By MOOK Scenic Spots Chen Wenlin, compiled and reported
In recent years, the Korea Tourism Organization has enlisted well-known male celebrities to promote tourism. Whether it's Song Joong-ki, who has just become a husband, or the ever-more-popular Lee Jong-suk, they all captivate many female fans. Coupled with various ways to enjoy Korea, this boosts Korean tourism...
When Song Joong-ki was the tourism ambassador for Korea, his image could be seen on many bus lightbox ads. (Photo provided by CCA)
In 2017, Lee Jong-suk, the honorary tourism ambassador for Korea, starred in a promotional video highlighting eight types of Korean experiences. (Photo/Korea Tourism Organization)
Recently, aside from celebrity promotions, Korean tourism has come up with a unique idea — promoting an “Oppa Guide” service. Energetic and handsome young Korean men will serve as local guides, taking visitors on flash tours around Seoul. The news has garnered strong responses from female tourists, who are eagerly discussing new ways to explore Korea.
The website features seven oppas for travelers to choose from. (Photo/Oh My Oppa)
The guide oppa takes tourists to Gwangjang Market to sample local specialties like live octopus, or visits Gyeongbokgung Palace and Insadong with the handsome guide to try on traditional Korean hanbok. It feels just like a scene from a Korean drama — magical and romantic.
The oppa guide service lets selected oppas take travelers to experience Korean culture. This photo shows an oppa taking tourists to sing karaoke. (Photo/Oh My Oppa)
The Korean guide service offers seven charming oppas who introduce attractions in specific areas, roaming the streets and alleys with travelers, accompanying them to entertainment spots, and even serving as personal photographers to capture beautiful moments. The service is especially popular among female travelers.
Korean celebrities boost tourism benefits, with many star billboards welcoming large numbers of female tourists at the airport — a clear sign of the "oppa economy." (Photo by MOOK Scenic Spots Zhang Yingying)
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