The number of foreign visitors to the Seoul Traditional Medicine Promotion Center (Seoul Yangnyeongsi Herbal Medicine Museum), operated by Dongdaemun District, has quadrupled since the success of the Netflix animation 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' (Kedehon).
According to Dongdaemun District, the number of visitors to the Seoul Traditional Medicine Promotion Center was at about 6,000 to 7,000 per month earlier this year. Following the global success of Kedehon, the monthly visitor count rose to about 15,000 to 20,000 in June and July. The number of foreign visitors increased from around 400 to approximately 1,600 during the same period.
In Kedehon, the main character, Lumi, seeks out a Han medical clinic when her voice fails to come out. The Seoul Traditional Medicine Promotion Center has drawn attention for its resemblance to the clinic depicted in Kedehon.
According to Dongdaemun District, the Seoul Traditional Medicine Promotion Center has also appeared in the drama 'Twelve,' which has been airing on KBS 2TV since the 23rd. This drama is also broadcasting simultaneously on Disney+. The Seoul Traditional Medicine Promotion Center features the Hanok-style 'Taesan Clinic' and is utilized as a space where main characters stay.
The Seoul Traditional Medicine Promotion Center is located within Seoul Yangnyeongsi, the largest herbal medicine market in the country. The lower part of the building is modern, while the upper part features a distinctive appearance with a Hanok style. It received the 'Presidential Award' at the 2018 Korea Land Awards. It is operated by Dongdaemun District.
Dongdaemun District operates various specialized programs in traditional medicine at this location. Programs for herbal foot baths, traditional medicine experiences, and medicinal food experiences allow visitors to engage in and experience traditional medicine culture.