Seoul: Major commercial districts in Seoul saw a sharp rise in foreign visitors on the day of BTS' concert in the capital earlier this month, with Seongsu-dong emerging as a new shopping hub, industry data showed Sunday. More than 78,000 foreigners visited Jung Ward, home to the popular Myeongdong shopping district, on March 21, when BTS held its comeback concert at Gwanghwamun Plaza in central Seoul, reflecting a 15.1 percent increase from the previous year.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Jongno Ward, where Gwanghwamun Plaza is located, witnessed 37,000 foreign visitors, marking a 49.9 percent rise from a year earlier. Additionally, Mapo Ward saw 36,000 visitors, Gangnam Ward 34,000, and Yongsan Ward 31,000. Notably, Seongdong Ward, which includes Seongsu-dong, recorded 21,000 foreign travelers, representing a 52.6 percent increase from the previous year.

The data from the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) only considers users of roaming services provided by SK Telecom Co., excluding other mobile carriers or local SIM card users. Separate data from fashion e-commerce company Musinsa highlighted that foreign spending surged significantly in Seongsu-dong, which has gained traction as a new commercial hub among younger consumers.

Musinsa Standard's Myeongdong store saw foreign sales increase by 43 percent on March 21 compared to a year earlier, while its Seongsu outlet experienced a 69 percent surge. Over the three-day period from March 20-22, the increases expanded to 32 percent and 75 percent, respectively.

"Foreign visitors coming to Korea for BTS concerts are primarily young women," an official from a local retail company stated. "They tend to experience firsthand the fashion, beauty, and food trends currently popular in Korea."