Foreigners are increasingly traveling to South Korea to see their favorite K-Pop artists perform. According to a survey, about 1 in 5 respondents from Thailand and Hong Kong reported visiting Korea specifically for concerts, indicating that attending performances is a significant factor in their travel decisions.
On November 5, a report titled 'The Concert Travel Effect in Asia,' published by Trip.com Group and Live Nation Asia, revealed that 73% of Thai respondents expressed a willingness to visit Korea to see their favorite artists perform. Approximately 20% of respondents from both Thailand and Hong Kong reported having traveled to Korea for concerts. Singaporean respondents identified Korea as the country they are most likely to visit for music performances.
The report is based on survey results from six Asian markets, including South Korea, mainland China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, and Thailand, along with travel booking data from Trip.com Group and analysis from Ticketmaster.
The trend of traveling across borders or to different regions for concerts is evident throughout Asia. Sixty-five percent of respondents from the six markets reported having traveled to another country or region to attend a concert. Seven out of ten respondents cited live music performances as a compelling reason to travel.
South Koreans are also actively traveling for concerts. Fifty-five percent of Korean respondents reported having visited other countries or regions to attend performances, and 69% attributed special significance to their travel for live music events.
When planning concert trips, securing tickets is the most important consideration. Fifty-two percent of Korean respondents identified ticket acquisition as a key factor, followed by reasonable airfare and transportation (41%) and accommodations near the venue (38%). This indicates a strong demand for travel arrangements that prioritize securing concert tickets before finalizing transportation and lodging.
There is also significant interest in travel packages that bundle concert tickets with airfare and accommodations. Seventy-six percent of Korean respondents expressed interest in package deals that combine concerts with travel. In the first half of this year, Trip.com Group reported a 64% increase in ticket package bookings compared to the same period last year. However, this figure reflects the platform's booking performance and should not be conflated with the overall growth rate of the concert travel market.
Traveling for concerts often extends beyond just attending the performance. International fans who stay in the area before and after the concert may enjoy local food, shopping, and sightseeing, which can positively impact the local tourism industry, including accommodations and dining.
James Dick, head of partnerships and media for Live Nation Asia, stated, "Fans travel to cities to see artists, but they also stay locally, dine, and explore the surroundings. A single concert can kickstart an entire trip."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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