By Honorary Reporter Chiara Lipfert from Germany
Photos = Chiara Lipfert and Korea.net

I was invited on July 22 to attend the opening event for HiKR Ground, a new tourism center of the Korea Tourism Organization, along with other Honorary Reporters. 

Located in the city's downtown Jung-gu District and directly next to Cheonggyecheon Stream, the center has several beautiful floors and activities featuring Korean pop music, skincare and culture.

The second floor has many live studios using extended reality technology, with several picture zones inspired by K-pop music videos. The coin laundry room was featured in the music video for "Permission to Dance" by BTS, and the spaceship there was inspired by the girl group Aespa's "Next Level" music video. Visitors can test their dancing skills by playing a dance game and performing on a stage.

The art museum on the third floor has sculptures by visual artist Gwon Osang as well as Suh Doho's "Northwall," which depicts a typical Korean house. Another section is dedicated to K-dramas with information on filming locations.

HiKR Cave on the fourth floor focuses on wellness tourism in Korea and the country's five tourism hubs. The medical and wellness zone offers visitors tests of skin condition and stress level as well as customized recommendations of traditional tea.

The fifth level houses a small cafe, rest area and terrace with a beautiful view of the neighborhood.

I had a fantastic time at this event as I saw a performance by Turns, the winner of the reality TV competition show "Street Dance Girls Fighter," and tried several of the K-pop studios. I strongly recommend those interested in Korean pop music, dramas and culture to visit the center.

HiKR Ground is open daily from 10 a.m. and admission is free.

enny0611@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.