‘Gangnam style’ hit likely to impact Korea tourism

Could K-Pop sensation, PSY, be South Korea’s next tourism ambassador?

Hit a club anywhere in the world and South Korea’s unofficial pop anthem, ‘Gangnam style’ will likely be played, an inevitability the Korea Tourism Organization hopes will bring more tourists to the country.

Garnering over 415,000,000 hits on YouTube, a record for the video sharing site, ‘Gangnam style’ is now a worldwide phenomenon and its creator, PSY, a global celebrity.

According to Australia’s Korea Tourism Organization marketing manager Jennifer Doherty, there is “no doubt” PSY and ‘Gangnam Style’ will have an impact on tourism to South Korea, “bringing South Korean culture and music to the world”.

Korea Tourism Organization Australia and New Zealand director Joonkil Jo further added that Australians are seeing “more of Korea than just Seoul on a stopover to Europe/US”.

“Australians fall in love with Korea when they visit - whether it’s for the incredible 5,000 years of history and culture that makes Korea so unique or for the latest new wave of K-POP, the trendy fashion scene, Korean movies and much more,” he said.

“And it’s great to note that more and more Australians are enjoying the unique Korean ‘experience programs’ like temple-stay programs, taking taekwondo lessons or learning how to make kimchi or cook Korean cuisine.”

Last night saw Australia’s travel agents have a go at some ‘Gangnam style’ dancing at this year’s Korea Tourism Roadshow. To see photos from the event, click here.

For those wondering what Gangnam style is, the hit song refers to a trendy southern Seoul suburb home to high fashion designer stores, popular eateries, nightclubs and the hipsters within.