If you’ve ever finished a show or movie and immediately wanted to jump on a plane, you’ll understand the craze behind the new “KPop Demon Hunters” travel boom. Netflix’s hit animated film is inspiring fans across the world to head to South Korea and walk in the footsteps of their favorite characters.
“KPop Demon Hunters” follows a fictional K-pop girl group who, when they’re not dazzling fans on stage, secretly battle supernatural forces threatening humanity. The colorful film cleverly weaves Korean folklore into modern pop culture. At the same time, it showcases Seoul’s cultural landmarks, including Bukchon Hanok Village and Gyeongbokgung Palace. For many fans, it feels less like watching a movie and more like receiving an invitation to visit Korea themselves.
From the screen to Seoul’s landmarks
And fans are answering that call. According to Trip.com Group, international flight bookings to South Korea have surged 25% year-on-year since the movie’s release on June 20. Month-on-month growth has averaged 11%, proving how entertainment can turn into real-life adventures. Asian travelers — particularly from China, Japan, and Vietnam — are leading the way, while Western audiences are catching up fast, with flights from Canada jumping over 50% and Australia up 20%.
Seoul welcomed 1.36 million foreign visitors in July alone, and city officials credited the “KPop Demon Hunters” travel effect as a major contributor. Fans are diving deep into cultural experiences like kimchi-making workshops and tea ceremonies in traditional Hanok homes, making their trips more immersive.
Trip.com’s data reflects this surge in interest. Searches for the National Museum of Korea have risen by 34% year-on-year, while bookings for Gyeongbokgung Palace tours have climbed 115%. A walking tour of Bukchon Hanok Village has gone viral, attracting over 300,000 views on Trip.Pulse, Trip.com’s trend tracker.
Millennials and Gen Z lead the trend
Justin Hong, General Manager of Trip.com Korea, explained that the trend is fueled mostly by Millennials and Gen Z travelers: “Korean pop culture has captivated hearts worldwide, and this is driving travel to South Korea, as well as a global demand for local cultural experiences.”
Last month, the Korea Tourism Organization and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism staged an event in in Virginia, U.S.A. In the travel showcase dubbed “Experience Your Korea – Light Up Your Moments,” “KPop Demon Hunters” took center stage. The event drew thousands of fans, underscoring the growing role of Korean pop culture in promoting tourism worldwide.
From “Squid Game” to “Black Myth Wukong,” we’ve seen pop culture inspire global journeys before. But the “KPop Demon Hunters” travel trend feels different — it’s fueled by music, magic, and a shared dream of being part of a story that blurs the line between fantasy and real life.
This article was written with the help of AI, based on a press release from Trip.com, distributed via PR Newswire, and was reviewed and edited by the Hallyu Dorama team.