Planning your golden and Seoul-ful Korean dream?
From Korean drama series and pop songs to the “K-pop Demon Hunters” craze, South Korea has captured the attention of a global audience as its cultural influence continues to rise.
As a hub of thriving K-culture, the bustling city of Seoul attracted a total of 8.28 million international tourists from January to July this year, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
Marking a new record, the figure was 15.9% higher than the same period last year and a 5.5% increase than January to July 2019, a year before the COVID-19 pandemic began.
The local government also reported that about 1.36 million international tourists visited Seoul in July alone, a 23.1% increase from 1.10 million in the same month the previous year.
So, as you savor kimchi and tteokbokki on your trip, do not miss the chance to discover these places in Seoul that would complete your Seoul-ful Korean dream.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Witness a key piece of South Korea’s history by visiting the Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Built in 1395, the historical attraction is the primary palace of the Joseon Dynasty, the last and longest-reigning dynasty of South Korea.
Gyeongbokgung Palace, which is Seoul’s largest grand palace, was also the birthplace of Hunminjeongeum, a script developed for the Korean language.
The palace has also been featured as a backdrop in several Korean dramas, including “Goblin,” “Kingdom” and “Love in the Moonlight.”
N Seoul Tower
Another K-drama spot is N Seoul Tower, a well-known landmark and telecommunications tower on Namsan Mountain in Seoul.
It has been featured in K-drama series, such as “Boys over Flowers,” “True Beauty” and “King the Land.”
At nightfall, it also lights up in a specific color to reflect the city’s air quality.
The attraction offers various activities, including dining, adventure theme parks, a 360-degree observation deck, hiking trails and the iconic “Locks of Love” installation.
Seoul Forest
You can also find a dating spot, just like where Gu-won and Do-Hee from “My Demon” spent their time together, in Seoul Forest.
The park, once the site of a water treatment facility, is popular for its cherry blossoms and ginkgo tree forest.
For those who want to enjoy nature in the middle of a crowded city, the park offers areas for recreational activities, such as walking, cycling and picnics.
Coex Starfield Library and Gangnam Style Statue
If you are looking for a place to wind down during your tour, Coex Starfield Library, located inside Starfield Coex Mall, might be the spot for you.
With about 70,000 books, spanning genres from the humanities to hobbies, it invites visitors to get lost in its stoties.
The 2,800-square-meter space, which was also a filming location for “Record of Youth,” features floor-to-ceiling bookshelves and a collection of around 600 domestic and international magazines, celebrity books and e-books.
Outside the mall, visitors can also stop by the Gangnam Style Statue, a sculpture that pays homage to the Psy’s 2012 global hit “Gangnam Style.”
Cube Entertainment Café
Taste the K-pop fever at Cube Entertainment Café, where it showcases the collections of souvenirs and merchandise featuring artists under Cube Entertainment.
The entertainment company is known for managing K-pop groups such as I-dle, BTOB, PENTAGON, and NOWZ.
HiKR Ground
HiKR Ground gives visitors a look into Korean culture and daily life through interactive exhibitions and advanced technology.
One of its highlights is the K-pop Ground, where aspiring performers can try XR features such as live studios and music video stages.
Visitors can also take part in activities like making gimbap at the Seaweed Museum or exploring Hongdae Busking Street, known for its performances and local shops.
Raffle promo
Filipinos now have a chance to visit South Korea through a raffle being held by the financial application GCash.
The “Pay It, Win It” raffle, which runs from August 15 to October 2, offers more than P20 million worth of prizes. Each transaction worth at least P50 qualifies as one raffle entry
The top prizes include a trip to Seoul for two and a combined Seoul–Busan trip for two, with both packages covering round-trip airfare, hotel accommodations, and a K-pop-themed tour.
Other prizes include a BYD Seal 5 DM-i Dynamic, Yamaha NMAX, Samsung Smart TV, PlayStation 5, ASUS ROG Strix G16, and ASUS ROG Phone 9 Pro. Weekly draws are held and announced through GCash’s official social media channels and in-app promo page.
GCash, the country’s most widely used finance app, offers services such as money transfers, mobile load and bill payments.