Recent years have seen the widespread adoption of blockchain technology, which has been used to foster growth in various sectors. Recently, South Korea's Jeju Island announced its intention to launch its own NFTs to boost tourism.
Jeju Island's NFT Launch Plans
Jeju Island plans to launch NFTs to increase visitor numbers, with an additional goal of attracting foreign tourists. The launch of Jeju-based NFTs is expected in the second half of 2025. Digital and NFT-based travel cards are anticipated to capture the interest of millennials and Generation Z, or those born between the late 1980s and early 2010s.
Digital Technology Popularity Among Youth
Technologies like blockchain, digital ledger, artificial intelligence, and decentralization are popular among the younger generation worldwide. In November 2024, there were 610,000 more South Koreans using cryptocurrency, bringing the total to 15.6 million, or over 30% of the population. South Korea has also shown significant interest in the development, testing, and use of CBDCs (Central Bank Digital Currency).
Future of the NFT Market
According to CryptoSlam, the NFT market showed a slight recovery at the end of 2024, with $8.83 billion in total sales, a 1.1% increase over 2023. Although this indicates an upward trend, it is minor compared to previous years. Despite the downturn, many investors remain optimistic about the future of NFTs. The revival of the market is expected to be driven by the growing adoption of blockchain technology and increased demand for digital assets.
Although the NFT market has experienced a downturn in recent years, the continued interest and investment in the sector indicate potential for further expansion and innovation in the future.