Sep 14, 2026
In an era where global travelers often scout their next vacation destination through digital screens rather than traditional guidebooks, Korea’s tourism authority is making an unorthodox move into the world of high-end video games. The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) on Monday announced a partnership with NEXON Games, one of the nation’s premier game developers. Under the partnership, the state agency will open its vast, high-definition digital archive — comprising roughly 71,000 expert-vetted photos and video assets — to assist developers in sculpting realistic virtual landscapes of Korea. The timing reflects a growing convergence between digital entertainment and global travel. Modern video games feature sprawling, photorealistic environments that draw millions of international players into immersive digital worlds. Recognizing this reach, Korean officials are leveraging state-curated imagery to ensure that when global gamers explore virtual Joseon Dynasty-era landscapes, they are interacting with accurate depictions of the nation's natural beauty, historic architecture and c