Seoul is experiencing a surge in visitors, thanks to the animated Netflix hit KPop Demon Hunters. The film, featuring a K-pop girl group that fights demons, has captivated audiences worldwide. Since its release in June 2025, it has been streamed over 500 million times. The movie also won two Oscars for best animated feature and best original song. A sequel has already been announced.
The popularity of the film is influencing tourism like never before. In July 2025, 1.36 million international travellers visited Seoul, a 23.1% increase from the previous year. “That immediate growth was fuelled by the KPop Demon Hunters craze,” said Seoul’s city government. Global flight bookings jumped 25% in the months following the release, with visitors from the United States, Canada, China, Japan, and Australia leading the increase. By the end of 2025, South Korea welcomed a record 18.9 million foreign tourists.
The craze is clearly not confined to Asia alone. In Australia, interest in South Korea has surged, especially among Millennials and Gen Z travellers drawn to K-pop, K-beauty, and immersive cultural experiences. Travel bookings and cultural tours have risen noticeably, showing how the film is inspiring fans to experience Korean culture firsthand, even from the other side of the world.
Fans are visiting the movie’s real-life filming locations. Bukchon Hanok Village, where characters Rumi and Jinu meet, has become a must-see spot. Myeongdong Street, COEX K-Pop Square, Naksan Park, and N Seoul Tower are also popular. “My daughter seemed totally shocked that the places from the movie were real. She was speechless,” said Christine Kim, a tourist from Hawaii. Pop-up cafés, character meet-and-greets, and themed experiences in Seongsu-dong are attracting families.
@talktomeinkorean Real Places Featured in K-Pop Demon Hunters🇰🇷 Watch the full YouTube video for more K‑Pop Demon Hunters details! #koreanlanguage #koreanculture #kpopdemonhunters #seoultravel ♬ original sound – TalkToMeInKorean
Cultural experiences are just as important for visitors. Tourists are trying jjimjilbang, Korean spas, especially the seshin exfoliating scrub treatments. Bookings rose 115% in summer 2025 compared with spring, according to the travel platform Creatrip. Acupuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine treatments such as hanyak also saw a 409% increase. “Every major cultural element in the film, hanbok, jjimjilbang, gimbap, samgyetang, K-pop dance, traditional medicine, is something a tourist can book and experience in Korea,” said Haemin Yim, CEO of Creatrip.
For fans looking to dive deeper into the world of KPop Demon Hunters, Seoul has plenty of unique experiences beyond the main filming spots. The city’s pop-up cafés and interactive installations, especially in Seongsu-dong, let visitors explore multi-floor setups with character cutouts, games, and glow-in-the-dark surprises. These spaces are perfect for families or anyone wanting a fully immersive visit.
@celeb.confirmed POV: Visiting the world’s first “Kpop Demon Hunters” pop-up in Seoul⭐️ #KPopDemonHunters #KDH #popup #Seoul #Huntrix #SajaBoys
♬ original sound – CelebConfirmed
Younger travellers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, are drawn to these creative experiences that combine culture, storytelling, and fun. The trend encourages fans to explore neighbourhoods more widely, making set-jetting in Seoul both exciting and sustainable. With the Oscars and the upcoming sequel keeping interest high, Seoul is shaping up to be a must-visit destination for cultural explorers and Demon Hunters fans alike.
