K-drama, K-pop fuel tourism boom across South Korea

Travel

In South Korea’s hinterlands lies a perfect replica of 1900s Seoul: Welcome to Sunshine Land, the latest K-drama theme park to cash in on booming K-culture tourism.

Fans of K-pop mega group BTS have long flocked to the South to see sites associated with the boy band, from the dorms where they slept as trainees to recent music video shoot locations.

But as the popularity of South Korean drama has soared overseas – it is the most-viewed non-English content on Netflix, the platform’s data shows – more and more tourists are planning trips around their favorite shows.

The idea that foreign tourists would pay good money and drive hundreds of miles out of the capital Seoul to see a K-drama set seemed “crazy” to tour guide Sophy Yoon – until she saw one of her guests break down in tears at Sunshine Land.

“At that moment, it hit me: For me, it was just a studio, but for them, it was something much more,” she said.

Preserved from the set of the popular 2018 historical series “Mr Sunshine,” the location in Nonsan, 170 kilometers (106 miles) from Seoul, is replete with painstaking replicas of everything from a turn-of-the-century tram to South Korea’s most famous Buddhist bell.

“It’s like when we go to the Spanish steps in Rome where Audrey Hepburn had ice cream,” Yoon said, referring to the 1953 classic movie “Roman Holiday.”

For South Korea’s growing number of K-drama tourists, “every door, every wall has a meaning from a drama that impacted their lives”.

“I get a lot more requests for specific ‘K-drama tours’ now,” she said.

Felt right

The rise of South Korea as a global cultural powerhouse “has contributed to the appeal of Korean tourism,” said Kwak Jae-yeon, the Hallyu content team director at the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO).

South Korea welcomed 1.4 million tourists in September, up 33% year-on-year and the highest since the pandemic, with more than a third saying they had decided to come “after being exposed to Korean Wave content”, according to a 2023 KTO poll.

In Seoul’s central Jongno district, tourists like Sookariyapa Kakij are typical. Wearing a hanbok, a traditional Korean dress, the 40-year-old had traveled from Thailand specifically to see where her favorite dramas were filmed.

“I want to find locations where ‘Itaewon Class’ was shot,” she told Agence France-Presse (AFP), referring to the popular 2020 drama, filmed largely on location in its namesake district of Seoul.

Jennifer Zelinski told AFP she had never left the United States before, but after she discovered K-drama – through the 2019 series “Crash Landing on You” – while stuck at home during the pandemic, she decided to visit South Korea.

“I binged the whole show in a week. I barely slept and went through two whole boxes of tissues,” she said.

This “snowballed” into her watching more and more K-drama, Korean variety shows and listening to K-pop, she said, until finally she “felt like I really wanted to see it in person.”

“My family and friends were shocked when I said I was traveling to Korea and on my own,” said Zelinski, but for her “it just felt right.”

Beyond Seoul

The travel industry is racing to catch up: one South Korean tour company on the travel platform Klook said interest in its BTS day tour has “skyrocketed” recently and they were “completely booked until next February.”

“We are planning to add additional tours for other K-pop idol groups, including Seventeen and NCT 127,” they said.

But most of this new type of tourism is concentrated in Seoul, Jeong Ji-youn, a Kyungpook National University professor, told AFP.

Tourism in rural areas has tended to focus on more traditional Korean experiences, which is not interesting to younger travelers eager to explore the land of K-pop and K-drama.

“There is a need to develop more tourism resources related to contemporary culture that allow people to experience hallyu outside of Seoul,” she said.

The port city of Pohang is better known for shipbuilding and steel plants than tourism, but Emma Brown, 30, from Scotland, traveled more than 8,800 kilometers to see it because of “When the Camellia Blooms”.

The 2019 romance series “changed my life,” she told AFP, adding that she felt she “had to feel the drama in person.”

“I just couldn’t miss the opportunity to visit Pohang when I was already in South Korea,” she added.

