“‘K-POP Demon Hunters’ Boosts Interest in Travel to Korea”
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) is promoting locations featured in animations to capitalize on the global popularity of the Netflix original animation “K-pop Demon Hunters” (케데헌) and raise interest in traveling to Korea. Following the show’s release, searches for related terms on Google Trends have increased steadily in the U.S., Japan, France, and other countries. Notably, 52.4% of related searches focus on specific Korean locations, such as Bukchon (11.8%), Naksan Park (9.6%), and the Olympic Stadium (9.6%), all of which are real-life settings shown in the animation. To leverage the global fandom’s curiosity, the KTO is actively promoting these Korean landmarks featured in “K-pop Demon Hunters.”
Naksan Park, known to Koreans as a popular tourist spot where the main characters Jinwoo and Rumi sing the OST “Free,” is being highlighted along with other sites. To make it easier for newfound international fans to access information, the KTO is showcasing key locations from the show on its integrated tourism platform and social media channels. Photos of places like Naksan Park, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Bukchon Hanok Village have been enhanced with Korea’s tourism character, “Kingdom Friends,” recreating scenes from “K-pop Demon Hunters” for added reader enjoyment.
Moreover, the KTO is hosting social media events, inviting participants to choose between “traditional” or “modern” themes for their ideal Korean travels. Prizes such as flights to Korea and traditional knot-themed souvenirs—a nod to items featured in the show—will be given away through a lottery. The interplay of tradition and modernity, as depicted in scenes from the show’s “Golden” music video, where the protagonist is portrayed in both traditional attire seated on a throne and performing on a modern urban stage, is highlighted as a key aspect of Korea’s tourism appeal.
Kim Nam-cheon, acting director of the KTO’s Tourism Content Strategy Division, stated, “We have planned various events to ensure that the enthusiasm for ‘K-pop Demon Hunters’ translates into genuine interest and actual visits to Korea. Having previously spearheaded inbound marketing using K-POP, dramas, and performances, we are committed to discovering new content and driving forward promotional initiatives to attract visitors.”