Over the past two months, Shanghai has become the first stop for many South Korean tourists visiting China — with "flying to Shanghai after work on Fridays" becoming a regular saying for them.

According to Shanghai Customs, over 130,000 South Korean visitors passed through Pudong Airport in December alone.

As more and more South Korean tourists flock to the city, visiting landmark attractions and enjoying local cuisine have become everyday activities for them.

In response, Shanghai's retailers are upgrading their services to cater to the influx. Measures such as multilingual guides, tax refund services and expanded overseas ticketing channels are being implemented to bolster customer satisfaction.

For instance, at the Shanghai No 1 Department Store, a popular spot among international visitors, the addition of multilingual signs and service instructions has made it much more convenient for South Korean tourists to shop there.

In the evenings, especially after 10 pm, the majority of customers at popular restaurants like Hen Jiu Yi Qian Lamb Skewers, Haidilao hot pot and New Sukiyaki are from overseas — with South Korean and Southeast Asian tourists making up an estimated 70-80 percent of the crowd.

At other locations, like FOUND158 — a cultural fusion and nightlife hub in Shanghai — signs and menus in Korean and English have been added.

Special attention is being given to South Korean preferences, with many opting for Korean BBQ, Shanghai cuisine and popular local dishes like xiaolongbao — steamed stuffed buns — and wontons.

To top it off, some Shanghai malls have started offering tax refund services for international tourists, with refunds of up to 9 percent for qualifying purchases.

This has proved to be a major draw for visitors, especially for fashion and beauty products.

Shanghai's commercial areas are continuing to adapt to the international influx — providing tailored services to ensure a seamless experience for visitors, particularly those from South Korea.

The trend is said to be helping Shanghai to maintain its reputation as a cosmopolitan hub for both dining and shopping.

Sources: eastday.com, Shanghai Jing'an Media Center