Your Ultimate Guide to Solo Travel in Japan: Tips, Destinations, and Itinerary

Travel

This article is reviewed regularly by Wego’s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.
Updated November 2024

Key takeaways:

Japan’s low crime rates and efficient public transport ensure a safe and easy experience for solo travelers

Japan offers several visa options, including 90-day visa-free entry, allowing easier exploration

Japanese hospitality (omotenashi) makes solo travelers feel at ease, with locals often going out of their way to help

Why choose Japan for solo travel?
Japan combines safety, culture, and convenience, making it ideal for solo travelers. From vibrant cities to tranquil temples, it offers a welcoming space to explore and experience its unique traditions.
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Safety and convenience
Japan consistently ranks as one of the safest countries in the world, making it an ideal destination for solo travelers. Crime rates are low, and the culture places a strong emphasis on respect and integrity. For example, Tokyo’s metro lost-and-found system is so efficient that lost items are often swiftly returned to their owners. This trust and reliability provide a sense of security, allowing you to explore both bustling cities and serene rural areas with peace of mind.
Transportation in Japan is exceptionally convenient. The extensive public transit network connects even the most remote towns, and trains are famously punctual. Whether you’re navigating the Tokyo metro or taking a bullet train across the country, you’ll find the systems user-friendly—even for non-Japanese speakers. Stations are well-marked, and there are often English signs and helpful staff to guide you.
Cultural richness

Japan seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern innovation, creating a cultural tapestry that captivates visitors. In Kyoto, the city’s historical charm is exemplified by the Geisha culture in Gion, where skilled performers preserve centuries-old art forms through dance and music. Temples like Kinkaku-ji and the Golden Pavilion showcase not just architectural beauty but also the enduring spirituality of Zen Buddhism. Participating in a traditional tea ceremony here offers an intimate glimpse into Japanese aesthetics and mindfulness.

Meanwhile, Tokyo epitomizes modern Japan’s technological prowess. In Akihabara, visitors can dive into the vibrant world of anime and manga, exploring multi-story shops filled with collectibles with views of the towering Tokyo Skytree in the distance, adding a modern backdrop to the district’s electric atmosphere. At the same time, neighborhoods like Asakusa provide a window into the past with landmarks like Senso-ji Temple, where incense wafts through bustling markets, inviting contemplation amidst the activity.
Japanese hospitality, or omotenashi, ensures that travelers feel welcomed and cared for. Whether you’re lost in Shibuya’s labyrinthine streets or seeking help in a quiet Kyoto alley, locals often go out of their way to assist, even with limited English. Immersing yourself in festivals, like the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto or the Sumida Fireworks Festival in Tokyo, allows you to experience the vibrancy and communal spirit of Japanese life, leaving you with unforgettable memories of kindness and connection.
How to plan your solo travel to Japan?
Planning a solo trip to Japan involves preparing for visas, budgeting, and transportation. You can enjoy a smooth journey through this fascinating country with proper tools and knowledge.
Visa and travel requirements
For many travelers, including those from Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia, Japan offers visa-free entry for stays of up to 90 days. This makes planning your trip more straightforward. However, checking the latest visa regulations on the official Japanese MoFA website is essential.
Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay, and consider registering your travel plans with your home country’s embassy. Also, familiarize yourself with Japan’s customs regulations to avoid any issues when bringing items into the country.
Budgeting and transportation options
Japan has a reputation for being expensive, but solo travelers can navigate the country affordably with careful planning. Public transportation is efficient and reasonably priced. Local buses and trains typically cost between JPY 100 (USD 0.6) for a 3 km trip and JPY 250 (USD 1.6) for a 7 km trip.

