'Welcome, First Time in Korea?' Returns with Exciting Changes After 3-Month Hiatus

MBC Every1's popular variety show 'Welcome, First Time in Korea?' is making a comeback after a three-month break.

'Welcome, First Time in Korea?' is a unique travel reality show that offers viewers the joy of travel and the fun of cultural differences through the real Korean travel experiences of foreign friends visiting from various countries. Since its debut in 2017, it has become a signature content of MBC Every1, enjoying immense popularity and consistent viewer support.

After taking a brief hiatus for reorganization last October, 'Welcome, First Time in Korea?' has announced its much-anticipated return. On the 26th, a surprise teaser video was released, featuring a ChatGPT conversation about the show. When asked, "What is 'Welcome, First Time in Korea?'" ChatGPT responds, "It's a program where foreigners with friends in Korea are invited to travel." However, the phrase "with friends in Korea" soon disappears, replaced by "any foreigner."

This hints at a significant change in the upcoming season of 'Welcome, First Time in Korea?'. The teaser features names of global celebrities like Paco from France, Alain de Botton, Chris Appelhans, Chris Hemsworth, Charlie Puth, Bruno Mars, Natalie Portman, Gary Oldman, Robert Downey Jr., Steven Yeun, Tony Leung, Mark Zuckerberg, Coldplay, Scarlett Johansson, and Timothée Chalamet.

Previously, the show involved hosts living in Korea inviting their foreign friends for a travel experience. Now, even those without friends in Korea can become travelers on 'Welcome, First Time in Korea?'. According to the production team, they have secured some truly surprising guests for the new season. The anticipation builds as viewers wonder who these remarkable travel companions might be.

By Se-yoon Jung, TenAsia Reporter yoon@tenasia.co.kr