"The Best Filial Son is Japanese": Characteristics of Tourists by Nationality According to Merchants

Meeting Merchants at Namdaemun Market and Myeongdong Street
"Japanese Customers Often Buy Snacks from Stores They Visit Multiple Times"
"Most People Looking for Jenny Bags Are from Southeast Asia"

"If they like the items they bought, they definitely come back next time. They even bring snacks for us to eat. Their purchasing power is also quite strong. From my perspective, Japanese tourists are the best customers."

With the resumption of overseas travel after the impact of COVID-19, areas like Namdaemun and Myeongdong in Seoul, which were 'holy places' for foreign tourists, are regaining their vitality. Since the 'Youke (遊客·Chinese tourists)' have practically disappeared, sales are not as good as before, but multinational tourists are filling that gap. Market vendors said that tourists show different characteristics depending on their nationality. On the afternoon of the 9th, we visited Namdaemun Market and the streets of Myeongdong to hear the voices of the merchants.

"Japanese tourists who become regulars even bring snacks to share... They have big hands too"

Namdaemun Market Regains Its Vitality

The tourists that market vendors most frequently deal with these days are Japanese.

A, who runs a clothing and accessories store in Namdaemun Market, said, "Japanese tourists tend to purchase specific brands they know in advance, such as socks, hats, and clothing." He explained that they are closer to planned buyers rather than impulsive shoppers.

They are also sensitive to prices. It feels like their purchasing power changes depending on exchange rate fluctuations. A said, "The purchasing decision seems to depend on the yen exchange rate."

Japanese tourists also have a relatively high proportion of regular customers. A said, "Maybe because the distance between countries is close, regulars often appear, and many say they came after being introduced by someone."

B, who runs a souvenir shop, said, "I felt that Japanese tourists always come back to stores they like," adding, "Once they become regulars, they sometimes bring snacks next time and buy items in bulk. I feel that Japanese tourists are truly 'big spenders.'"

We sell souvenirs featuring traditional Korean patterns.
Photo by Gunari, Intern Reporter@n.hodu210

Although their numbers have clearly decreased compared to before, Chinese tourists also show distinctive external characteristics. B said, "They carefully examine products, but it often does not lead to actual purchases." He added, "Compared to tourists from other countries, they tend to be particularly noisy."

B, a souvenir shop owner met in Myeongdong, said, "Chinese tourists seem to have little interest in small souvenirs," and "Even when they purchase, it feels like they buy things for themselves rather than as gifts for others."

"Do you have Jenny bags?" Southeast Asian tourists ask

They are displaying and selling the so-called 'Jenny Bag.' / Photo by Gunari, Intern Reporter@n.hodu210

The number of tourists from Singapore and Thailand visiting Korea has also greatly increased.

A, owner of a clothing and accessories store in Namdaemun, said, "Southeast Asian tourists seem to immediately purchase Korean celebrity-related products, such as the so-called 'Jenny bags.'"

C, a souvenir shop owner in Myeongdong, said, "The influence of K-POP seems to be significant in souvenir sales," adding, "Southeast Asian tourists always buy products related to their favorite idols."

C added, "Southeast Asian and Japanese tourists especially tend to buy gifts. When they browse the store and find something interesting, they often bring a lot as if they intend to share it with everyone around them."

Seaweed, marine products, and snacks are steady sellers... Everyone is interested in 'sleep pants'

Seaweed and marine algae are displayed. / Photo by Gunari, intern reporter@n.hodu210

D, an employee at a grocery store in Myeongdong, said, "Southeast Asian and Japanese tourists generally buy a lot of seaweed and marine products," adding, "Recently, tourists from Southeast Asia and English-speaking countries often look for ramen."

He continued, "Traditional Korean patterned souvenirs sell steadily regardless of nationality, and Korean snacks also sell consistently."

Besides that, there is also a lot of interest in 'sleep pants.' D said, "Most foreigners say 'sleep pants only exist in Korea,'" adding, "Everyone likes them for being soft regardless of nationality, so they sell well across the board."

Last month’s inbound tourists: Japan first place... followed by the U.S., Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and China

On the 20th of last month, ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday, Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 duty-free area was bustling with travelers about to depart. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

As the skies, frozen by COVID-19, begin to warm, demand for overseas tourists is expected to continue rising.

According to the Korea Tourism Organization, 539,273 foreign tourists entered Korea in December last year, an increase of 498.2% compared to the same month the previous year.

By country, Japan had the highest number with 84,175 visitors, an 8,259% increase from the previous year. Japan last ranked first in inbound tourists in February 2020, when Chinese tourists decreased due to COVID-19.

The implementation of visa-free entry and increased flights had a significant impact. Last month, flights between Korea and Japan increased by 33.7% compared to the previous month and by 895.1% compared to the previous year.

The United States, which had held the top spot for inbound tourists for a while, ranked second with 63,352 visitors.

Following were Singapore (50,711), Thailand (40,126), Taiwan (20,966), China (27,367), and Hong Kong (27,146).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.