Consider investing in a Japan Rail Pass if you plan to travel extensively. The JR Pass offers unlimited travel on JR trains, including the Shinkansen bullet trains, JR buses, and ferries. A 7-day pass costs around JPY 50,000 (USD 326), while a 21-day pass is about JPY 100,000 (USD 652).
Accommodation options for solo travelers are plentiful. Hostels, capsule hotels, and budget ryokans (traditional inns) offer affordable stays ranging from JPY 5,000 to JPY 15,000 (USD 32 to USD 98) per night. These accommodations often provide opportunities to meet fellow travelers and immerse yourself in Japanese culture.
Hotels in a city like Tokyo tend to be slightly pricier, averaging around JPY 25,000 (USD 170) per night.
Top destinations for solo travelers in Japan
Japan is brimming with destinations that cater to solo travelers, offering a mix of vibrant cities and tranquil retreats.
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Vibrant cities
Tokyo

As Japan’s bustling capital, Tokyo is a city of contrasts. Explore the neon-lit streets of Shibuya, marvel at the cosplay culture in Harajuku, and find tranquility in the Meiji Shrine’s forested grounds. The city’s efficient public transportation makes navigating easy, and there’s always something new to discover.
Osaka

Known as Japan’s kitchen, Osaka is a haven for food enthusiasts. Dotonbori Street offers an array of street food delights, from takoyaki (octopus balls) to okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). The city’s friendly atmosphere and lively nightlife make it perfect for solo exploration.
Tranquil retreats
Kyoto

Steeped in history, Kyoto is home to thousands of temples and shrines. Visit the golden Kinkaku-ji Temple, stroll through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and experience a traditional tea ceremony. The city’s slower pace provides a peaceful counterbalance to Japan’s urban centers.
Hakone

Located near Mount Fuji, Hakone is renowned for its hot springs and natural beauty. Relax in an onsen (hot spring bath), take a scenic boat ride on Lake Ashi, and ride the cable car for stunning views of the volcanic Owakudani Valley.
What is an itinerary for solo travel in Japan like?
Crafting a solo travel itinerary for Japan allows you to explore the country’s vibrant cities, cultural landmarks, and scenic landscapes at your own pace. Here’s a six-day plan filled with iconic experiences and practical travel tips.
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo
After landing at Narita or Haneda Airport, make your way to central Tokyo. The Narita Express (N’EX) is a convenient option, taking you to Tokyo Station in approximately 1 hour for around JPY 3,070 (USD 28). From Haneda, the Tokyo Monorail connects to the Yamanote Line, costing about JPY 500 (USD 3.2). If you’re carrying heavy luggage, consider taking an airport limousine bus for door-to-door convenience.
Once in Tokyo, settle into your accommodation and get ready to explore. Start with Shibuya Crossing, which is just a few stops on the Yamanote Line from most central locations. For dinner, head to a nearby izakaya in Shinjuku, accessible via the same line, and enjoy dishes like yakitori for JPY 1,500 to JPY 3,000 (USD 10 to USD 20).
Day 2: Discover Tokyo’s Highlights
Begin your day by taking the Toei Asakusa Line to Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh seafood and sushi. A single ride costs approximately JPY 220 (USD 1.5). After savoring your breakfast, hop on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Asakusa, where you’ll visit the iconic Senso-ji Temple.

Spend time exploring Nakamise Street before heading to the Tokyo Skytree area, reachable via the Tobu Skytree Line for around JPY 160 (USD 1). At the Skytree, panoramic views await an admission fee of JPY 2,100 to JPY 3,100 (USD 14 to USD 20), depending on the observation deck. End your day with a ferry or cruise on the Sumida River for around JPY 1,000 (USD 6.5), offering a serene perspective of Tokyo.
Day 3: Travel to Kyoto
Leave Tokyo early to maximize your day in Kyoto. Board the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo Station to Kyoto Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, with a one-way ticket costing JPY 13,320 (USD 86). If you have a Japan Rail (JR) Pass, this ride is covered, making it a cost-effective option for multi-city travel.
Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and take a local bus to Fushimi Inari Taisha, known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. A bus ride in Kyoto costs around JPY 230 (USD 1.50). After exploring the trails, head back to the Gion district using Kyoto’s efficient bus network or by foot, depending on your location. Enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant, budgeting JPY 1,500 to JPY 3,000 (USD 10 to USD 20).
Day 4: Immerse in Kyoto’s Culture
Start your day by taking a Kyoto City Bus or taxi to Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion. Buses cost JPY 230 (USD 1.50) per trip, while taxis are more expensive but faster, at around JPY 1,000 to JPY 1,500 (USD 6.5 to USD 9.8). After admiring the temple and its reflective pond, head to Ryoan-ji Temple nearby, famous for its Zen rock garden.

