COEX in Seoul's Gangnam district was the most-searched tourist destination on navigation apps during last year's Lunar New Year holiday, surpassing major theme parks.
According to big data analysis submitted by the Korea Tourism Organization to Rep. Kim Seung-soo of the National Assembly's Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee on Jan. 14, COEX ranked first among destinations searched on T-map navigation during the Lunar New Year holiday last year with 93,274 searches.
Everland came in second with 65,080 searches, followed by Lotte World with 57,867. Other top destinations included Seoul Arts Center, National Museum of Korea, Jisan Forest Resort, KINTEX, Sokcho Beach, and Wolmido.
Search patterns varied distinctly by city. In Seoul, multi-purpose cultural complexes offering performances, exhibitions, shopping, and movies ranked highest, including COEX, Lotte World, Seoul Arts Center, and CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall (30,212 searches).
In Busan, searches concentrated on coastal and scenic attractions: Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (38,102), Gwangalli Beach (29,077), Songjeong Beach (26,853), and Haeundae Beach (25,011).
Daegu showed strong family-oriented demand, with exhibition centers and themed attractions leading: EXCO (13,470), Suseong Lake (12,641), E-World (10,345), 2·28 Memorial Central Park (8,720), and Spa Valley (7,907).
"Regional tourism is a comprehensive industry where transportation, accommodation, food, and experiences are organically connected," Rep. Kim said. "As tourist consumption patterns rapidly diversify toward independent travel, local content, family-centered experiences, and relaxation-focused content, each region must develop distinctive attractions and tourism products."