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Korea Tourism Organisation

The republic of korea is located in the heart of east asia and balances a wealth of fascinating history and heritage with an exciting contemporary culture that has captured the global imagination..

From fast-paced cities that never sleep to serene mountains, Buddhist temples and golden beaches, Korea truly has something for every traveller. With Korean Air and Asiana Airlines operating daily direct flights from London Heathrow, and tour operators offering diverse itineraries for families, couples and solo travellers of all interests, it couldn’t be easier to embark on your K-Adventure.

The Korea Tourism Organisation (KTO) in London is here to assist you in making the most of our dynamic destination and we are happy to answer any enquiries from prospective visitors, media and the travel trade. We are available by phone, email and through our social media channels, and we also welcome walk-in visitors (though as we are a small team, we do advise you to make an appointment in advance if possible).

Meditate on a mountain, explore a hanok village or wander the fish markets of Busan…

Ride the korean wave.

In recent years, a “wave” of Korean film, dramas, food and pop music has swept the globe – placing Korea firmly in the spotlight and making it the perfect destination for families, school trips and fun holidays with friends. Make the most of your visit to the home of hallyu with a K-Pop dance class, a night out in Gangnam (of Gangnam Style fame) or a tour of the Parasite or Squid Game filming locations.

History and Heritage

Korea’s rich history and vibrant cultural legacy are best explored through its UNESCO World Heritage – currently comprising of 13 cultural sites, 2 natural sites and 22 intangible practices. This diverse collection spans several historic periods from the Neolithic Dolmen Sites through to the palaces, folk villages and Confucian academies of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Those more interested in modern history can visit the world’s only UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan and the De-militarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea.

Nature and Wellness

Korea’s efficient public transport network makes it easy to get off the beaten track and explore nature – from mountain trails and bamboo forests to UNESCO-recognised getbol (tidal flats). Famous not only for its striking volcanic rock formations, Jeju Island is a paradise for cyclists and beach-lovers alike, but those looking to really escape should head deeper into the woods for a Buddhist templestay or relaxing traditional spa.

A Taste Adventure

Recently named the world’s most popular cuisine by The Bucket List Company, Korean food is as diverse and flavorful as they come. From quick, satisfying street food to innovative Michelin-starred restaurants; from spicy fermented kimchi to indulgent KFC (Korean Fried Chicken) – foodie travellers are spoilt for choice. Plenty of halal and plant-based options make sure everyone is covered, and temple food in particular is naturally vegan, sustainable and based on thousands of years of culinary history.

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105 Piccadilly, London W1J 7NJ, London, United Kingdom

02073212535

[email protected]

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Start your day with a roundup of key stories from The Korea Herald with news and comment on all that’s happening in Korea. 

First walking tour in London held to introduce Korean history

Published : June 26, 2021 - 16:01

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Walking Tour: Where London Meets Korea

What a nice idea for a summer’s evening: the Korea Tourism Organisation has organised a walking tour of Korea-related sites of interest in central London. Spaces are limited, so apply now via the link on the KCC website .

Where London Meets Korea: The Walking Tour Wednesday 23 June 2021, 5.30pm – 7.30pm (followed by optional Korean restaurant meal) Apply via link on KCCUK website There are plenty of ways to discover Korea in London, if you know where to look – from a growing variety of restaurants, to galleries and museums, to supermarkets and K-Beauty boutiques. We’d like to take you on a tour of central London to introduce the best of these hidden gems, experience authentic Korean culture and explore the history of friendly relations between the UK and Korea. To commemorate the anniversary of the Korean War, which began on 25th June 1950, the tour will take us from the Korean War Memorial up towards the British Museum Korea Gallery – with stops along the way including the Korean Cultural Centre, the new “Korea street” segment of Charing Cross Road and more. The tour will end with an optional evening meal at a Korean restaurant, free of charge. And all participants will be given a K-Goodie Bag courtesy of the Korea Tourism Organisation with all the information you’ll need to help plan your eventual trip to Korea!

