What is the 'Bookas' video?

Jeju Island released a tourism video on its official YouTube channel on October 15, featuring Seventeen member Seungkwan, whose full name is Boo Seung-kwan. Titled 'Bookas', the name combines his surname with 'Karmstay', a village experience program. In the video, he travels through a small village in his hometown, enjoying lodging, local food, and hands-on activities.

What is Karmstay?

Karmstay is a resident-led tourism program. The name joins 'karm', a Jeju dialect word meaning a small, pure village, with the English word 'stay'. Currently 13 villages across Jeju take part. According to the provincial government, the program aims to encourage visitors to stay longer rather than simply add to visitor numbers.

What did Seungkwan do in the video?

Seungkwan stayed at a village lodging in Sinchang-ri, Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju City. He tasted local Jeju dishes, made cooking with green tangerines, and went on a sunset bike ride. The video focuses on everyday village life rather than famous tourist spots.

Is Seungkwan also in Jeju's tourism ads?

Yes. He appeared in the campaign 'The-Jeju Four Seasons', which Jeju has declared a 'Visit Jeju Four Seasons Year'. The ads will air on national media and at Singapore Changi Airport and Shanghai Pudong Airport to attract overseas visitors. Seungkwan appeared without taking a fee.

For international fans

Seungkwan was named a Jeju tourism ambassador in November 2024 and has supported his hometown in other ways, including a donation program to protect endangered dolphins and a contribution to preserve Jeju's UNESCO World Heritage site. Fans outside Korea can watch the video on Jeju's official YouTube channel.