If youd asked me just five years ago if South Korea was a tourist-friendly place for visitors who dont speak Korean, I probably wouldve said no. But today, Id answer much differently. Oddly enough, Id say it can be more beneficial if you dont look Korean and dont speak the language.

Over the past couple of decades , the global rise of Korean pop culture known as the Korean wave or hallyu in Korean has gradually turned South Korea into a prime tourist destination. Even once-empty landmarks like Seouls Gyeongbokgung Palace are now teeming with tourists, some of whom can be seen strolling around in rented hanboks (traditional Korean clothing), seemingly living out their K-drama fantasies.