• Official notice on KCCUK website

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South Korea

Discover korea in london: where to find korean places in london.

A couple of weeks ago I joined a walking tour organised by the Korean Tourism Organisation and the Korean Culture Centre to learn about all the Korean places in London that I had no idea about. I love discovering new things about my city, and let me tell you London has so many secrets. I knew beforehand about the large Korean community in New Malden, to where I have been planning a big foodie & shopping trip, but I wasn’t aware that London had so many connections with Seoul and the Korean culture.

The Korean Cultural Centre

The Korean Cultural Centre is the place to go if you want to learn anything about Korea. Just off Trafalgar Square, the Korean Cultural Centre organises events such as film nights, concerts and a variety of exhibitions.  Should you be interested in reading as well learning more about Korea, they also have an extensive book and DVD collection.

The current exhibition at the Korean Cultural Centre is about the Royal Palaces of Joseon. It’s a fascinating collection of photographs, video and artwork by famous Korean artists. The highlight of the exhibition, the re-creation of the Royal family’s wedding in 1759, is made entirely from Hanji paper, by Yang Mi-young.

The Korean War Memorial

The Korean War Memorial honours the British troops who fought in the Korean War between 1950 and 1953, where more than1000 soldiers lost their lives. They are buried in the UN Memorial Cemetery outside Busan.  

The memorial depicts a bronze statue of a British soldier, positioned in front of a Portland stone obelisk on a Welsh base. It was inaugurated in 2014 by the Duke of Gloucester and was gifted by Korean Government. 

Leicester Square

Leicester Square is the prime spot for cinema in London. There are three cinemas situated around the square, the Odeon, Vue and Cineworld, all of which have seen so many movie premieres and red-carpet events attended by famous actors. Among these are many Korean movies.

The Korean movie industry has shone over the past two years, with fantastic productions such as Parasite and Minari.  Both have been played at the cinemas in Leicester Square.

Tottenham Court Road

What connects Tottenham Court Road and Korea, you might wonder ? Son Heung-min, the new hero of the Korean community in England is a professional footballer, captain of the South Korean team, and a forward for the Premiere League Club, Tottenham Hotspur.

Son has created history as the first Asian player in the history of football to score more than 50 goals in the Premiere League. He was nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 2019 and is considered an icon in Korea. 

The British Museum

The British Museum was inaugurated in 2000 as a permanent exhibition dedicated to the history, art and culture of Korea. The collection includes objects dating from around 300AD, and also features a beautiful reconstruction of a saranbang built by a Korean master craftsman. A saranbang is a room in a traditional Korean hanok (house) used by the men of the family for studying, writing poetry, or inviting visitors for tea.

Some of the highlights of the exhibitions include a stoneware funerary vessel dating from 5AD, a white porcelain “moon jar” dating from the 17-18 th century and a stoneware tea bowl from the Goryeo Dynasty dating from the 13 th century.

Han Collection

Just outside the British Museum you will find the Han Collection , a gallery and antique dealer specialising in Korean art. They organise regular exhibitions of ceramics and porcelain items, and are free to visit.

Korean Shops:

Oseyo is a fantastic Korean supermarket located in the heart of Soho, near Leicester Square. It has a large range of products, from food and drinks to K-pop merchandise. It is my place to go every time I crave treats such as bulgogi marinade, kimchi, chili oil, Choco Pie or mochi. It might be a small shop, but they have pretty much everything you need to make some amazing Korean dishes. And, let me tell you a secret, it’s not expensive at all.

Nature Republic

Nature Republic is a Korean skincare shop just across the street from Oseyo. They sell a large range of sheet masks made with natural ingredients and an assortment of moisturising creams. They also have a small make-up section, where you can find mascara and lipsticks.

Foyles is one of the most famous English bookstores, and it was even in the Guinness Book of Records for a 30 mile long shelf, and for the number of titles on display. Their flagship store is in Charing Cross, a stone’s throw away from most of the other Korean shops mentioned in this article.

If you want to learn more about the Korean culture, the language, or just to buy a Korean fiction book, this is the place to go. Here you will find a large section on Korean themes titles.

