Thanks to the popularity of the Netflix animated series "K-Pop Demon Hunters," the number of visitors to museums and temples in Korea this summer has surged.
Tmap Mobility noted on the 8th that an analysis of driving data from July to August of this year found a significant increase in visitors heading to museums, temples, and markets compared to the previous year.
For museums and memorial halls, the search volume has increased 2.4 times compared to last year. Visits to the National Museum of Korea increased by 122.7% compared to the same period last year, driven by the popularity of K-Pop Demon Hunters 'MU:DS (Museum + Goods).' Thanks to the vacation season and special exhibitions, the 'War Memorial of Korea' and the 'National Gyeongju Museum' also made the rankings.
Visits to temples, where visitors can experience traditional Buddhist culture firsthand, increased by 45.2%. It was recorded that Yangyang's 'Naksansa' and Gyeongju's 'Bulguksa' were the most frequently visited. Inje's 'Baekdamsa' and Pyeongchang's 'Woljeongsa' also newly entered the rankings. Tmap Mobility explained that unique programs combining surfing experiences with meditation, such as 'Surfing Temple Stay,' and hiking with temple tourism, such as 'Temple Trekking,' drove demand in addition to traditional practice experiences like meditation, forest walks, and 108 prostrations.
In traditional markets, it was found that the 'Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market,' 'Gangneung Jungang Market,' and 'Jumunjin Fish Market' were frequently visited.