[Culture & Life Department Reporter Choi Jeonghwa] In 2021, Seoul was selected as one of the cities Americans want to visit. The Michelin Guide is holding an official launch event for the 5th edition of the Seoul Michelin Guide, ‘Michelin Guide Seoul 2021.’
Seoul, a Popular Travel Destination Among Americans After COVID-19
With overseas travel blocked, Seoul in South Korea has emerged as one of the desired travel destinations for Americans next year, as reflected in Airbnb search volumes.
The popularity of Seoul revealed through Airbnb search data was truly remarkable. According to Airbnb’s internal data, among the cities Americans searched for with travel dates set from January 1 to September 30 next year, Seoul was one of the cities that saw a significant increase in search volume compared to the same period this year.
The film Parasite, which swept major categories such as Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay at the 92nd Academy Awards held in February this year, sparked widespread attention. Along with the unprecedented global rise of K-POP, Seoul’s recognition appears to have greatly increased.
Other cities that attracted attention alongside Seoul included Bogot? in Colombia, Maafushi in the Maldives, Taos in New Mexico, USA, Maine in the USA, and Ischia in Italy. Bogot?’s rise in popularity seems linked to the postponement of the Copa Am?rica soccer tournament to 2021, drawing many American soccer fans to focus on the city hosting the final match. Maafushi Island is known for its idyllic white sandy beaches and relaxing atmosphere.
In Taos County, USA, visitors can enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Taos Pueblo village and the captivating red peaks. Maine, which celebrated its 200th anniversary of joining the United States this year, has postponed events scheduled for next year due to COVID-19. Ischia, a volcanic island village west of Naples, Italy, is a travel destination where visitors can unwind their body and mind by enjoying thermal spas.
According to a survey commissioned by Airbnb conducted from September 15 to 19, 2020, with 1,010 American adults, 36% of respondents said they dream of traveling every day. When asked about their feelings while planning future trips, the most common response was “hopeful.”
Release Date Announced for Seoul’s 5th Edition ‘Michelin Guide Seoul 2021’
The Michelin Guide Seoul will hold an official launch event on the 19th of next month for the 5th edition of the Michelin Guide Seoul, which introduces Korean gourmet culture.
The launch event for ‘Michelin Guide Seoul 2021,’ which announces the star chefs leading Korea’s culinary industry in 2021, will be held as a live digital event instead of the traditional on-site ceremony, considering the COVID-19 situation. It will be broadcast live via Naver TV, the official Michelin Guide Facebook, and YouTube channels, allowing viewers to discover Korea’s new star restaurants for 2021.
‘Michelin Guide Seoul 2021’ will introduce Seoul’s best star restaurants and hotels fairly selected by Michelin Guide inspectors, along with Bib Gourmand restaurants offering excellent food at reasonable prices, and Plate restaurants where visitors can enjoy good dishes made with fresh ingredients. The Bib Gourmand 2021 list for Seoul will be announced separately ahead of the launch event.
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