Refer Report
Chinese media reported on the 14th that the number of Korean tourists visiting Shanghai has increased significantly since China introduced visa-free entry for Koreans.
According to Chinese online travel platform Ctrip, the number of Korean tourists who visited Shanghai from November 8 to December 28 last year increased by more than 180% compared to the previous year and by more than 40% compared to the previous month.
According to Shanghai customs statistics, the number of Korean nationals who entered Shanghai Pudong Airport last month exceeded 130,000.
Singapore’s Yonhap News Agency reported that places shared among Korean travelers as ‘must-visit restaurants’ through online videos are crowded, and many Koreans buy Tsingtao beer as souvenirs.
A Chinese newspaper quoted the owner of a hot pot restaurant in the People’s Square commercial district of Shanghai, saying that the number of Korean travelers has increased noticeably since November 10 last year, and currently accounts for 15 of the restaurant’s average of 1,200 to 1,500 users per day. It was explained that % were Korean.
As the number of Korean visitors increased, Korean-language signboards and a ‘Happy Birthday’ service were also prepared.
China is actively attracting foreign visitors amid a sluggish domestic economy, but unlike European and American travelers who do not spend much even when they come to China, Korean tourists enjoy trendy clothes, luxury bags, nail and ear care, and traditional Chinese clothing in Shanghai. It is said that they are actively open to wearing it and taking pictures.
Local netizens commented, “Shanghai has finally met the person who understands Shanghai best” and “‘Korean conglomerates’ and ‘Shanghai prices’ are running towards each other.”
Yonhap News Agency explained that amidst this, the ‘second generation of wealthy people’ living in Shanghai are driving supercars early in the morning to places such as Wukang Road, where Korean tourists flock. They even pose for Korean tourists when they try to take pictures of the car with their cell phones.
The newspaper said, “Who would have thought that this supercar parade was unexpectedly aimed at Korean spectators who recently visited Shanghai?” and that the local police had controlled the supercar parade heading to Wukang Road on the 12th due to too many luxury cars.
One Chinese netizen said, “Korean tourists coming to China and traveling should not only stimulate consumption but also break down prejudice against China, and should be greatly welcomed as it is inherently a win-win aspect.”
(Photo = Yonhap News)
Reporter Kim Hyeon-gyeong khkkim@wowtv.co.kr
Source: korean