Seoul was named the favorite worldwide city for millennial and Gen Z travelers for the fifth consecutive year on Aug. 2 [1].
The recognition underscores the growing influence of South Korean culture on global youth travel patterns and the city's success in attracting younger demographics.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Seoul Tourism Organization received the Favorite Worldwide City award at the 2026 Trazees [1, 2, 3]. In addition to the top spot, the city was granted a special honor known as Quint Status [1].
Seoul first topped this category in 2022 [1]. The awards are presented by a U.S.-based travel media outlet, referred to as either Trazee Travel or Traj Travel [1, 3]. The ceremony, also reported as The Trazies, reflects the preferences of a global audience of young travelers [1, 3].
Officials said the city's enduring appeal is due to a strategic blend of cultural heritage and modern attractions. The combination of food, fashion, and outdoor activities has resonated strongly with the "MZ generation" — a term combining millennials and Gen Z [1, 4].
Beyond traditional historic palaces, the city's contemporary urban landscape has emerged as a primary draw for visitors [4]. This multifaceted appeal has allowed Seoul to maintain its position as an undisputed favorite for five years straight [1, 4].
“Seoul was named the favorite worldwide city for millennial and Gen Z travelers for the fifth consecutive year”
Seoul's five-year streak as a top destination for younger travelers indicates a shift in global tourism where 'soft power'—driven by K-pop, K-drama, and fashion—translates directly into economic growth. By securing Quint Status and the Favorite Worldwide City award, Seoul demonstrates that its urban infrastructure and cultural branding are successfully competing with other global hubs to capture the loyalty of the most digitally active travel demographics.
