Aussies have fallen in love with the whole lot South Korean.
The final twenty years have seen South Korean exports sweep the world, from Ok-pop and Korean TV dramas to magnificence merchandise, style and meals.
So, it’s no shock that the Asian nation has seen a large rise in reputation in recent times.
In accordance with the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there was a staggering 28 per cent enhance within the variety of Australians visiting the hotspot since 2019 pre-covid figures.
It’s additionally Inside Asia Tour’s primary vacation spot, representing 48 per cent of all bookings in 2024.
“South Korea is more and more changing into successful amongst Aussies for its undeniably distinct cultural allure – and it’s solely a matter of time earlier than Hallyu, the so-called ‘Korean Wave’, sweeps the globe,” Inside Journey Group nationwide gross sales supervisor Nicole Newport advised information.com.au.
She mentioned whereas it’s exhausting to not draw comparisons to Japan, South Korea is actually in its personal league.
“It truly is a land of contrasts – from ambitiously hi-tech to captivatingly conventional, providing cherry blossom viewing spots, majestic mountain climbing trails and naturally, tantalising culinary choices,” she mentioned.
Ms Newport mentioned most Aussies are interested in its bustling capital, Seoul, for its unimaginable night-life from hidden bars to quirky speak-easies, and for its thriving baseball scene.
And let’s not overlook Korean delicacies like Korean BBQ which has surged in reputation throughout Australia.
Recognized regionally as gogi gui (‘meat roast’), the Korean barbecue sees diners seated round fuel or charcoal grills to grill their very own meat cuts — all whereas having fun with pictures of Soju, a distilled alcoholic beverage, historically produced from rice.
“After all, the staple KBBQ and Korean craft beer choices undoubtably have a robust enchantment to Aussies,” Ms Newport continued.
“However past Seoul, there may be simply a lot to probe for the outside lovers and journey seekers alike – there may be completely one thing for everybody to get pleasure from.”
Andrew Stark, world managing director of Flight Centre, mentioned it’s no shock to see a spike in Aussies visiting the nation.
“It’s a vacation spot that persons are inquisitive about, and it has lots to supply,” he advised information.com.au.
He drew specific consideration to Jeju Island, noting it gives pristine seashores, waterfalls, volcanic cones, lava tube caves and plenty of jaw-dropping pure wonders which might be “completely bucket-list-worthy”.
“As much as 70 per cent of South Korea is roofed in gorgeous mountainous panorama, making it excellent for nature and thrill seekers alike with world-class mountain climbing straightforward to achieve from most cities,” he added.
Mr Stark mentioned Flight Centre is seeing enormous curiosity in journey journey as persons are prioritising experiences of their budgets over all different discretionary selections.
“They’re deliberately utilizing journey to new locations to get outdoors of their consolation zone, taking the highway much less travelled and discovering locations that provide a real sense of journey,” he advised information.com.au.
“Increasingly more travellers are asking our consultants to seek out them an expertise that mixes the most effective of each worlds, journey and luxury, and South Korea definitely does simply that.”
