dressed in colorful hanbok, strolling through the narrow alleys of Bukchon Hanok Village.
"We first became interested in Korea after watching Squid Game," Aleksandra said.
Bukchon, nestled near Gyeongbokgung Palace, is also where characters Rumi and Jinu share a quietly romantic walk in the film. In reality, the preserved 600-year-old neighborhood offers visitors a tranquil time-slip, complemented by hip cafés and artisan craft shops.
Crossing Paths at Namsan
For K-pop pilgrims, paths inevitably cross. Back at Namsan, the Polish couple met Johanna and Emma, two friends from France on their own Seoul journey.
"I grew up watching K-dramas, and that made me want to study Korean and eventually live here," Johanna said. Emma, tagging along, admitted she was unexpectedly awed. "I want to discover it firsthand," she said.
Bottom: This photo taken on Sept. 23, 2025 shows Naksan Park in central Seoul. AJP Han Jun-gu
Fortress Walls at Sunset
The day's route ended at Naksan Park Fortress, another cinematic landmark. The fortress's stone walls, lit at night and famed as a romantic backdrop in countless Korean dramas, offered the perfect finale. Visitors lingered as the sun dipped behind Seoul's rooftops, humming "Free," the theme song of Rumi and Jinu.
Seoul's Tourism Boom
The film's success has ignited real-world momentum. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, 1.36 million foreign tourists visited the capital in July — up 23.1 percent from a year earlier and the highest monthly figure ever. From January to July, 8.28 million foreign visitors came to Seoul, a 15.9 percent increase, also setting a new record.
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) reported that of Korea's 1.73 million foreign visitors in July, 78.6 percent — 1.36 million — headed straight for Seoul.
The accolades keep stacking up. Seoul was named the "most popular city among Gen Z travelers" for the fourth year in a row by Trazy Travel, and TripAdvisor ranked it No. 1 on its "Best Cities for Solo Travelers" list.
"Seoul's steady rise in foreign visitors shows that the city offers a uniquely attractive experience where flavor, style, and excitement come together," said Koo Jong-won, director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s Tourism and Sports Division. "We will continue to build differentiated tourism content and solidify Seoul's place as a leading global destination."
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.
![[K-Pop] Soundtrack from Netflix K-pop anime tops Billboard 200 albums chart](https://image.ajunews.com/content/image/2025/09/15/20250915132939663930_278_163.jpeg)