Next, take a bus to the Philosopher’s Path, a scenic walkway especially stunning in cherry blossom season. For lunch, stop at a riverside café in the area, spending around JPY 1,500 (USD 9.8). In the afternoon, return to central Kyoto for a tea ceremony, accessible by bus or a short taxi ride. The ceremony costs JPY 2,000 to JPY 4,000 (USD 13 to USD 26).
Day 5: Visit Nara and Osaka
In the morning, take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to Nara, a 50-minute ride that costs JPY 720 (USD 4.7) one-way or is covered by the JR Pass. Once in Nara, explore Nara Park, where you can feed the sacred deer for JPY 200 (USD 1.30) per pack of crackers. Visit Todai-ji Temple to see the massive bronze Buddha, with an entrance fee of JPY 800 (USD 5.2).
After lunch in Nara, hop back on the JR Line to Osaka, a 45-minute journey costing JPY 800 (USD 5.2). In Osaka, the vibrant Dotonbori district is accessible via the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line, with fares around JPY 230 (USD 1.5). Explore the bustling street food scene and try takoyaki or okonomiyaki for JPY 500 to JPY 1,000 (USD 3.2 to USD 6.4) per dish.
Day 6: Experience Modern Japan
Spend your last day exploring Osaka’s modern and historic sites. Start at Osaka Castle, reachable via the Osaka Metro Chuo Line for JPY 230 (USD 1.5). The castle grounds are free to explore, but entry to the main tower costs JPY 600 (USD 4).
Next, head to Umeda Sky Building for panoramic views, accessible via the Hankyu or JR Line from Osaka Station, with fares ranging from JPY 150 to JPY 250 (USD 1 to USD 1.6). Admission to the observation deck costs JPY 2,000 (USD 13). If you’re returning to Tokyo, take the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station for JPY 13,320 (USD 86) or use your JR Pass.
Planning your transportation carefully and utilizing options like the JR Pass or day passes allows you to explore Japan efficiently without overspending. Every journey between destinations becomes a part of the adventure, offering stunning views and a glimpse into Japanese life.
Tips for navigating Japan as a solo traveler
Traveling solo in Japan is easier than you might expect, thanks to the country’s well-organized infrastructure and friendly locals. With a few practical tips, you can navigate language barriers, enjoy dining alone, and make the most of your solo adventure.
Language barriers and useful phrases
While English is not widely spoken, especially outside major cities, language barriers need not hinder your adventure. Smartphone apps like Google Translate can assist with real-time text and speech translation. The camera function is particularly helpful for reading signs and menus.
Learning a few basic Japanese phrases enhances your experience and helps in everyday interactions. Common phrases include:

Arigatou. (ありがとう): Thank you.
Sumimasen. (すみません): Excuse me/Sorry.
Eigo o hanasemasu ka? (英語を話せますか): Do you speak English?
Kore wa ikura desu ka? (これはいくらですか): How much is this?

Dining alone and cultural etiquette
Dining alone in Japan is a surprisingly comfortable experience, as the culture is highly accommodating to solo diners. Many restaurants offer counter seating specifically designed for individuals. You’ll often see locals dining solo during lunch breaks or enjoying a quiet meal after work, which makes this experience feel entirely normal.
Consider stopping by a konbini (convenience store) for affordable and delicious options like 7-Eleven, Family Mart, or Lawson. These stores offer high-quality pre-packaged meals, including bento boxes and onigiri (rice balls), with prices ranging from JPY 300 to JPY 800 (USD 2 to USD 5.2). Similarly, vending machines in Japan are unparalleled in variety, dispensing everything from hot coffee to a warm bowl of udon.

