As Japan's Golden Week overlaps with China's Labor Day during the busy spring travel season, Seoul is rolling out a major welcome for international visitors.
On April 26, Seoul City and the Seoul Tourism Association announced that Seoul Welcome Week 2026 will run for international tourists from May 1 through May 8. Now in its 11th year, the event is designed to spotlight Seoul’s charms and deliver memorable travel experiences around the city's key downtown hubs.
Myeong-dong and Yeouido will be the main hotspots. A Welcome Center near Myeong-dong Station and a Welcome Booth at Yeouido Hangang Park, linked to the Seoul Spring Festival, will operate intensively from May 1–5. Major tourist information centers and local tourism antenna shops will continue events through May 8 to spread the welcoming vibe across the city.
At the Myeong-dong Welcome Center, visitors can try the Seoul Styling Spot — a hands-on zone created with popular K-beauty brands — and visit the AI Smart Travel Guide consultation booth for personalized tips. Expect K-pop cover dance performances, an interactive art-drawing guestbook, and other fun attractions.
To boost on-site engagement, organizers will run prize giveaways. Visitors who join programs and verify via social media or complete surveys can enter a lucky draw to win Seoul-branded souvenirs. Discount coupons will also be offered through local tourism antenna shops to encourage travelers to check out other neighborhoods.
Kim Myeong-ju, director of Seoul's Tourism and Sports Bureau, said inbound visitor numbers rose about 23% year-over-year in the first quarter, signaling a rapid recovery in demand. He added that Seoul Welcome Week will activate a seamless hospitality system from the airport to downtown and further elevate the city’s tourism appeal.
