In preparation for the era of 20 million foreign tourists, trends in domestic tourism are seeing dynamic shifts. Big data analyses by the Korea Tourism Organization, Korea Tourism Data Lab and big data from Data Plus, a platform under telecom giant LG Uplus, show that foreign visitors no longer hit just the popular spots but are opting for "dailycation," a neologism combining the words "daily" and "vacation," to experience the Korean lifestyle and sentiment.
At the forefront of this shift is Seongsu-dong, a Seoul neighborhood in Seongdong-gu District, that was once filled with the noise of factories. The former dilapidated industrial site has undergone urban regeneration to become a hub for experiencing Korean style as a must-visit place, along with traditional attractions such as Myeong-dong Street and Gangnam, attracting both domestic and foreign visitors.
By Lee Jeong-woo and Park Dae Jin
From factory site to mecca of fashion and beauty
This photo of Seongsu-dong was shot on Dec. 9.
This photo of Seongsu-dong was taken on Dec. 9. The contrast between old brick buildings and posters of the latest fashion trends draws attention. This neighborhood is where industrial heritage and contemporary culture coexist, with traditional industrial facilities such as shoe factories and printshops gained new life by being turned into stylish and flashy stores and cafes. Beyond mere consumer places, such facilities have evolved to form a hub of urban trends featuring the latest in domestic fashion and beauty.
Must-visit place
Tourists on Dec. 9 fill a street in Seongsu-dong.
Tourists on Dec. 9 fill a street in Seongsu-dong. International interest in the neighborhood is reflected by statistics. Data Plus, a platform of the telecom giant LG UPlus, said the number of foreign visitors there nearly tripled from 330,000 in the first half of last year to 910,000 over the same period this year, the highest rise among leading tourist destinations. As word of mouth spread of its perfect spots to take social media-friendly photos, Seongsu-dong is now a can't-miss venue for foreign nationals.
More loveable over time: shopping, cafes and culture in one place
Customers on Dec. 9 spend time at a cafe whose building was once a factory.
Visitors on Dec. 9 spend their leisure time at a cafe that was once a factory. The upside of Seongsu-dong is spaces that never get boring no matter how long one stays. The streets are filled with pop-up stores, designer showrooms and unique boutiques featuring the country's latest fashion and beauty trends. From strolling around Seoul Forest to chilling at a cafe and exploring flagship stores, the neighborhood has endless options that are never boring even during an all-day stay.
Hot spot for both foreign visitors and natives
A group of tourists on Dec. 9 walks by an apparel shop in Seongsu-dong.
A tourist group on Dec. 9 walks by an apparel shop in Seongsu-dong. Not just foreign travelers but Koreans are frequent visitors to the neighborhood given the area's status as a trailblazer of what's new and hot. Seongsu-dong is a window to the real Seoul to international tourists who want to see the daily life and sentiment of Koreans up close.
Gigantic photo zone of Korean sentiment filled with romance and memories
Photos of tourists are plastered on the walls of an instant photo studio in Seongsu-dong.
Tourist photos cover the walls of an instant photo studio in Seongsu-dong. The coarseness of the past and sophistication of the present intersect in the neighborhood's alleys, making the neighborhood a giant urban studio. Stores offering diverse experiences and spaces for making memories blend to turn the neighborhood into a massive photo op spot. Visitors snap their moments on their cameras and share them on social media, becoming the place's promotional ambassadors and further spreading Seongsu-dong worldwide.
b1614409@korea.kr
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