Korea Tourism Organization: "A Space That Designs the First Impression of Traveling to Korea"
'Excitement Week' with Various Events Until June 2
"It seems like the energy is a bit low, so just let yourself go to the music and enjoy today without any worries."
On the afternoon of May 29, at 'HiKR Station' in Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport, the host's enthusiastic call instantly transformed the space, making it feel like a club in Hongdae or Itaewon. The area, filled with colorful, misty lights, pulsed with Psy's lively music. Members of the 'Hi-Ten Crew,' dressed in T-shirts bearing the HiKR Station logo, danced and jumped, heightening the festive atmosphere. Foreign tourists who had just set foot in Korea also began to move to the exciting rhythm, smiling as they joined in the fun.
On this day, the Korea Tourism Organization officially opened the HiKR Station, a Korea tourism promotion center, on the first basement level of the Transportation Center at Terminal 1 of Incheon International Airport. Like HiKR Ground in Jung-gu, Seoul, HiKR Station is a space designed to introduce foreign tourists to Korean tourism and culture. It serves as a new starting point for foreign visitors to Korea.
The Korea Tourism Organization opened HiKR Ground at the Seoul Center of the Korea Tourism Organization in Jung-gu, Seoul, in July 2022. HiKR Ground, which features a media wall, a K-pop music video production experience zone, a convenience store, karaoke, a streaming studio, a pop-up store, a tourist information center, and a relaxation area, became so popular that it surpassed 2 million cumulative visitors as of March this year.
In response, the Korea Tourism Organization established HiKR Station at Incheon International Airport, the first gateway for foreign tourists visiting Korea, to provide them with an earlier opportunity to experience Korean culture.
At HiKR Station, visitors can enjoy a variety of interactive experiences that stimulate the senses, including 'HiKR POSE,' where they can commemorate their arrival in Korea with fun poses; 'HiKR SHOT,' which allows for self-photography with backdrops of famous Korean landmarks and foods; 'HiKR STAGE,' where they can create short-form videos with K-pop stage footage using extended reality (XR) technology; and 'HiKR PICK,' where they can receive various goods through hands-on activities. There is also 'BEAUTY UP,' a makeup and dress-up space. In addition, a relaxation area is available where visitors can store their luggage in lockers, charge their devices, and take a break.
Actor Song Ilgook also attended the opening ceremony. Song Ilgook said, "I don't think I've ever seen such a lively space at any airport in the world," adding, "It's great to see so much energy, and I believe it will help foreign tourists form a dynamic image of Korea."
Members of the Hi-Ten Crew will be stationed at HiKR Station to assist foreign tourists with their travels in Korea and to provide fun by playing games with them.
Seo Youngchung, Acting President, stated, "HiKR Station goes beyond the simple function of a tourism promotion center; it is a place that designs the first impression of a trip to Korea. The Korea Tourism Organization will do its best to create a Korea that travelers want to revisit by immediately reflecting travel trends and the Korean content that travelers prefer, and by offering a variety of enjoyable experiences."
To celebrate the opening of HiKR Station, the Korea Tourism Organization has designated the period until June 2 as 'Excitement Week' and will host a variety of events, including DJ performances and dance crew shows. There will also be special events for idol fandoms, such as the 'Choeaedol Global Vote' and souvenir giveaways that can be used during trips to Korea.
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