You can enjoy freshly prepared dishes in more traditional settings like izakayas or sushi bars while engaging with the chef or staff. If you’re looking to save money, conveyor belt sushi restaurants are an excellent choice. Plates usually cost between JPY 100 and JPY 500 (USD 0.65 to USD 3.2), allowing you to sample various dishes without overspending.
When dining or experiencing local customs, keep these key etiquette tips in mind:

Removing shoes: Always remove your shoes when entering someone’s home, traditional accommodations, and certain restaurants.
Don’t tip: Tipping is not customary in Japan and may even be considered rude. The price you see is the price you pay.
Queuing: Japanese culture highly values orderliness. Always stand in line patiently, whether waiting for a train or purchasing items.
Use chopsticks correctly: Avoid pointing with your chopsticks, sticking them upright in rice, or passing food from chopsticks to chopsticks, as these are associated with funeral rituals.
Onsen etiquette: When visiting hot springs, follow the rules such as washing before entering the bath and not wearing swimwear unless specified.

When is the best time for solo travel to Japan?
The best time to visit Japan is mid-April or mid-November, depending on the experience you’re seeking. Both periods provide stunning natural landscapes, comfortable weather, and unique cultural experiences that enrich your solo journey.
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Mid-April is the peak of the cherry blossom season in many parts of Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The iconic Sakura trees create a breathtaking canopy of pink flowers, attracting both locals and tourists to participate in hanami (flower viewing). During this time, parks like Ueno Park in Tokyo and Maruyama Park in Kyoto become lively gathering spots where people enjoy picnics under the blossoms.
Weather in April is mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F), perfect for outdoor exploration. Festivals celebrating spring, like the Takayama Spring Festival in Gifu Prefecture, showcase traditional floats and performances. Remember that this is a popular season, so booking accommodations and transportation well in advance is essential to secure the best options.

For a quieter yet equally enchanting experience, mid-November is the perfect time to witness Japan’s autumn foliage season. The fiery red and golden hues of maple and ginkgo trees transform gardens, temples, and mountains into a photographer’s paradise. Kyoto, in particular, offers stunning foliage views at iconic spots like the Philosopher’s Path and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
The weather is crisp but not too cold, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). This makes walking tours and hikes comfortable in scenic locations such as Nikko or Hakone. November also hosts the Shichi-Go-San festival, where children dress in traditional kimono to celebrate their growth and well-being. This offers travelers a glimpse into local traditions and family life.

Scientists Find New Tourist Attraction in Lake Turkana

Science and Health

Kenya and Turkana County stand to gain from a discovery of the origins and life of early human Homo erectus. The discovery comes at a crucial time for the government, as it seeks to raise the number of tourists visiting the country to 10 million annually by 2027.The discovery was announced by researchers in the Journal of Science on Thursday, November 28, indicating that two muddy footprints were left at the Turkana lakeside, suggesting two of our early human ancestors were neighbours some 1.5 million years ago.
According to researchers, the footprints were left in the mud by two different species “within a matter of hours, or at most days,” stated palaeontologist Louise Leakey, co-author of the research.
Scientists previously knew from fossil remains that these two extinct branches of the human evolutionary tree—called Homo erectus and Paranthropus boisei—lived about the same time in the Turkana Basin.

The two muddy foot prints found in the Turkana Basin.

