‘More K-pop and softer steaks’: What Korean tourists want to see on the Gold Coast

With 52,000 South Korea to Gold Coast flights expected to arrive next year, tourists from the Asian nation have shared what our region needs to keep them coming back.

SOFTER steaks, golf and more K-Pop shows could help open up the Gold Coast further to one of the worlds biggest tourism markets.

Currently home to 1,084 South Korean students, and the third most popular destination in Australia for Korean travellers the Gold Coast is set to capitalise further on the market with another 52,000 inbound direct Jetstar flights expected from Korea next year.

But according to Korean pop stars and those focused on selling the Glitter Strip abroad, a few simple tweaks could make all the difference.

Eccentric K-Pop duo Norazo’s members Jo Bin and Won Heum only know a little of the Coast, but suggest their talents could be used entice the younger travellers to our golden beaches.

“The Gold Coast is beautiful girls, surfing and bikinis, just my dream,” singer Mr Bin explained when asked about the Coast on the streets of Seoul.

Known for wearing household objects in his hair, Mr Bin said he believes regular K-pop (Korean pop) concerts on the Gold Coast would familiarise the region to Korean travellers and give them more of a reason to bypass other popular destinations in South East Asia.

“K-pop stars in Australia Gold Coast concert, you will have a lots more visit and stay longer,” he said.

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Korean K-pop stars Won Heum and Jo Bin who make up the odd-ball music group Norazo.

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Accor director, sales, marketing and distribution Eric Funtowicz in Seoul said markets looking to appeal to Korean visitors need to ensure their web-booking capabilities are up to scratch, as a large majority travel solo and tend to book ahead to avoid language barriers.

“The outbound travel from Korea is huge we had about 30 million departures this year, that is more than India, more than France – Koreans are travelling a lot,” Mr Funtowicz said.

“This presents Australia and the Gold Coast an opportunity.

“Having somebody speaking Korean at your hotel really makes a difference, the same with food, providing an option at breakfast is something that is easy to do.”

Seoul based travel agents Kenny Ahn of Kenny International Travel, also raised food as a potential problem.

“Restaurants need to develop their food more, add extra options – steak is a big shock to visitors.

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K-POP dance group P4Pero – who represented Australia in the 2015 K-POP World Festival in South Korea – performed as part of celebrations to mark the inaugural direct flight to Seoul from Gold Coast. Picture: Luke Marsden

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“Many people are disappointed when they have Aussie beef steak in Australia, sometimes it is no good, not soft like Wagu they are used to.”

Despite crispier steak the Glitter Strip has become known for its natural beauty and golf facilities.

“Golf, casinos, beach and clean air are what Koreans visit for,” Mr Ahn said.

“There are so many famous golf clubs on the Gold Coast.

“Playing golf in Korea it is ten times the price of the Coast so they fly over on golfing trips and stay for weeks.”

Destination Gold Coast CEO Annalises Battista said the Coast appealed to high-spending Korean travellers.

“Gold Coast is a safe destination where travellers can immerse themselves in our beaches, theme parks, lush hinterland and array of man-made attractions, while indulging in quality local produce at our cafes and restaurants,” she said.

“Destination Gold Coast’s investment includes increasing its marketing footprint in Korea to drive visitor demand and entice more holiday-makers to Australia’s favourite playground.”