Korea looks to escape rooms to drive next wave of tourism

 

The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has launched a new initiative to promote escape room venues, known locally as bangtalchul cafes, as the next wave of Hallyu tourism. The project aims to make the experience more accessible to international visitors and highlight it as a unique part of modern Korean culture.

Escape rooms are immersive spaces where participants solve themed puzzles within a time limit. In Korea, the trend began in the mid-2010s and has since evolved from simple lock-and-key games into elaborate scenarios with storytelling and technology. Many now feature themes inspired by Korean myths, history, and pop culture.

KTO’s new program, the K-Quest Tour, seeks to introduce these attractions to foreign tourists at a time when indoor entertainment is especially popular among young Koreans. Officials describe the effort as part of a broader “dailycation” movement, which encourages travelers to enjoy leisure activities that reflect local lifestyles.

Recent data shows that spending by international visitors on Korean-style entertainment rose 382.5 percent in early 2025 compared to the previous year, with escape room cafes leading the surge at over 1,400 percent growth. Other popular experiences include arcades, PC cafes, and noraebang, the Korean version of karaoke rooms.

To support the initiative, KTO has partnered with top escape room operators such as Keyescape and Epiclog, offering multilingual storylines and upgraded facilities. From now until November, foreign visitors can enjoy discounts and exclusive merchandise. Featured events include folklore-inspired outdoor games near Gyeongbok Palace, mystery challenges in historic Gyeongju, and immersive art experiences in Ulsan.

Source : https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/travel-food/20250912/korea-looks-to-escape-rooms-to-drive-next-wave-of-tourism

Comprehension

What initiative has the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) launched?
What is a “bangtalchul cafe”?
When did the escape room trend start in Korea?
How have Korean escape rooms evolved since their beginning?
What is the K-Quest Tour aiming to do for international visitors?
What types of themes do many Korean escape rooms feature?
How much did spending by international visitors on Korean-style entertainment increase in early 2025?
Name two escape room operators that KTO has partnered with.
What kinds of experiences are included in the K-Quest Tour?
Until when are the discounts and special events available for foreign visitors?

Discussion

Have you ever tried an escape room? What was it like?
Why do you think escape rooms have become so popular in Korea?
How do immersive experiences like escape rooms help tourists learn about culture?
Would you prefer indoor activities like escape rooms or outdoor sightseeing? Why?
How do you think KTO’s initiative could influence Hallyu tourism?
What other cultural experiences in Korea would you like to see promoted internationally?
How important is storytelling in making an escape room interesting?
What makes an escape room challenging and fun?
Would you like to visit a Korean escape room? Which theme would you choose?
How do you think technology has changed modern escape rooms compared to the original ones?

Vocabulary

Initiative – a new plan or program to achieve something.
Escape room – a game where people solve puzzles to “escape” from a locked room within a time limit.
Immersive – very involving or engaging, making people feel like they are part of the experience.
Scenario – a story or setting for a game, play, or event.
Folklore – traditional stories, customs, or beliefs of a culture.
Multilingual – available in more than one language.
Exclusive – only available to a particular group or under special conditions.
Indoor entertainment – leisure activities that happen inside buildings.