Photo

Courtesy

While skeletal fossils have previously suggested these species may have coexisted, the timespans they can be dated to and the size of the deposits they are found in are too large to pin down interactions.
“This is the first direct snapshot of the two species together on the same immediate landscape,” asserted Dr Kevin Hatala, the first author of the research from Chatham University in the US.
But dating fossils is not exact. “It’s plus or minus a few thousand years,” said palaeontologist William Harcourt-Smith of Lehman College and the American Museum of Natural History in New York, who was not involved in the study.
Writing in the journal Science, Hatala and colleagues reported how, along with fossilised tracks from birds and other animals, they discovered a continual set of footprints in the deposits made by a single hominin individual.
The stride length of the trackway, they noted, suggested that the individual was walking at a modestly fast pace. However, the impressions differed from those observed in modern humans in terms of foot anatomy and the patterns of contact made by walking.
Instead, they said, the impressions appeared to fit with footprints expected from Paranthropus boisei, a species also known as Nutcracker Man in reference to its big teeth, which is not a human ancestor but sits on a side branch of our family tree.
“There are aspects of their big toe anatomy, in particular, that seem consistent with the patterns that we see in the footprints,” said Hatala.
The team also found three separate prints close by that were in different orientations to this trackway.
The discovery will offer a new attraction to the country, and its neighbouring Chalbi Desert will further promote the region as an attractive destination.
Already, the government has begun diversifying tourism offerings, emphasising areas such as eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and sports tourism. Initiatives include improving infrastructure, reducing visa fees, introducing visa-free policies for certain regions, and marketing campaigns to showcase the country’s unique attractions.

An aerial picture of the scientists near the location of the two muddy foot prints found in the Turkana Basin.

Photo

Courtesy

Baz Luhrmann’s Upcoming ‘Joan of Arc’ Film Is Based on a Surprisingly Queer Book

Arts & Culture, Books

Superstar Australian director Baz Luhrmann has announced his next project will be a biopic of 15th century military hero Joan of Arc. The movie, Jehanne d’Arc, will be produced by Warner Bros as the follow up to Luhrmann’s 2022 smash hit Elvis.
A teenage General and the patron Saint of France may seem like an offbeat subject for Baz “Strictly Ballroom” Luhrmann. But Variety has reported the project is based on the novel Blood Red, Sister Rose by Australian author Thomas Kennealy, aka the man who wrote Schindler’s List.
Star Observer read it so you don’t have to. The good news? It’s super queer!
Joan of Arc has long been a feminist and sapphic icon. In a male dominated era of history, Joan put on pants and a suit of armour and led the French army to victory when pretty much everyone had given up hope. She was burned at the stake as a witch for her efforts, but history has redeemed her as a prodigy.
Blood Red, Sister Rose portrays Joan, who it styles Jehanne, as resigned to her own oddity. As a young girl she lusts after beautiful aristocratic ladies, confessing her love to one. In her “redneck” hometown, pubescent teenage girls experiment with each other in the fields before consigning themselves to marriage and the kitchen.

Jehanne is depicted as plain spoken, capable, self-contained in her feelings of femininity and outwardly tough. Her treatment of the patriarchs around her is withering.
The men Jehanne meets as she progresses from local weirdo to national hero are not left out. The heir to the throne of France, Charles, has two affairs with gentlemen of his bedchamber. One of Jehanne’s knight companions Jean de Metz slides into third base with his squire after getting hot and bothered in a pub. Infamous historic villain Gilles de Rais, and his love of pretty young men features prominently.
A decade after Joan died, the history books tell us Gilles de Rais became the Jeffrey Dahmer of 15th century Europe. He was accused of murdering more than 140 young men. Blood Red, Sister Rose makes it clear he is a monster in training.
A significant aspect of the novel is Jehanne’s decision to adopt men’s dress. It starts as a way to keep her safe travelling through a war zone, but a knight Bertrand warns her “Once you start dressing like that, nothing is ever the same.” We later find he is more comfortable dressing in women’s clothes, likes to flirt with fellow knights and is protected by his friends. It’s an impressive character for a book published in 1974.
Jehanne also finds herself enjoying men’s attire, especially as the King takes up her cause and kit’s her out in fine clothes and armour. It would be a big claim to say Blood Red, Sister Rose has trans characters, but with a main character described throughout affectionately as “she-knight” and “he-nun”, it strikes some powerful queer chords.
The million-dollar question when it comes to any portrayal of Joan is: how does the story handle religion? Joan was canonised by the Catholic Church in 1920. Depictions of her depend on which camp of historians you find yourself in.
On one hand she is seen as an arrogant, lucky young woman who was almost certainly insane. On the other, she is considered divinely inspired by true visions of the Archangel Michael, Saints Catherine and Margaret, and her virgin purity is the reason France exists today.
Blood Red, Sister Rose doesn’t shy away from Jehanne’s “voices”, but it’s clear she has no idea where they come from. When members of the clergy tell her they don’t think she’s a witch or demonically possessed, she is always relieved, if impatient. Jehanne is certain of two things. One: she’s going to be betrayed and sacrificed by the corrupt old boys club around her. Two: the “voices” are insistent, so she may as well save herself the stress and get on with doing what they tell her.
It’s a refreshing middle ground.
Luhrmann told Variety he has been waiting 30 years for the right time to make Jehanne d’Arc.
“She’s a young girl who’s from a small town who manages to tell this 25-year-old king, ‘We’re going to be able to unite the country, and you’ll be king.’ It’s that inspiration, that uplift. It’s like now where the current generation needs to do what the generation before us did, and that is make space, lift up the new voices and the new energy, and make sure that they’re there to smash through this ossified world,” he said.

