On June 29, 2026, the historic city proudly named rising K-pop girl group RESCENE as its official tourism ambassadors, hoping their youthful sparkle will draw even more visitors to its ancient wonders.
The five members Woni, Liv, Minami, May, and Zena debuted back in early 2024 and have been turning heads with their catchy music and relatable charm. Zena, a Gyeongju native, gives the whole thing that special personal touch. Fans have affectionately dubbed her the "Silla Princess" for years, and now her hometown is making it official. It's the kind of genuine connection that feels right.
Gyeongju isn't just any city it's the beating heart of the old Silla Kingdom, packed with UNESCO treasures like Bulguksa Temple, the royal burial mounds, and the mysterious Cheomseongdae observatory. It welcomes millions of visitors each year, but officials want to connect better with younger crowds and global fans who discovered Korea through K-pop.
"Groups like RESCENE represent the perfect bridge," says, a tourism professor at Kyungpook National University who has studied Hallyu’s economic ripple effects for over a decade. "Their energy makes history feel alive and accessible. We've seen similar partnerships increase visitor engagement by 20-30% among 18-34 year olds in other regions. This could be transformative for Gyeongju's brand."
I still remember my own trip to Gyeongju a few summers back wandering the quiet paths around Anapji Pond at dusk, feeling transported centuries back. Now, picture that same magic with RESCENE's music playing in the background or fun fan events at local spots. Their upcoming Pretty Girl release adds even more buzz.
This partnership feels like a natural next step in how K-pop and tourism feed off each other. If you're planning a Korea trip, add Gyeongju to your list. The ancient capital just got a modern glow-up. What Silla-era site are you most excited to see?
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