FEATURE KOREA
that the country manages to balance its 'old and new' faces, meaning
modernity co-exists in harmony with the timeless and the traditional. Then there's the country's beautiful scenery, an excellent safety record, 24/7 shopping, Hanok and Temple stays and cuisine, which is wonderfully diverse, just like Korea itself.
“We are having a
good year. Korea seems to be bucking the trend in terms of tourist arrivals from the UK. The stats indicate quite a dramatic upward trend with August recording a seven per cent increase in visitors, when compared to the same month in 2010."
From the Front Line ANDREA GODFREY
general manager, Regent Holidays “Although we have no
new tours this year we are currently working with Cathay Pacific so that we will be able to offer a flight-inclusive package with a stopover in Hong Kong. One or more of our team are hoping to visit South Korea soon to improve our knowledge of the destination. The main barrier to selling is the perception of South Korea as quite an expensive destination.”
YAOW BUTWISATE-LOK Far East product manager, Cox & Kings “Seoul is selling well as an
extension to our escorted group tour to Mongolia as it offers a total contrast and an opportunity to discover a place that is often overlooked. "Due to its growing popularity, we are
featuring’ Wonders of South Korea’, a seven-night private journey around the country. The capital, Seoul, is a really vibrant city that mixes traditional Korean heritage with a cool modernity. South Korea also has a diverse line-up of attractions for tourists."
MALCOLM DAVIES product manager for South Korea Funway Holidays
“What's currently selling for South Korea is Seoul city stays. Our future plans would be to concentrate on Seoul itself, offering this in combination with other Asian cities as twin- or multi- centre trips. The only barriers to selling are political uncertainties on the peninsula, but even this can be turned into an excursion to the fascinating border zone just north of Seoul.”
Where To Book It COX AND KINGS – 020 7873 5000
www.coxandkings.co.uk Wonders of South Korea, a nine-day/ seven-night private tour is priced from £2,195pp. This includes international flights with Korean Air, private transfers, excursions and accommodation with breakfast daily and lunches as specified.
ON THE GO TOURS –. 020 7371 1113
www.onthegotours.com The 12-day ‘Spectacular South Korea’ tour is priced from £2299pp, excluding
54 October 2011 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
international flights. The tour visits the main sights of the country and includes three-to five-star accommodation, all local transport, breakfasts, entrance fees and English-speaking guide.
REGENT HOLIDAYS – 0845 277 3317
www.regent-holidays.co.uk The ‘Highlights of South Korea’ tour starts from £1290pp, excluding international flights. This price includes accommodation in four- and five-star hotels, some meals, arrival transfer in Seoul, all local transport, English-speaking guides and entrance fees.
FUNWAY HOLIDAYS – 0844 557 0626
www.funway4agents.co.uk A four-night Seoul city-break is from £845pp, based on two adults sharing, including accommodation at the three- star Hamilton Hotel, flights with Etihad Airways, all taxes and fuel surcharges.
Room Report South Korea offers a wide variety of accommodation across the country, in all budget categories. Some of the more unusual and popular options include
Temple Stays, with a chance to experience life in a Buddhist temple, and Hanok Stays, staying in a traditional Hanok-style Korean building. The Sheraton Seoul D Cube City
Hotel is due to open this autumn, with 269 rooms and suites, two restaurants, business centre, health spa and indoor heated pool. Yeosu and Pyeongchang are also set
to see a lot of new hotel openings in the run-up to Expo 2012 and 2018 Winter Olympics, respectively.
Who Flies There Direct flights with: KOREAN AIR - 020 7495 3377
www.koreanair.com. ASIANA AIRLINES - 020 7304 9900
eu.flyasiana.com Non-direct flights with: FINNAIR - 0870 241 4411
www.finnair.com ETIHAD AIRWAYS - 020 3450 7300
www.etihadairways.com EMIRATES - 0870 243 2222
www.emirates.com TURKISH AIRLINES - 020 7471 6666
www.turkishairlines.com KLM/AIR FRANCE - 0871 231 0000
www.klm.com LUFTHANSA - 0871 945 9747
www.lufthansa.com BRITISH AIRWAYS/CATHAY PACIFIC CODESHARE - 020 8834 8888
www.cathaypacific.com
Contact Tourist Office: Korea Tourism Organization, 3rd Floor, New Zealand House, Haymarket, London SW1Y 4TE, telephone: 020 7321 2535, fax: 020 7321 0876, email:
london@gokorea.co. uk , website:
www.gokorea.co.uk.
Agent Training KOREA
www.koreatraining.com •
Above: The art of calligraphy Left: A traditional Korean mask dance
Seoul's attractions mix traditional Korean heritage with a cool modernity
IMAGES © KNTO
Selling Tip
Time a visit: “One of the best times to visit is April-May, to see the beautiful cherry blossoms”
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