A Listly List - In recent years, the popularity of South Korean culture has sky-rocketed, with millions of global K-Pop and K-Drama fans, and Korean beauty brands dominating the international markets. The phenomenon, known as Hallyu or the "Korean wave", has drawn millions of visitors each year, with 17 million tourists entering the country in 2023. Seoul, the metropolitan capital of the republic, is home to several attractions catering to fans of all things Korean culture, with historic cultural landmarks, and modern shopping havens.