Korean Restaurants:

Wing Wing is a newly opened Korean restaurant that focuses on Chimaek – the pairing of fried chicken and beer. Besides the delicious fried chicken wings and drumsticks, they also serve a variety of katsu dishes, crispy battered seafood and chicken burgers. I highly recommend the signature wings with soy sauce and garlic, alongside a side of kimchi slaw and seaweed fries. And of course, a pint of draught beer.

Another newly opened Korean takeaway in Charing Cross, is Bunsik .  They sell delicious Korean street food staples such as corndogs, cupbap (rice bowls topped with bulgogi, spicy pork or chicken teriyaki), and Ddukbokki (Korean rice cakes). There is always a queue in front of Bunsik, which says a lot about how delicious their Korean food is.

This small restaurant just off Tottenham Court Road tube station, serves authentic Korean food including Korean barbecue cooked at the table. I had a feast at Han Kang , sampling some of their most popular dishes on the menu: kimchi assortment, Mul Naengmyeon (Korean cold soup), Buchimgae (Korean pancake), Japchae (the most famous Korean noodles), the famous barbecue and the delicious sweet and spicy chicken wings.

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13 thoughts on “ Discover Korea in London: Where to Find Korean Places in London ”

This is so amazing! It’s such a good alternative to discovering a country and its culture – especially in these times when we can’t actually go anywhere!

What a great idea. Such a fun way to explore London! You can find me elbow deep in spicy chicken wings at Han Kang!

Wow, this is so neat! What a great way to switch up your London experience… we always love finding ways to incorporate Asian culture and cuisine into our lives so this is perfect. Thank you for sharing! – Linzey

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Where London Meets Korea: K-Pop Themed Walking Tour

In partnership with the Korea Tourism Organization

Our popular Walking Tour is back with a K-Pop twist!

In partnership with the Korean Tourism Organization (KTO), we invite you to take a tour of London with K-Pop songs. We also team up with the Silent Adventures who will lead us around the city with rhythmic dance. Expect to hear some renowned K-Pop songs and popular songs from Silent Adventures as you take a dancing and walking tour with this great team.

As we will be travelling to all locations on foot, we advise those who would like to take part, to come full of energy and with appropriate footwear.

To participate, kindly fill out the application form provided in the link below. Our computer software will randomly select applicants who will be notified by email. We'll also create a waiting list, and if any participant chosen then cancels, we will offer the available spot to the next person on the waiting list, and so forth.

Tour details

• Date: Weds 14 August, 12pm (noon)
• Venue: London*
• Application Deadline: 12 August, 1pm
• The application window is now closed

*Exact meeting point to be confirmed with successful applicants via email.

Photographs, videos, and press photography

This event will be video recorded with photographs taken throughout the tour. By entering you will be giving your consent to being photographed, filmed, and used for media coverage. Footage will be used for our social media posts and our Youtube channel and media coverage.

The Walking Tour

More events like this

Where London Meets Korea: The Walking Tour

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Korea Tourism launches “Imagine Your Korea”

London -The Korea Tourism Organisation is launching the country’s new tourism brand in partnership with the WTM Buyers’ Club at World Travel Market – the leading global event for the travel industry.

Called ‘Imagine Your Korea’, the new brand and marketing campaign aims to show why the country is a unique destination, and will highlight attractions ranging from shopping to culture, and cuisine to pop music.

Through its deal to become headline sponsor of the WTM Buyers’ Club, the KTO wants to convey the campaign’s message that Korea is diverse, vibrant and ideal for leisure and business travellers.

WTM Buyers’ Club, the leading travel business network, is WTM’s business club for senior travel industry buyers with direct purchasing responsibility.

More than 8,500 members of the WTM Buyers’ Club attended WTM last year, agreeing deals worth £2.2 billion – and this is forecast to rise to an impressive £2.5 billion for WTM 2014.

This year, it will offer buyers the chance to attend two WTM Speed Networking sessions, as well as other benefits such as fast-track access and meeting rooms.

