South Korea Opens K-Tourism Roadshow in Fukuoka to Target Japan’s Golden Week

South Korea’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Ministry is stepping up efforts to attract Japanese visitors during Japan’s Golden Week holiday period (April 29 to May 6). The ministry said it will hold a “K-tourism roadshow” on Wednesday in Fukuoka to spur local interest in travel to South Korea. It is the third on-site promotion this month, following events in Osaka on April 9 and in Tokyo from April 10 to 12. ◆ “Shall we go today? Korea!” — Hwang Min-hyun to headline The Fukuoka roadshow is aimed at positioning South Korea as a nearby country that is easy to visit. Organizers set the theme as “Shall we go today? Korea!” Singer and actor Hwang Min-hyun, who organizers said has a strong fan base in Japan, is scheduled to appear for a special performance and a “Korea tourism story show.” The ministry said he has 6.75 million Instagram followers. Ahead of the main program, the four-member Busan-based band “Girin” will open the event. Promotional booths will be set up around the venue under the theme of “a preview of a Korea trip in Fukuoka.” Local governments including Busan and Jeju will take part, along with airlines such as Air Busan and Jin Air. Local food and cosmetics companies, including Sato Foods and Tito, will also join to offer Japanese consumers hands-on experiences tied to K-culture. ◆ Vice minister dispatched to deepen ties with travel industry To maximize demand during Golden Week, Kim Daehyeon, second vice minister of culture, sports and tourism, visited the Fukuoka event site. The ministry said Kim will meet with officials from major local travel agencies, including H.I.S., to discuss cooperation on developing tailored travel products. He also plans to outline the government’s K-tourism strategy and efforts to expand arrivals in an interview with the Mainichi Shimbun. “Japan is one of the key markets for inbound tourism to Korea,” Kim said. “I hope more Japanese people will visit Korea during this long holiday.” He added that the ministry will prepare thoroughly so both first-time visitors and repeat travelers can experience a wider range of regional tourism products.

* This article has been translated by AI.

KI SU JEONG