Akita sees huge increase in Korean tourists

About a year ago, it was projected that Iris, a new Korean TV drama partially set in Akita, would bring 200 million yen in economic benefits to the prefecture.

The drama has finished airing in Korea, and it seems that the predictions may be correct. As this news report shows, Akita is getting a lot of Korean tour groups:

Thanks to Iris, Koreans now know about the beautiful scenery and onsens of Akita. A survey carried out by the NTV reporter found that random people on the street of Seoul ranked Akita closed behind Tokyo as the place they’d most like to visit in Japan [Osaka and Hokkaido were the other options]. Most who picked Akita did so because they wanted to visit the places shown in the drama.

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11 comments - What do you think? Posted by James - January 16, 2010 at 11:50 am

Categories: Foreigners in Japan Tags:

http://hakatapot.wordpress.com Aicheng

IRIS is really extending influence everywhere. I’d love to go to Akita because of IRIS too.
Mattias

Well it’s good to see a story for once about positive Korea-Japan relations.
Marcello

How many people are going because of the “Aki… Aki… Akita” ad?
blue_cat

You see James, posting positive articles about other countries, will have people be more attracted to this site!

It’s nice to see a article about Korean tourists having a great time in Japan!

Please post more of these from now on!!
JTL

I must admit before I clicked the story, I was expecting videos of Korean tourists misbehaving and dirtying up Japan. Surprised that it wasn’t like that.

Hanzo’

So are you implying that Korean tourist misbehave and litter all the time?

steve

Having direct flights from Akita’s airport to S. Korea also helps.
HamachiMan

Of course, since most of the mainstream media reports nothing but bad things amongst the asian nations, and it further fuels and perpetuates stereotypes amongst the ignoramus sheeple.
Roppongi Healrth

They come not for drama, but to party, party. If you have chance to join Korean parties, please do so.
hoihoi

i think you do not know at all.
black truck loves the korean
http://www.youtube.com/user/nutchan0731#p/u/3/Kzx87AKJyYU

HamachiMan

Every country has their right wing and bigoted elements. The problem is, the mainstream media only focuses on this element when it comes to Japan, and nothing positive. My post has nothing to do with whether black trucks or anything exists in Japan.

Please try again.

Akita sees huge increase in Korean tourists

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