The official launch of ‘Imagine Your Korea’ will be in the Buyers’ Club Lounge, North Hall, on  4 November.

Attending the event will be Changho Cha, Director of the KTO in London; Choo Suk Byun, Chief Executive of the KTO; and His Excellency Sungnam Li, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea.

The event is open to all Buyers’ Club members, and guests will be entertained by break dancers and K-Pop entertainers while sipping Korean cocktails and enjoying Korean canapés.

Guests will also be entered into a prize draw to win a holiday to Korea.

Mr Cha said: “The new ‘Imagine Your Korea’ campaign encourages travellers to engage with the latest trends in Korea, and indulge in our history and traditions.

“We have chosen the WTM Buyers’ Club to launch our exciting brand because it offers so many key networking opportunities for influential senior executives from around the globe.

“Nowhere else offers us such a chance for an exclusive event that reflects the high expectations we want to generate about Korea.”

The campaign will highlight five ‘K’s from Korean culture that appeal to travellers: K-Food, K-Wave, K-Spirit, K-Place and K-Style.

K-Wave includes trends such as pop, drama and celebrities, while K-Spirit covers the creativity and passion of Koreans.

K-Place refers to the country’s tourist sites and K-Style reflects the lifestyle and trends of Korea.

World Travel Market, Senior Director, Simon Press said: “We are delighted to welcome the Korea Tourism Organisation as headline sponsors of WTM Buyers’ Club.

“Korea is an exciting, dynamic destination, offering travellers some of the most fascinating heritage and culture alongside modern pop, unrivalled shopping and wonderful cuisine.

“Its ambitious new branding campaign is a great match for our WTM Buyers’ Club which brings buyers from around the world to conduct business and make lucrative contacts.” – WTM London

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UNWTO becomes “UN Tourism” 

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) enters a new era  with a new name and brand: UN Tourism. With this new brand, the Organization reaffirms its status as the United Nations specialized agency for tourism and the global leader of tourism for development, driving social and economic change to ensure that “people and planet” are always center stage.

UN Tourism: Transforming tourism for a better worldTo achieve this goal, UN Tourism engaged the services of Interbrand, the leading global branding agency. Interbrand successfully translated the Organization’s renewed vision for tourism into a new visual identity and brand narrative.

This involved renaming the Organization, transitioning from UNWTO to UN Tourism. At the same time, a new brand narrative was meticulously crafted, one that seamlessly aligns with UN Tourism’s central mission and priorities. This narrative pivots around three main messages: the UN as a global altruistic organization, the notion of connecting humans around the world, and the concept of proactivity and movement.

Enhancing the well-being of individuals, safeguarding the natural environment, stimulating economic advancement, and fostering international harmony are key goals that are the fundamental essence of UN Tourism

By moving away from acronyms, UN Tourism adopts a more approachable stance and capitalizes on its strengths: the “UN”, signifying authority, and tourism, a simple and relatable concept for all. This change has been endorsed by the Organization’s membership, highlighting its united support for the profound transformation and reinvention of UN Tourism in recent years, as it has become more agile, visible, and ever closer to its Member States, partners and the sector as a whole.

With 160 Member States and hundreds of private sector affiliates, UN Tourism has its headquarters in Madrid, Spain, and Regional Offices in Nara (Japan) covering Asia & Pacific, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia) for the Middle East, as well as forthcoming Regional Offices for the Americas (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) and Africa (Morocco). Its priorities center on promoting tourism for sustainable development in line with the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Global Goals. UN Tourism promotes quality education, supports decent jobs in the sector, identifies talent and drives innovation and accelerates tourism climate action and sustainability . – UN Tourism Jan. 2024

TAT launches

“Thais Always Care”  Campaign 

“The Tourism Authority of Thailand launches ‘Thais Always Care’ campaign in collaboration with other organizations to ensure tourists’ safety and enhance positive image.”

