Where is the biggest beneficiary of TV travel programs. Many places pass by, but Croatia is by far t..
Where is the biggest beneficiary of TV travel programs. Many places pass by, but Croatia is by far the most memorable.
Producer Na Young-seok’s “Sister Over Flowers: Croatia,” which caused the syndrome of “travel entertainment,” had a great aftermath, including not only ratings but also buzz and ripple effects.
Recently Croatia is back on TV. EBS1 was well received by hosting a special broadcast on the theme of Croatia’s summer from July 14 to 17.
Croatia greets the Korean market through broadcasting after a long time. Officials from the Tourism Organization directly introduce Croatia’s hidden charm.
If Croatia is a curious traveler, let’s take a close look at the story that the broadcast did not cover.
the capital of the maritime republic that preserved its medieval appearance
The first broadcast began on July 14 in Dubrovnik. It is Croatia’s representative travel destination and is the most recognized place among Korean tourists.
The old city walls and stone streets, which left traces of the Middle Ages intact, gave an immersion as if entering the past.
On the following journey, Hvar Island, loved by global celebrities such as Beyoncé and Angelina Jolie, and nearby Blue Lagoon are introduced, capturing the essence of Croatia’s summer sea.
Dubrovnik, on the Adriatic Sea coast in southern Croatia, was the capital of Ragusa, a European maritime republic in the Middle Ages.
The Old Town, designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is complete with Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.
Stradun, the main street of the Old Town, is Dubrovnik’s iconic walkway wrapped in white stone.
Built in the 15th century, the hexagonal Onofrio Fountain was a facility that supplied drinking water to citizens at the time, and was designed to allow multiple people to use water at the same time by installing faucets on each side. Cool water is still flowing out now.
On the solid wall of about 2km long surrounding the city, you can enjoy a superb view of the red roof and the blue sea. This wall is the pride of Dubrovnik, who has kept out the cries for many years.
a pharmacy that hasn’t closed a day for 730 years
Opened in 1317, Mala Bracca Pharmacy is one of the oldest public pharmacies in the world, with a history of more than 700 years.
Located inside the Franciscan Monastery, traditional prescriptions such as rose cream manufactured by monks continue to this day.
The rose cream made here, which also served as a healing center in the Middle Ages, is a natural cosmetic made from monastic secret recipes and is Dubrovnik’s representative souvenir.
The rose cream of Malabracha is mainly made of local rose oil, natural herbs and beeswax (bizwax) and is manufactured in the traditional monastic way without artificial additives.
It is said that only monks can receive the formula, which is said to have been passed down since the 14th century.
A cool lemon beer sitting on the edge of a cliff
“Bǔa” means “hole” in Croatian. As its name suggests, the cafe, which can only be reached through a small gap in the walls of Dubrovnik, is a favorite space for locals rather than tourists.
You can feel the natural sensibility by sitting on the rock or on the edge of the wall. It is also known as a ‘cliff diving’ attraction that jumps into the sea from the cliff just below.
The moment the Adriatic Sea unfolds under your feet and you have Croatian lemon beer in your hand, Croatia’s summer comes stronger.
The Great Wall of Europe and the Land of gastronomy, Stone and Marley Stone
Stone, about an hour north of Dubrovnik, is a salt farm city that has produced sea salt since the 13th century.
The Stone Walls, which are about 5.5 kilometers long, were built to protect salt warehouses and cities in the 14th century and are called the “Great Wall of Europe” because of their grand scale and preservation.
Stone’s sea salt is recognized as the highest quality in Europe and is also used in Michelin-starred restaurants.
a cup of cold white wine in flat oysters
The nearby small town of Marlee Stone is famous for being the largest producer of European flat oysters.
The Oyster Boat Tour is an experiential program where fresh oysters grown from clear seawater and abundant nutrients in the Adriatic Sea are collected directly from the boat and tasted with Croatian wine.
You can enjoy the true taste of the sea by adding a glass of wine to the freshly picked fresh oysters.
Hvar Island, a resort that even Hollywood celebrities praised
Hvar Island, a representative resort in Croatia’s Adriatic Sea, is visited by world-renowned Hollywood celebrities such as Beyoncé, Angelina Jolie, and Tom Cruise, and is famous for its exquisite combination of ancient city atmosphere, modern resorts, and emerald beaches.
Blue Lagoon near the island is located between the islands of Hbar and Pakleni, with an unrealistic view of crystal clear sea, coral water, and lush forests.
In fact, Beyoncé is known for vacationing here on a yacht every summer, and is considered a place where various stars visit unofficially for privacy reasons.
Activities such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, yacht tours, and private cruises are also popular. The nearby Green Cave is a mysterious attraction where natural light enters the ceiling of the cave and creates an emerald underwater space.
Lavender Island, an eco resort full of festivals and local food
Hvar is another name, ‘Island of Lavender’. It is also one of Europe’s leading lavender cultivation sites, and the entire island is colored purple from June to July.
Various lavender products such as lavender oil, soap, and perfume bags have become popular souvenirs that can only be purchased locally. Every summer, a lavender festival is held, where you can experience traditional culture and local agricultural products.
Recently, eco-friendly resorts and sustainable tourism programs for nature conservation have also been spreading, and Hvar is evolving into a sustainable premium destination where nature, relaxation, and culture coexist, not just a celebrity resort.
The background of “Mamma Mia!” is Steeniba Beach
Stiniva Beach, located south of Vis Island, is accessible only through a narrow entrance between cliffs.
It went viral when it was introduced as the ‘best beach in Europe’ and a ‘hidden attraction’ through various travel YouTube channels and global travel broadcasts (the BBC in the UK, National Geographic, etc.).
It is also famous for being the actual filming location for the movie “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” and the background motif for the Ghibli animation “Porco Rosso.” Selected as Europe’s best beach in 2016, it is more special because it is only accessible by small boats or swimming.
▶▶▶Croatia travel tips
Croatia is considered one of the easiest countries in Europe to travel to. It is one of the most secure countries in the world, and it is safe and peaceful enough to rank among the top in Eastern Europe.
According to the Global Peace Index, Croatia ranked 19th worldwide in 2025.
T’way’s direct flights in 2024 have also increased accessibility. Incheon – Zagreb direct flights are operating twice a week.
The flight time is about 11 hours and 30 minutes, and the airfare is around 800,000 won to 1 million won for round-trip during the off-season and 1.3 million won during the peak season.
Europe-Middle East transit routes such as Istanbul, Doha, and Warsaw are also well connected, enabling various schedule designs.
In the region, public transportation networks such as railways, buses, and ferries are well equipped and fares are reasonable, so even novice travelers can move without burden.
June-September, the peak summer season, is the best time to enjoy marine activities and natural tourism.
Specialties available only in Croatia include Francesco Monastery rose cream, stone sea salt, Marley Stone’s flat oysters, and lavender products from Hvar Island, which were introduced on the air.
In addition, Zadar’s natural wine vinegar, P̌ki Sir, a traditional sheep cheese on the island of P그g, and Tokai-based wines in the Ilok region are unique local food and cultural products noted by gastropubs, allowing them to remember their trip to Croatia more deeply.
“Croatia is a travel destination of experience that combines the history of the medieval maritime republic, Europe’s best natural environment, and local gastronomic culture beyond just appreciating the scenery,” said Marco Croatia, head of the Korean branch of the Croatian Tourism Agency.
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