Published on
September 10, 2025
The global popularity of Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters is propelling a record increase in international travel to South Korea, signaling the increasing interlinking between pop culture and tourism. Since its launch on June 20, 2025, the animated movie has taken the world by storm, leading to a year-on-year jump of 25% in South Korea flight reservations, according to Trip.com Group. This spike highlights the way in which cultural material can drive tourism trends and pull in a variety of travelers wanting to see for themselves the real-world locations where the movie is set.
Rising Interest from Asia and the West: A Global Trend
According to Trip.com Group data, travelers from Asia have been the primary drivers of this surge, with China, Japan, and Vietnam leading in booking volumes. However, Western countries are also seeing notable growth, with Canada and Australia experiencing year-on-year increases of over 50% and 20%, respectively. This demonstrates the growing global appeal of South Korea’s tourism offerings, especially as Korean pop culture continues its global expansion.
As KPop Demon Hunters gains popularity worldwide, more tourists are looking to immerse themselves in the authentic cultural experiences depicted in the film, reinforcing the synergy between pop culture and tourism.
Seoul’s Record Visitor Numbers: A Key Indicator of Tourism Growth
The city of Seoul has also seen remarkable tourism growth, with 1.36 million foreign visitors arriving in July 2025 alone, according to a recent announcement from the Seoul city government. This milestone highlights the impact of global entertainment, such as KPop Demon Hunters, in attracting more tourists to South Korea. The city has become a vibrant hub for cultural exploration, with film-inspired travel playing a significant role in attracting visitors to iconic landmarks and heritage sites featured in the film.
Korean Pop Culture Drives Increased Interest in Key Cultural Destinations
The success of KPop Demon Hunters has had a profound impact on the tourism industry, particularly on key cultural destinations across Seoul. Bukchon Hanok Village, the National Museum of Korea, and Gyeongbokgung Palace have emerged as must-visit locations for travelers looking to connect with the real-life settings behind the movie’s narrative.
For example, the National Museum of Korea saw a 34% increase in search volume on Trip.com, while Gyeongbokgung Palace saw a 115% rise in bookings compared to the previous year. These numbers underscore the growing interest in cultural tourism, where travelers not only want to experience the locations but also engage with the historical and cultural significance of these places.
A special walking tour of Bukchon Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village known for its preserved architecture, has also become a tourist favorite, generating over 300,000 views on Trip.Pulse, Trip.com’s travel trends platform. This showcases how film-inspired travel is shaping new tourism patterns, especially among young travelers.
Tailored Cultural Experiences: From Kimchi Making to Tea Ceremonies
In response to the rising demand for authentic cultural experiences, Trip.com has expanded its offerings to include half-day tours where travelers can learn to make kimchi or participate in a traditional Korean tea ceremony. These hands-on experiences give visitors the chance to engage with Korean culture beyond the film, creating personalized and immersive tourism experiences that resonate with today’s globally-minded travelers.
These types of cultural interactions are becoming increasingly popular, particularly among those who seek more than just typical sightseeing. The ability to connect with local communities and learn traditional skills is one of the core attractions of Korean pop culture tourism.
The Influence of Social Media and Travel Apps on Tourism Trends
Social media has become a powerful tool in influencing travel decisions for younger generations, especially when it comes to film-inspired destinations. 45% of travelers cited social media as a major factor in their decision to visit South Korea, with 39% influenced by recommendations from friends and family. The role of social media influencers and online content creators in showcasing Korean pop culture destinations has also amplified interest in South Korea as a must-see travel destination for fans of K-dramas, K-pop, and Korean cinema.
Additionally, 27% of travelers use travel apps like Trip.com for trip planning and booking, further driving interest in popular Korean locations. These platforms help travelers discover new destinations, make reservations easily, and find cultural experiences that align with their interests.
The Growing Popularity of Cultural Tourism Among Millennials and Gen Z
Millennials and Gen Z travelers are leading the shift towards cultural tourism, with 84% of Millennials and 80% of Gen Z planning trips based on cultural experiences. This trend reflects the desire for deeper, more meaningful travel experiences, with an emphasis on authenticity and cultural immersion.
As Korean pop culture continues to captivate these younger generations, South Korea is well-positioned to attract this demographic, especially with cultural offerings that go beyond typical tourist activities. This shift towards experiential travel is expected to drive long-term growth in the cultural tourism sector in South Korea, benefiting both local communities and the tourism industry.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Film-Inspired Tourism in South Korea
The success of KPop Demon Hunters serves as a powerful example of how media-inspired travel can influence tourism trends. With increasing interest in Korean pop culture, South Korea is set to continue attracting global visitors, especially from countries like India, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The film’s success, coupled with the growing demand for cultural tourism, presents new opportunities for the country to expand its tourism offerings.
The future of film-inspired tourism in South Korea looks promising, with more Korean dramas, films, and K-pop events driving visitor numbers and creating new markets for local tourism experiences. As cultural tourism continues to rise globally, South Korea is poised to benefit from its strong cultural identity, dynamic entertainment scene, and tourism-friendly infrastructure.
KPop Demon Hunters and the Boom of Cultural Tourism in South Korea
The success of KPop Demon Hunters is a stark testament to the increasing strength of pop culture tourism. With increased interest from international travelers who are keen to visit the actual locations of the movie, South Korea is becoming increasingly established as a top destination for cultural experiences. By fusing football, cultural discovery, and indigenous traditions, South Korea will continue to welcome a growing number of tourists in the years to come, with the international Korean pop culture phenomenon serving as a driving force for tourism development.
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