How Tourism in Korea is Different From Other Countries

Tourism plays a role in just about every country’s economy; it boosts revenue, develops infrastructure, creates jobs, and promotes international cultural exchange. South Korea, in an attempt to capitalize on the country’s global popularity in the entertainment, beauty, and food industries, decided to up their game by declaring 2023-2024 as “Visit Korea Year.” 

This strategy is in place to help the country rebuild from the crippling COVID shutdowns and to stand out in an increasingly competitive tourism market. The aim of the Korean Tourism Organization is to boost the national tourism campaign and stimulate growth in the form of event promotion, travel packages, and online campaigns. For the past year and into 2024, foreigners can find discounts on flights, accommodations, and shopping, as well as reduced or free entrances into certain historical sites. 

The government embracing Korean culture (K-culture) and tourism as a whole to stimulate its economy and enhance its citizens’ well-being is not unique. However, its bold promotion and support make an enticing welcome to a world longing for travel and memorable experiences. 

Korea’s travel agencies and tour promoters have benefitted from this tourism push. They’ve designed and marketed popular destinations and activities to appeal to Gen Z and older travelers equally, centering around K-pop concerts, e-sports, and Korean food and culture. 

Travel agencies around the country have been jumping on board to attract foreigners to their excursions. They’re offering sales, multiple pick-up locations, overnight stays, and more to the traditional day trips. While cultural outings, wellness trips, and outdoor activities remain popular, new incentives increase options for tourists and keep competition healthy, which, in turn, is good for the economy.  

Additionally, as a young foreigner visiting Korea for the first time, one unsuspecting perk that I have enjoyed is the option to go on a trip in exchange for social media reviews. These trips are free “social media supporter/influencer” tours. 

Effective tourism companies use social media to their advantage. They know many trips are booked from word of mouth or posted pictures. To benefit from that, they encourage savvy social media users to apply in exchange for promoting the trip with pictures, taglines, hashtags, and minimum posts. Users don’t have to be hardcore influencers, but rather people with a decent media following, primarily on Instagram, who might encourage others in their circle to travel and experience Korea.

My fall internship with a Seoul-based travel company, PlusPlanner, has been enlightening and full of nonstop adventures. I’ve been able to see not only the beautiful heritage and history of Korea but also its modern and emerging cultures. I have experienced more in nearly three months than most will in a lifetime, all on a limited budget. 

I’ve taken paid trips to the cities of Busan to attend a K-pop concert and Chuncheon to visit its outdoor gardens and market. Those were well worth the price and memorable on all accounts. But, the ability to expand my opportunities by taking a fair number of supporter/influencer trips has been amazing as well. These included hiking Seoraksan Mountain, glamping in Wonju, and visiting Jinju for a lantern festival. 

I was fortunate to land in Korea during such a strong tourism promotion—and you still have time to jump on the bandwagon. Plan your visit soon and enjoy all Korea has to offer!

Kasidy Meyer, Texas A&M University, is interning abroad in South Korea with TEAN.