Published on
November 30, 2025
South Korea’s tourism industry is experiencing a significant rise in international visitors, driven by a growing fascination with the nation’s cultural attractions, lifestyle shops, museums, and modern shopping districts. According to the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), Korea’s blend of tradition and contemporary lifestyle continues to attract travelers seeking immersive experiences.
Recent global attention, including increased diplomatic activity and international events hosted in cities like Gyeongju, has strengthened South Korea’s position as a key destination for cultural and lifestyle tourism. The spotlight on Gyeongju during the APEC summit introduced millions worldwide to the city’s UNESCO-listed heritage and Korea’s cultural richness.
A Boost for Cultural Tourism Through Global Exposure
Gyeongju—often called “the museum without walls”—has seen a surge in domestic and international visitors. The city is home to some of Korea’s most significant historical treasures, including:
Bulguksa Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site)Seokguram GrottoCheomseongdae ObservatoryAnapji Pond (Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond)Silla Dynasty burial mounds
The Gyeongju National Museum, managed under Korea’s cultural heritage authorities, has also recorded increased interest as travelers explore the art, customs, and archaeological finds of the Silla Kingdom.
The international exposure from the summit further amplified South Korea’s commitment to promoting its historic cities along with modern attractions.
Lifestyle Shops and Modern Museums Fuel Tourism Growth
South Korea has also become a major destination for lifestyle and design-conscious travelers. Popular districts such as:
Myeongdong (beauty, skincare, fashion)Hongdae (youth culture, streetwear, cafés)Gangnam (luxury shopping and lifestyle brands)
remain among the most visited areas in the country.
Lifestyle shops highlight regional craftsmanship, design products, modern Korean aesthetics, and traditional items adapted for contemporary use. These stores serve as cultural showcases, reflecting Korea’s innovative design culture and its reputation for trend-setting retail environments.
Museums and cultural centers has also contributed to Korea’s popularity. Key attractions include:
National Museum of KoreaLeeum Museum of ArtNational Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA)War Memorial of Korea
These institutions offer travelers a comprehensive look at Korea’s artistic evolution—from ancient times to contemporary innovation.
Seoul: A Gateway to Korean History, Culture, and Modernity
Seoul remains the top destination for international travelers arriving in South Korea. Its dynamic mix of ancient sites and cutting-edge trends draws visitors from around the world.
Historic attractions include:
Gyeongbokgung PalaceChangdeokgung Palace (UNESCO World Heritage Site)Bukchon Hanok Village
These locations provide an authentic look into Korea’s royal architecture and traditional lifestyles.
Seoul’s rich culinary scene—supported by markets such as Gwangjang Market and Namdaemun Market—is also a major tourism driver. Traditional dishes like:
bibimbaptteokbokkikimchisundubu-jjigaehotteok
offer international visitors a sensory introduction to Korean food culture.
Growing Popularity of Regional Destinations
Beyond Seoul, several regional cities are emerging as tourism hotspots.
Gyeongju
Heritage and ancient culture remain its primary appeal, reinforced by international recognition.
Busan
Known for coastal beauty, seafood markets, and cultural neighborhoods such as Gamcheon Culture Village.
Jeonju
Home of the famous bibimbap, Jeonju also showcases the Jeonju Hanok Village, a leading destination for traditional Korean architecture and food culture.
These cities highlight South Korea’s diversity—offering visitors unique experiences based on cuisine, history, nature, and architecture.
Infrastructure and Digital Innovation Support Tourism Growth
The South Korean government is actively strengthening tourism infrastructure to accommodate rising visitor numbers. This includes:
Enhanced rail connectivity via the KTX high-speed train networkImproved airport accessDigital tourism services like multilingual travel appsSmart navigation systems for accommodation, attractions, and transportation
Major promotional programs by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and KTO also encourage year-round travel—highlighting winter sports in PyeongChang, spring cherry blossom destinations such as Jinhae, and autumn foliage festivals nationwide.
Conclusion
South Korea’s tourism boom reflects a powerful combination of cultural heritage, innovative retail experiences, historic landmarks, and modern conveniences. The country’s deep-rooted traditions, dynamic cities, and diverse food culture continue to captivate travelers from Asia, Europe, and beyond.
Strengthened by global attention from events like the Gyeongju APEC summit and sustained by growing interest in lifestyle shops and museums, South Korea is emerging as a premier global destination. With ongoing infrastructure improvements and strong government support, South Korea is well-positioned to attract even more visitors in the coming years—offering unforgettable experiences grounded in history, culture, and contemporary life.
