Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, has long been a favourite destination for Korean travellers.
With its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and rich cultural heritage, it's no wonder why this city is on the radar of many Korean tourists.
Photo via TikTok (@tangyeong)
In fact, several Korean idols have mentioned their desire to visit Malaysia, with Kota Kinabalu often topping their list. The allure of this tropical paradise is undeniable, and it's easy to see why it has captured the hearts of so many.
But it's not just the breathtaking scenery that draws Koreans to Kota Kinabalu. The city has a unique charm, where locals often go the extra mile to make visitors feel at home. One such example is the story of the "Mango Boy," a fruit vendor at a pasar malam in Kota Kinabalu, who has gained fame among Koreans for his impressive language skills.
A Korean tourist named Tangyeong recently shared her encounter with the Mango Boy on her TikTok page. In the video, the vendor is seen fluently speaking Korean, enthusiastically praising various food items. "Hello, mangoes are so good. Wrapped braised pig’s feet are so good," he says, before playfully singing lyrics from the viral Korean Tanghulu song. Tangyeong couldn’t help but be charmed by his efforts, writing, “I was received by Kota Kinabalu’s Mango Boy.”
It turns out that this vendor is a bit of a local celebrity among Korean tourists. His ability to speak Korean has earned him the affectionate nickname "Mango Boy," and his fame has spread far and wide. The Korean travel page, Travelholic Korea, has even featured him in their content, referring to him as “a young man in Kota Kinabalu who speaks Korean very well.”
Mango Boy’s popularity is further highlighted by the fact that he even has his own hashtag on TikTok, #망고보이. His presence on social media continues to grow as more and more Korean tourists visit Kota Kinabalu and encounter this friendly vendor.
What’s fascinating is that Mango Boy isn’t the only one in Kota Kinabalu who has picked up the Korean language. Due to the high number of Korean tourists, many vendors in the city have learned to speak Korean, making the experience even more enjoyable for visitors from South Korea. It's a testament to the warm hospitality of the locals and their eagerness to connect with people from different cultures.
With Kota Kinabalu becoming such a beloved destination for Koreans, it’s easy to understand why the city has such a special place in their hearts.
And honestly, after hearing about the Mango Boy, we’re ready to book our tickets too! We want to go to KK to see the Mango Boy ourselves!
