Foreign tourists increasingly flock to Seoul’s markets, hiking spots
A report from the Seoul AI Foundation indicates that foreign tourists in Seoul are increasingly visiting local markets and hiking trails rather than just traditional landmarks. Data shows significant growth in visitor numbers at locations like Mount Acha and Gwangjang Market.
Why it matters
This shift in tourism patterns suggests a change in traveler preferences toward authentic, local experiences, impacting urban planning and tourism marketing.
SEOUL - Foreign tourists in Seoul are increasingly visiting traditional markets and hiking spots, expanding beyond the city's traditional attractions, a report showed Wednesday. The Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a multipurpose cultural complex in central Seoul, saw the largest year-on-year increase in foreign visitors at 12.1 percent in 2025, followed by Mount Acha in eastern Seoul at 11.8 percent, according to the report from the city-run Seoul AI Foundation. Other locations also recorded notable increases, with both the Hongdae area and Naksan Park posting a 10.5 percent on-year spike in foreign visitors, followed by Gwangjang Market at 10.4 percent, Gyeongbok Palace at 10.2 percent and Mount Gwanak at 10 percent, the foundation said.
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