The “Thais Always Care” online communication campaign was officially launched by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in collaboration with the Tourist Police Bureau, Grab Taxi (Thailand), and Central Pattana (CPN) to ensure the safety and welcome of tourists from around the world. The campaign aims to provide seamless travel experiences for visitors to Thailand while also reinforcing the positive image of the country as a safe destination.

The campaign reflects Thailand’s renowned hospitality and warmth to visitors, showcasing the country as a desirable destination for tourists. “CARE” stands for Compassion, Assistant, Relief, and Elevate, encompassing the generosity of the Thai people and their commitment to providing a safe and enjoyable travel experience for tourists.

Partners involved in the campaign have strengthened their safety measures and are utilizing technology to ensure the safety of tourists in Thailand. This includes installing CCTV cameras, implementing strict security checks at department stores, and utilizing technology like the “POLICE I LERT U” application to offer emergency assistance to international visitors. The campaign will also involve working with international KOLs to enhance the positive image of Thailand’s tourism assets and reinforce the country’s reputation as a safe destination. -Tourism Authority of Thailand

China’s resort island receives

90 m tourists in 2023

More than 90 million domestic and overseas tourists visited south China’s tropical island province of Hainan in 2023, up 49.9 percent year on year, local authorities said .

Hainan’s total tourism revenue surged 71.9 percent year on year to about 181.3 billion yuan (about 25.5 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, according to the provincial department of tourism, culture, radio, television and sports.

Last year, Hainan experienced rapid development in cruise tourism. Cruises to the Xisha Islands in the South China Sea saw 400 trips, up 277.8 percent year on year, and received 149,400 domestic tourists, up 405.33 percent.

This year, Hainan aims to receive 99 million tourists and its tourism revenue is expected to reach 207 billion yuan. The province aims to receive more than 1 million inbound tourists in 2024.

China aims to build Hainan into an international tourism and consumption center by 2025 and a globally influential tourism and consumption destination by 2035. – Xinhua

Vietnam  to welcome 17-18

million  tourists  this year

Việt Nam’s tourism industry has set a target to welcome 17-18 million foreign visitors in 2024, approaching the pre-pandemic record in 2019 when COVID-19 had yet to disrupt global travel.

In 2023, the figure hit 12.6 million, surpassing the initial target set earlier in the year (before China, which accounted for a third of foreign arrivals to Việt Nam pre-pandemic, announced reopening plans) by 57 per cent and achieving the adjusted goal of 12-13 million.

The number of domestic travellers, meanwhile, stood at 108 million, up 6 per cent compared to the set target. Tourism activities generated about VNĐ678 trillion (US$27.85 billion) in revenue, 4.3 per cent higher than the yearly plan.

Despite substantial recovery in 2023, the Việt Nam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) said the domestic tourism recovery will still face challenges in the year ahead. This is particularly true in the context of the unpredictable global developments stemming from economic uncertainties, regional conflicts and climate change.

Việt Nam’s socio-economic conditions remain stable; the economy continues to grow and inflation has been kept in check. But the persistent threat of disease and natural disasters are likely to create uncertainty affecting production, business activities and the daily lives of citizens.

According to forecasts from the UN World Tourism Organisation and the World Travel and Tourism Council, international travel activities may fully recover by the end of 2024, reaching the levels achieved in 2019. However, the recovery is expected to be uneven across different regions.

The ever-changing demands of international tourists require higher standards in product quality, diversity and unique experiences. The trends of integrating information technology, artificial intelligence and digital transformation are envisioned to drive the emergence of new forms of tourism.

Based on these analyses and projections, Việt Nam aims to serve 17-18 million foreign and 110 million domestic visitors this year, with an expected total revenue from tourism nearing VNĐ840 trillion.

To achieve the stated objectives, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyễn Văn Hùng has instructed the VNAT to continue focusing on advising and improving the institutional framework, policies, reviewing identified deficiencies for adjustment, and international commitments in the field of tourism. Collaboration with other ministries and sectors is emphasised to formulate policies for developing various types of products such as agricultural tourism and digital transformation in tourism. He also noted the need for attention on strengthening tourism statistics and digital transformation to enhance the effectiveness of data collection, providing reliable figures to efficiently support tourism policy planning.

