3-1-2024 (SEOUL) In a bid to harness the global fervor for South Korean culture, South Korea has unveiled plans to launch a unique visa catering specifically to enthusiasts of K-pop, K-drama, and other facets of the country’s cultural wave. The “Hallyu visa,” also dubbed the “K-culture training visa,” is designed to allow non-Koreans registering at local performing arts academies to stay in the country for up to two years.
Hallyu, meaning the “Korean Wave,” encapsulates the widespread international popularity of South Korea’s cultural exports, particularly in the realms of music, films, and various artistic mediums. The move to introduce the Hallyu visa aligns with South Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism’s business plan, which positions the arts as a key driver for the future of K-culture.
Underpinning the strategic approach is the Ministry’s focus on supporting young artists and writers, emphasizing their role in amplifying the allure of South Korean culture to a global audience. Alongside the Hallyu visa initiative, the country aims to launch the “K Tourism Road Show” in select countries, including the US and Sweden, during the course of this year.
While specific requirements for the K-culture visa are yet to be disclosed, authorities anticipate releasing detailed information by the second half of 2024.
From an economic standpoint, tapping into the passionate following of K-pop and K-drama fans is a prudent move for South Korea’s tourism industry. The $10-billion K-pop industry has become a linchpin of the country’s economy, as demonstrated by the notable impact on GDP when BTS, a global musical phenomenon, took a temporary break last year.
Despite the setbacks brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, South Korea’s tourism industry is regaining momentum as a significant economic driver. A recent report from the World Travel & Tourism Council projects an average annual growth rate of 4.8% in the country’s tourism sector through 2032, far surpassing the anticipated 1.8% growth rate of the national overall economy.
K-pop already stands out as the primary reason for visiting South Korea, according to a report by the country’s culture-and-tourism ministry. The study tracked mentions of Korean culture on social and online media in the top 20 countries contributing to inbound tourism. K-pop was cited nearly 37 million times, outstripping other motivations such as Korean food and general Korean cultural content.
Recognizing the significance of K-culture, Visit Korea has incorporated it into successful marketing campaigns. Videos featuring K-pop megastars like BTS and Blackpink have garnered billions of views on YouTube, contributing to the global appeal of South Korean destinations.
In addition to the Hallyu visa, South Korea has also ventured into the digital nomad realm with a separate visa targeting remote workers. Launched on January 1, this visa permits remote workers earning at least $66,000 a year to stay in South Korea for up to two years. As the digital nomad trend gains momentum worldwide, South Korea aims to position itself as an attractive destination for professionals in sectors such as technology and finance.
