上海各区新茶工作室：Surge in South Korean Tourism to Shanghai Captivates Chinese Public
SEOUL, Jan. 15 (Korea Bizwire) — Chinese media reported on January 14 that South Korean tourists have been flocking to Shanghai in increasing numbers, drawing significant attention from Chinese citizens. This surge follows China’s implementation of visa-free entry for South Koreans.
According to leading Chinese online travel platform Ctrip, the number of South Korean tourists visiting Shanghai between November 8 and December 28, 2024, more than doubled compared to the same period the previous year, marking an increase of over 180%上海各区新茶工作室. Compared to the previous month, this figure rose by more than 40%.
Statistics from Shanghai Customs revealed that over 130,000 South Korean travelers arrived at Shanghai Pudong Airport in December 2024 alone.上海品茶网
Chinese netizens have observed that many South Korean visitors follow a popular itinerary, beginning at the Bund and continuing through Xintiandi, Wukang Road, the site of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, and Yuyuan Garden, eventually reaching the outskirts of Zhujiajiao and Shanghai Disneyland.上海419论坛
One online comment humorously noted, “You only need to walk a few steps along this route to hear someone speaking in polite Korean.”
Singapore’s Lianhe Zaobao reported that restaurants trending on Korean social media as “must-visit” spots are now bustling with South Korean patrons. Additionally, many tourists are purchasing Tsingtao beer as a popular souvenir.
Citing a hot pot restaurant owner in Shanghai’s People’s Square district, China News Service highlighted that since November 10, 2024, the number of South Korean customers has visibly increased. Currently, about 15% of the restaurant’s daily 1,200 to 1,500 customers are South Korean tourists.
In response to this influx, local businesses have introduced Korean-language signage and special services like birthday celebrations tailored for South Korean visitors.
Lianhe Zaobao also noted that some Chinese netizens perceive South Korean tourists as having uniform travel routes and similar fashion styles, describing many young South Korean men as having middle-parted hairstyles, monolid eyes, high cheekbones, and fashionable attire.
While China is actively encouraging foreign tourism amid domestic economic challenges, many netizens are particularly interested in how South Korean tourists are enthusiastically spending on trendy fashion, luxury bags, nail and ear care, and traditional Chinese costume photography—contrasting with the more frugal spending habits of European and American visitors.
Comments on social media included, “Shanghai has finally met the people who truly understand it” and “Korean conglomerates and Shanghai prices are racing toward each other.”
Amid this tourism boom, affluent second-generation Chinese, known as “Fu Er Dai,” have been seen driving luxury sports cars along Wukang Road early in the morning, posing for photos when approached by South Korean tourists.
Local media reported that the growing number of luxury cars prompted Shanghai police to control supercar traffic to Wukang Road on January 12, 2025.
One Chinese netizen commented, “South Korean tourists not only contribute to consumption but also help break down prejudices about China. This mutually beneficial relationship should be warmly welcomed.”
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