K-pop sensation NewJeans pose in front of a photo wall at Yeongjong Island, Incheon, July 21. Yonhap
Videos promoting Korean tourism, featuring popular girl group NewJeans, have garnered a combined 30 million views Monday, just 11 days after they were uploaded to YouTube. 
Created by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and its affiliated Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), the videos include two TV commercials and two 30-minute teaser videos.
Released on the KTO’s YouTube channel “Imagine Your Korea” on July 11, the commercials use the slogan “Koreans’ Korea” to introduce Korean cuisine and tourist spots popular among locals but lesser known among foreign tourists.
The commercials showcase the group members venturing into traditional markets to savor “gimbap” dipped in “tteokbokki” broth, enjoying cups of “ramen” after a hike and recommending indulging in “chungmu gimbap” at the beach.
They also encourage viewers to explore hidden gems by traveling to rural towns, visiting trendy cafes and taking courses in traditional mother-of-pearl craft, a unique aspect of Korean design.
The KTO also plans to display the commercials on major billboards in 14 cities worldwide, including New York, Tokyo, Shanghai, Bangkok, Dubai and Mexico City, until October. (Yonhap)
