Friday, November 29, 2024 In the heart of South Korea’s cultural boom, the country is seeing a massive surge in international visitors, largely driven by the growing global popularity of K-pop and K-drama. South Korea, once largely known for its rich traditional culture, has now become a hotbed of modern, popular culture thanks to the global phenomenon of “Hallyu” — or the Korean Wave — which includes everything from K-pop music to hit drama series. One of the more unique attractions to come from this movement is Sunshine Land, a theme park dedicated to the set of the hit historical drama “Mr.
Sunshine.” Located in Nonsan, 170 kilometers (106 miles) from Seoul, this park is an exact replica of 1900s Seoul and features items directly from the show’s production. Among the items are replicas of a historic tram and South Korea’s most famous Buddhist bell.
Fans of K-drama and K-pop, particularly international tourists, have flocked to such sites in ever-growing numbers, seeking to immerse themselves in the worlds of their favorite shows and artists. The increasing interest in K-drama and K-pop has not only captivated audiences from Asia but also from all corners of the globe. For example, tourists like 40-year-old Sookariyapa Kakij from Thailand are visiting the country specifically to see filming locations from their favorite dramas.
“I want to find locations where ‘Itaewon Class’ was shot,” Kakij says, referencing the 2020 drama filmed largely in Seoul�.
