Seoul unveils plan to turn city into 24-hour destination

Seoul is set to transform itself into a city that never sleeps, with a comprehensive plan to extend its vibrant nightlife well into the night. The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced this ambitious initiative on Thursday, focusing on the critical hours between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. The project aims to integrate various cultural, tourist, and commercial districts by enhancing transportation services across the city.

This initiative follows a significant increase in both the length of stay and spending of international tourists in Seoul. During the first half of the current year, 8.23 million foreign visitors have arrived in the capital, a remarkable 21.3 percent rise compared to the same period last year. These tourists have contributed a substantial amount to the city's economy, with their credit card spending totaling 5.6 trillion won ($4 billion), marking an impressive 56.8 percent increase.

The city's goal is to boost nighttime consumption by an additional 5 trillion won annually and to attract 30 million tourists within the next five years. To achieve this vision, Seoul plans to spotlight four major nighttime destinations: Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), Mount Nam, Gwanghwamun, and the Han River. Each of these landmarks will be tailored to offer unique nighttime experiences, ensuring that visitors have plenty of options to explore under the moonlight.