Fast track KOREA
Korea’s emergence as Asia’s ‘cool’ new destination will accelerate next month when the flag goes up on the country’s
first F1 Grand Prix BY JONATHAN HART
K
orea has put itself in pole position to become the hottest new destination in the Far East. Not just for playing host to its
first F1 Grand Prix next month (October) but also for a unique combo of attractions and promotions set to ignite fresh visitor interest. 'If You Think Korea Isn’t Cool, Think
Again' is one of the slogans helping the country to speed past the chequered flag and into the slipstream of long-haul tourism. And along with Korea’s emergence into the fast lane comes new sales possibilities and extra remuneration potential for agents. Savvy retailers should take note, even if
they’re not yet sure what Korea can offer their clients, sooner rather than later they’re sure to be asked about a country that can no longer claim to be Asia’s best- kept secret. Fringed by the Yellow and East Seas separating it from neighbours China and Japan, the key to Korea’s potential lies in
its cultural and historical differences to much of the rest of the region: from its unique food, festivals and events to its abundant shopping, sports and spas. Sixty years on from the Korean War, the continuing political and occasionally volatile divide between the totalitarian north and capitalist south of the country is a major point of contrast and interest, best viewed at the heavily-fortified Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) near the southern capital, Seoul. While rarely visited North Korea remains stuck in a Cold War time warp, South Korea has roared into the 21st century, shedding its traditional insularity and becoming a global industrial giant while zealously preserving its ancient cultures and customs. This integration of the ultra-modern with
the original and authentic adds an exciting new dimension to stopovers on the Kangaroo Route and twin- or multi-
Clockwise: South Korea will be shifting gears next month; Hanbok, a traditional Korean dress
www.sellinglonghaul.com • September 2010 53
TOP SELLING TIPS... See the last outpost of
the Cold War at the border with North Korea
Get a 360º panorama
from atop Seoul Tower or cruise through the city on a Han River boat trip
Shop ‘til you drop in
the countless malls and markets of the capital
Have a go with a lesson
in martial arts or cooking Korean recipes
Dip into an authentic thermal bath or sauna, known as Oncheon
BIGSTOCKPHOTO.COM
KTO
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