Seoul Heats Up... Accommodation and Flight Demand Surge Ahead of BTS Concert

Hotels Near Gwanghwamun Fully Booked, Surge in Mid-Range Accommodations
Ripple Effects Across Airlines, Retail, and Central Seoul Commercial Districts

With BTS's upcoming concert in Gwanghwamun scheduled for the 21st of next month, expectations are rising across the accommodation, airline, retail, and food service industries amid projections that the influx of foreign tourists will accelerate in earnest.

According to Yonhap News on February 1, citing sources in the hotel industry, major hotels in the Gwanghwamun, Myeongdong, and Insadong areas are already fully booked.

The Plaza, which overlooks Seoul City Hall and Gwanghwamun, has reached a 100% booking rate for the day of the concert, a figure significantly higher than the same period last year. Given that the booking rate for the day after the concert is relatively lower, it is analyzed that demand is concentrated among guests staying specifically to attend the concert.

BTS (Bangtan Sonyeondan). Big Hit Music

Other nearby hotels, such as the Four Seasons Hotel, Westin Josun Hotel, and Shilla Stay Gwanghwamun, have also seen a sharp increase in bookings for the concert day. Hotels in the Myeongdong and Euljiro areas, which are somewhat farther from Gwanghwamun, have also quickly filled up. Industry insiders expect that most hotels near Gwanghwamun will be fully booked on the weekends before and after the concert.

Reservations for mid-range accommodations and motels have also surged. According to lodging platforms, bookings in the Jongno and Jung-gu areas before and after the concert have increased several times compared to last year, and on-site feedback indicates that it is difficult to find available rooms. As demand has surged, accommodation prices have risen significantly. For some hotels and motels, rates for the concert day have climbed to two to three times the usual weekend prices.

The airline industry is also seeing signs of increased demand from foreign visitors. During the concert week, booking rates for flights to Korea from China and Japan have risen above normal levels, and some airlines have reported that booking rates have jumped by double-digit percentage points.

The retail sector is moving quickly to welcome foreign tourists. Department stores are expanding discounts and promotional events for foreign customers, while duty-free shops, large supermarkets, and convenience stores are increasing stock of K-food, K-pop-related products, and other items popular among tourists.

Industry officials commented, "The BTS concert is expected to generate a clear boost in consumer spending throughout downtown commercial districts."