On the day a BTS concert was held in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, foreign card spending hit a record high for the past year. The crowds demonstrated the so-called "BTSnomics," which affects the local economy.
According to the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) on the 23rd, foreigners spent a total of 482 million won in tourism expenditure in Goyang on the 9th. It was the largest in the past year. Total tourism expenditure is the sum of all amounts paid with cards issued overseas in sectors frequently used by foreign tourists, such as lodging, shopping, and transportation.
The days with the second- and third-largest total tourism expenditure by foreigners in Goyang over the past year were on the 12th (466 million won) and the 11th (447 million won). The amounts were more than double the daily average of 207 million won.
The 9th, the 11th, and the 12th were all days when BTS held concerts at the main stadium of Goyang Sports Complex. Over the three days, about 133,000 people gathered.
By sector, during the concert period, the largest amount foreigners spent per day in Goyang was 106 million won at restaurants (general dining). ▲ Large shopping malls, 84 million won ▲ Cafes and bakeries (confectionery and beverages), 29 million won ▲ Hotels, 26 million won, in that order.
Ahead of the BTS concert, Goyang and local merchants' associations made efforts to attract visitors. Emphasizing that BTS leader RM (31) is from Ilsan in Goyang, they created a large mural and promoted a tourism route connecting Ilsan Lake Park and Bamridan-gil.
Starting with the Goyang concert, BTS embarked on the world tour "Arirang (ARIRANG)." On Jun. 12 and 13, the group will hold concerts in Busan, the hometown of members Jimin (30) and Jungkook (28).
Busan City also decided to strengthen information services at Busan Station and the airport and to turn on lights at local landmarks to heighten the festival atmosphere. It also plans to hold events to boost local businesses, including the tentatively named "Purple Wave Festa."