The ministry also calls for enhanced training for tourism officials and workers to meet requirements of new situations, especially in terms of language proficiency and technology expertise. — VNS

Global Medical Tourism market 

USD 136.93 billion in 10 years

Newark, Jan. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Brainy Insights estimates that the USD 20.07 billion in 2022 global Medical Tourism market will reach USD 136.93 billion by 2032. There is a growing trend towards health and wellness tourism, with individuals seeking medical treatments, preventive care, wellness programs, and holistic health experiences. Medical tourism destinations can capitalize on this trend by offering comprehensive health and wellness packages.

Furthermore, integrating digital health technologies, including telemedicine, virtual consultations, and electronic health records, can enhance the accessibility and coordination of medical tourism services. Digital platforms can streamline pre-travel consultations, post-treatment follow-ups, and information exchange between healthcare providers and patients. Introducing new and advanced medical treatments, therapies, and procedures can attract medical tourists seeking cutting-edge healthcare solutions. Countries and healthcare providers that stay at the forefront of medical innovation can position themselves as leaders in the industry.

In addition, customized and personalized medical tourism packages catering to individual patient’s unique needs and preferences present an opportunity for service providers. Tailoring experiences that include cultural activities, recovery retreats, and concierge services can set providers apart in a competitive market.

Besides, wellness tourism, including genetic testing and personalized health assessments, is gaining traction. Medical tourism destinations can offer specialized wellness packages, including genetic evaluations and preventive health screenings, to attract individuals interested in proactive healthcare.

China eases visa application for US tourists

BEIJING: China will simplify visa applications for tourists from the United States from Jan 1, cutting the documents required, according to a notice on Friday (Dec 29) on the website of the Chinese embassy in Washington.

The move is the latest by China to revive tourism and boost the world’s second-largest economy following a slump during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tourist visa applicants in the US will no longer need to submit air ticket bookings, hotel reservations or an invitation letter, the embassy’s notice said.

Beijing earlier cleared the way for passport holders from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia to visit the country without visas from Dec 1.Visa-free treatment will run for 12 months, during which tourists from those six countries can visit China for up to 15 days. China also expanded its visa-free transit policy to 54 countries in November.

The number of inbound tourists to the country plummeted during the pandemic due to the country’s strict COVID-19 control policies.

China’s visa-free policy facilitates

travels from 6 countries

Around 214,000 people from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia entered China in December 2023, an increase of 28.5 percent compared with November, according to the National Immigration Administration (NIA).

China’s unilateral visa-free policy for ordinary passport holders from these countries took effect on December 1, facilitating inbound travels from there.

Of these inbound trips, 118,000 were made by ordinary passport holders without a visa, accounting for 55.1 percent of all inbound trips from the six countries during this period. Around 91,000 visa-free entries were made for travel and business.

Thanks to the visa-free policy, ports in the southern Chinese city of Nanning welcomed many inbound travelers. Data showed that 121 inbound travel groups of nearly 2,800 people entered China through ports in Nanning in December.

Since the inception of the visa-free policy, ports in Beijing had, by December 31, witnessed more than 12,000 visa-free entries from the relevant countries.

The NIA pledged more optimized entry-exit management policies for foreigners to facilitate their business, study, work, and life in China.

International flights to China have picked up since Beijing dropped COVID-19 restrictions a year ago but are still only at 60 per cent of 2019 levels. – Xinhua

FACTS —

Tourism helps in:

👉Reducing poverty

👉Reducing Inequalities

👉Promoting gender equality

👉Fostering decent work and economic growth

World Tourism Day 2021: ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth’

In 2019, Travel & Tourism’s direct, indirect and induced impact accounted for: -US$8.9 trillion contribution to the world’s GDP -10.3% of global GDP -330 million jobs, 1 in 10 jobs around the world -US$1.7 trillion visitor exports (6.8% of total exports, 28.3% of global services exports) -US$948 billion capital investment (4.3% of total investment)

Spain Tourism

Restart tourism.