Have you considered a K-drama summer holiday?
South Korean tourism caters to international K-drama fans with a range of tours and adventures focused on hit television productions.
Popular travel sites are full of reviews and recommendations. These tours are fantastic fun for lovers of South Korean entertainment.
K-drama love
Why are K-dramas so popular around the world? The best K-dramas are imaginative and heartfelt. Complex characters and emotional connections often drive the stories.
Their tendency to address modern social issues – from sexual discrimination to wealth inequality and cross-generational communication – making for compelling television.
For many K-drama fans, the romantic genre is the drawcard. K-dramas embody beautifully written, visually sumptuous storytelling, pondering life and celebrating love.
K-drama for beginners
Good news: there’s a K-drama for every taste, from the violent social commentary of Squid Game, to iconic love stories like Descendants of the Sun.
My all-time favourites with a romantic focus include It’s Okay To Not Be Okay, The Masters Sun, W, Extraordinary Attorney Woo and any Lee Min Ho series.
For K-dramas with minimal romance, I recommend the procedural Stranger, office drama Misaeng: Incomplete Life, darkly philosophical Hellbound, and science fiction series Circle.
South Korea and tourism
The popularity of Hallyu – which translates as the Korean Wave and refers to popular Korean culture – means hundreds of millions of tourists visit South Korea annually.
A number of K-drama tours have English-speaking guides. You can also book a tour guide privately to take you to chosen locations, personalising the experience.
While K-drama fans know how to say I love you (saranghae), do download quality translation apps beforehand to help with basic interactions and translating signage.
International fandoms
K-dramas have fans around the globe, and part of the fandom fun is discussing K-dramas online – sometimes episode by episode – with people from different countries.
Visiting iconic shooting locations in person, alongside fellow tourists who share a passion for the shows you adore makes for great conversation. How fun is that?
Even a language barrier can’t stand against a shared love of K-dramas. You’ll find appreciation for Gong Yoo is pretty much universal among K-drama viewers.
The big hits
K-drama tours or shooting location lists centring on a single iconic K-drama, such as Hometown Cha Cha Cha, Scarlet Heart Ryeo, The Glory or Goblin, are easy to lock down.
Alternately, you can take a tour that celebrates numerous K-dramas. Some are network affiliated, while others highlight K-dramas shot in a particular neighbourhood.
Keep in mind, new K-dramas are constantly being made in South Korea. You might get the inside scoop on the next international hit while you’re there.
Location, location
Itinerary and hotel stays may have to take into account your favourite K-drama’s primary shooting locations, especially for single day tours.
Other K-drama tours extend for days or a week, taking participants to various places around the country. You only need to reach the starting point.
Don’t forget to check available studio visits for K-dramas you love. They could be in a slightly different locale from the rest of the shoot.
The extras
K-drama holidays can be as full and encompassing as you want them to be. Tours in regional areas may also highlight local cuisine, or include visits to well-known tourist attractions.
If historical K-dramas are your thing, consider hiring a gorgeous Hanbok – traditional Korean garb – and posing for photos that evoke a K-drama feel, with you in the starring role!
Companies may combine K-pop and K-drama tours. Why not enjoy the best of both worlds, and find out what all the fuss is about when it comes to the K-pop phenomenon?
Experience the culture
While on holiday in Korea, make some time in your schedule to visit important sites that offer you a broader experience of South Korean culture.
Explore beyond contemporary entertainment tours, and immerse yourself in South Korea’s rich history, not to mention stunning natural landscapes.
Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, go hiking in a national park, wander through the National Museum of Korea, or take a trip to popular Jeju Island.
Do you have a favourite K-drama? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also read: Unique tours that promise to show you a whole new world