Four-time Oscar winning designer and lifelong Luhrmann collaborator Catherine Martin is already reportedly touring France for inspiration. Meanwhile a casting call for Jehanne went out in November.
It remains to be seen whether the movie will echo the queer friendly characters of its source novel. Fingers crossed.

10% Discount on Domestic Airfares to Boost Tourism During Christmas and New Year Holidays

Travel

10% Discount on Domestic Airfares to Boost Tourism During Christmas and New Year Holidays

Tourists pass by the airport area.(ANTARA)

SEAToday.com, Jakarta – The government has decided to reduce domestic airfares by 10 percent during the Christmas 2024 and New Year 2025 (Nataru) holiday period. This policy applies at all airports in Indonesia from December 19, 2024 to January 03, 2025 for tickets that have not been sold.
“Synergy and coordination continue to be carried out with the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure, and the Task Force Team in the last two weeks. The team is working hard and solidly so that ticket prices, God willing, can be more affordable for the public during the Christmas and New Year holidays,” Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana was quoted as saying by ANTARA in a press release in Jakarta, Thursday (11/28).
Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana positively welcomed this step, and said that the policy was a breath of fresh air for the public and the tourism sector, especially in welcoming the year-end holidays.
“Policy relaxation is needed as a breath of fresh air for the public and the tourism sector, especially when welcoming the Christmas and New Year holidays,” she added.
Ministry of Transportation Spokesperson Elba Damhuri announced on Wednesday (11/27) that the government had set a policy to reduce domestic airfares for the Christmas 2024 and New Year 2025 holiday periods.
The reduction in ticket prices is expected to encourage people to travel, as well as provide opportunities for tourism industry players to offer travel packages at more competitive prices. This policy is one of the government’s strategic efforts to revive domestic tourism.
Writer: A Genta Nugraha Poernomo

Saudi Arabia Announces VAT Refund Program for Tourists Starting in 2025

Travel

This article has been reviewed and fact-checked by Wego’s editorial team.
According to the 2025 fiscal year budget, Saudi Arabia will introduce a VAT refund system for tourists in 2025, Wego reports. Managed by the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority, the system aims to simplify tax processes and enhance the travel experience.
The VAT refund initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader tourism strategy, which seeks to attract 127 million visitors by the end of 2025. The National Tourism Strategy focuses on expanding both domestic and international tourism, reinforcing the Kingdom’s status as a global tourism hub.
Tourism spending is projected to reach SAR 346.6 billion by 2025, contributing significantly to non-oil revenues and economic growth. In 2023, Saudi Arabia surpassed its Vision 2030 target by welcoming 104 million visitors, including 27 million international tourists, demonstrating the growing appeal of the Kingdom.
Saudi Arabia aims to attract 119.6 million tourists by the end of 2024, with tourism spending expected to hit SAR 304 billion. Investment in the sector has been strong, with SAR 8 billion secured by August 2024, projected to rise to SAR 15 billion by year-end, further driving economic diversification beyond oil.
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Two great books for giving – Tali and the Toucan & Oy, Santa!

