"Squid Game, BTS, and Others Boost Increase in Korean Tourism"
Map Inserted in Article Labels East Sea as Sea of Japan Instead
The Times, a leading British daily newspaper, recommended Korea as a tourist destination this year and stated that it is a safe place for women traveling alone.
On the 3rd (local time), the media introduced a travelogue about Korea under the title "This small country will be the most interesting place to visit in 2024." Jane Mulcarins, a reporter for The Times, traveled to Seoul, Busan, Andong, Sokcho, and other places for 12 nights and 13 days at the invitation of a British travel agency, experiencing jjimjilbang, noraebang, street food, and more.
She said, "I spent some time in Korea," and added, "My 11-year-old child was excited upon hearing the news of my trip to Korea and asked me to bring back 'Korean items'." She continued, "Adults are also increasingly interested in Korea," analyzing that "TV shows like 'Squid Game,' the Oscar-winning film 'Parasite,' and the K-Wave through singers such as BTS and BLACKPINK have promoted an increase in international tourism, including from the UK."
Reporter Mulcarins visited Busan Shinsegae Department Store, jjimjilbang, and Dongdaemun Plaza Market in Seoul. Regarding jjimjilbang, she said, "For Koreans, jjimjilbang is closer to a cultural, social, and entertainment complex," and "12 pounds (about 20,000 won) for 4 hours is not a luxury but more of a lifestyle." At Dongdaemun Plaza Market, she ate mung bean pancakes and tteokbokki. Mulcarins said, "There might be bad food in Korea, but I did not find any," and added, "Even at highway rest stops, they sell impressive sujebi, and most food prices range from 3 to 5 pounds (5,000 to 8,000 won)."
She praised the Seoul subway, saying, "It is cheap, impeccably clean, and passengers line up in a single file before the train arrives." Mulcarins said, "There was no street crime or harassment, so as a woman traveling alone, I felt very safe."
She also said that in Busan Gamcheon Culture Village, she met travelers from around the world who were being led by their children on a pilgrimage to BTS-related sites. In Busan's Haeundae, she toured the wide beach, bars, restaurants, and noraebang, and stayed in Andong's Hahoe Village. Mulcarins said that before going to Korea, she knew little except some facts about the Korean War, but after visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace and Jogyesa Temple, her understanding of postwar Korea deepened. She said, "I did not have enough time to visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), so I decided to go next time," and added, "I am confident there will be a next opportunity."
The publication of such an article promoting Korean tourism in major British media without support from related Korean organizations shows the growing interest in Korea. However, there were some opinions pointing out that the East Sea was labeled as the Sea of Japan on the map inserted in the article.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
