N Seoul Tower at dusk. (image: KobizMedia/ Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, June 8 (Korea Bizwire) – The latest analysis by Pengtai, Cheil Worldwide’s digital marketing affiliate, has revealed that Chinese tourists visiting South Korea are becoming more attracted to the daily lives of locals instead of shopping or K-food quests.
According to the analysis, which was based on some 660,000 search data on the urban metro app Korea Subway, the N Seoul Tower topped the list of most searched attractions this year, outstripping Hongdae, which ranked first in 2016.
Seoul’s iconic observation tower was followed by the Bukchon Hanok Village, Hongdae, Yeouido Han River Park, and the Gwangjang Market’s Jeon Alley.
Yeouido Han River Park. (image: Pixabay)
What was particularly noticeable this year was the emergence of Yeouido Han River Park, jumping up 33 ranks from last year, and Seoul Grand Park, 53 spots up to 11th, both of which are popular destinations for local picnickers, officials said.
In contrast, Myeongdong, once the most visited shopping district among tourists, stumbled to 15th from 5th, while other attractions like the Dongdaemun Shopping Complex also saw their popularity wane this year, although the phenomenon was in part attributed to a lower number of Chinese tourists following South Korea’s deployment of a THAAD anti-missile system.
“The ways in which Chinese tourists travel and spend their time here are quickly changing alongside international and domestic affairs. Businesses must constantly watch out for these changes and target their consumers accordingly,” said Pengtai CEO Nam Yong-sik.
Myeongdong is one of Seoul’s main shopping districts for tourists featuring mid-to-high priced retail stores and international brand outlets. (image: KobizMedia/ Korea Bizwire)
Seoul Grand Park. (image: Wikipedia)
By photonews@koreabizwire.com