Arts & Culture, Books

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Honestly, I think adults would benefit from reading children’s books, even if they don’t have kids. Generally, the books impart good messages, like how to overcome challenges or be proud of who you are, and their illustrations are works of art. The two I reviewed for this issue of the Jewish Independent are prime examples.
Tali and the Toucan by writer Mira Z. Amiras and illustrators Chantelle and Burgen Thorne (Collective Book Studio) is set in San Francisco. The young protagonist, Tali, longs to tumble, swing and cartwheel like other kids, and she would love to take martial arts. But she is debilitated by fear – that the world will shatter, that she will break into a million pieces, that she will get hurt. Then, one night, she has a dream. At first, it’s kind of a scary dream, with a storm raging, chickens flapping about. One chicken makes it to the roof, pecks a hole in the window glass, and transforms into a toucan. The colourful-beaked bird teaches Tali how to tumble and soar in the sky. She awakes with new spirit and courage, no longer feeling like a chicken but like a toucan, ready to fly – and fall – with the other kids.
While not spelled out in the story, at the end of the book, there’s a note that explains that Tali’s fear of the world shattering “is taken from Jewish teachings that the world is indeed broken and that our job, called in Hebrew tikkun olam, is to put it back together again – starting with ourselves.” In addition to the “hamsa she wears – an amulet common to peoples of the  Middle East worn to protect children – her dreams lead her to conquer her fears, begin her tikkun and follow the path of Aikido, the Japanese martial art of nonviolence that teaches harmony, mutual assistance and peaceful resolutions to conflict.”
Other than the fact that Tali wants to do martial arts, the text of Tali and the Toucan doesn’t touch upon ideas like multiculturalism, cooperation or what a well-functioning society looks like, but rather expresses these concepts through the artwork. There’s a lot to look at in the illustrations and they beautifully capture Tali’s emotional journey.
Oy, Santa!, or There’s a Latke to Learn about Hanukkah by writer Joyce Schriebman and illustrator Gil von Meissner (Intergalactic Afikoman) also expresses so much with its artwork. Whereas Tali’s hamsa makes an appearance on almost every page of her book, different kinds of light run through Oy, Santa! – white swirls full of stars, hanukkiyot with candles lit, strings of Christmas lights and exploding fireworks. While Tali and the Toucan only hints at multiculturalism and doesn’t explicitly talk about Judaism, Oy, Santa! puts both topics front and centre.
On Christmas Eve, young Oliver Overstreet writes an email to Santa: “I know you’re busy making toys, so I won’t write much. But I’m Jewish. And that means you don’t have to come down my chimney on Christmas Eve. I just wanna make sure you know.”
And so begins a delightful – and educational – email exchange between Oliver and Santa, who assures Oliver that he knows that both Oliver, and Oliver’s friend Ibrahim, do not celebrate Christmas. Oliver rails at Santa’s signoff, wishing Oliver a “Happy Chrismukkah!”
“Dear Santa,” he writes. “I know you’re still very busy. But please don’t write Chrismukkah. That’s not my holiday. I celebrate HANUKKAH. And Hanukkah and Christmas are different….” Oliver goes on to explain the story of Hanukkah and some of the fun ways the holiday is celebrated.
Santa and Oliver talk about many things in subsequent emails, from elves getting time off to celebrate whatever holidays are in their culture, to miracles and how reindeers fly, to whether it’s acceptable to put ketchup on latkes, and more. The conversation even gets a little heated, but – spoiler alert – Oliver and Santa work things out.
Oy, Santa! is a wonderful read, with lots of humour, fun illustrations, and great takeaways about identity, diversity, culture, civil discourse and friendship. 

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