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BUCKETLIST 2017: Get swept up in The Korean Wave

It's official: Korea is cool! Experience the cultural phenomena in 2017 that’s infiltrating music, drama and films across the globe.

It’s official: Korea is cool! Experience the cultural phenomena in 2017 that’s infiltrating music, drama and films across the globe.

 

Yeah of course we’ve all heard of Gangnam Style, or at least tried to sing along to the catchy pop hit from Korea’s arguably most famous export, Psy.

With over 2 billion YouTube hits and still going, his song is one of the most watched videos of all time, making him the most famous K-Pop singer across the world.

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But K-Pop is just a small part of a bigger cultural phenomena known as Hallyu, which refers to the ‘flow and spread of Korea’ and the rise in interest in all aspects of Korean Culture spanning TV shows, films, video games, fast food, fashion and beauty.

In March 2012, former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard visited South Korea’s Yonsei University, where she acknowledged that Aussies had “caught the Korean Wave that is reaching all the way to our shores”.

In Jan-Feb 2016 inbound tourist arrivals jumped 1.8% percent to 17,318 over 17,007 in Jan-Feb 2015, according to statistics from the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO).

The South Korean government has invested billions to support the growth of it’s cultural and entertainment sector, which has also attracted interest from overseas companies such as luxury good maker LVMH who invested over $80 million in YG Entertainment, the talent company managing K-Pop stars including Psy.

The Korean craze is a unique phenomena that’s worth experiencing. Here are five places to immerse yourself in Hallyu (outside of dancing to Gangnam style in your living room).

 

1. K-Drama

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Located at the center of downtown Seoul, Gwanghwamun Square was the location of a scene from the TV drama Iris and a place where the hit show Running Man held a bowling competition.

It’s a popular spot among tourists because various landmarks and attractions are located nearby too.

 

2. K-Pop

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Club Octagon is South Korea’s largest cultural space and is a famous night club, ranking 9th among the world’s best clubs.

It became more popular after Hallyu stars such as Sistar (pictured above), Girls’ Generation, SHINee and Jay Park ran a showcase. Every Thursday, it operates a “voluntary contribution admission system” and donates all admission fees to welfare centers.

 

3. K-Fashion

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Embrace the quirky style of Hallyu stars by trying on their favourite fashion items. MCM Space is a place where customers can see the newest products of the world-class brand. Its endorser, EXO (pictured above) and many Hallyu stars are fans of the brand and known to visit the store on a regular basis so you may spot your fave bands there too.

 

4. K-Beauty

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If you are curious about a day in the life of a Hallyu star, why don’t you try a luxurious day out in Gangnam.

The Gangnam district (Apgujeng-dong) is a place where you can experience everything from nail art to beauty shops. It’s the capital of plastic surgery in Korea particularly for Chinese tourists who want to look like their favourite Hallyu stars, asking for Korean actresses eyes or noses.

 

5. K-Food

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The Hallyu trend extends to Korean food culture too. Korean cuisine is one of the healthiest in the world, with an increasing number of health experts embracing fermented foods like Kimchi.

The traditional main dish of vegetables is packed with minerals and vitamins and proven to aid digestion too. Kimchi Academy House in Seoul offers kimchi-making classes guided by a professional kimchi instructor.

Have you been swept up in Korean pop culture yet? Will you be heading over to Korea in 2017?