South Korea
CULTURE STOCK
With a 5000-year-old history,
stunning landscapes and unique cuisine, Korea is an Asian destination with a difference, says Anna Maria Espsäter
SOUTH KOREA Top Selling Tips...
• Springtime blooms… “A good time to visit is spring, to see the cherry blossoms”
MALCOLM DAVIES Funway Holidays
• History and Culture… “Sell the country and its historic and cultural riches first of all, then the tour”
ISIAH THOMAS Kumuka
• Stay central… “Location is important when in Seoul. The Somerset Palace is located in the Gangbuk district of downtown, close to many restaurants, shopping and entertainment venues, with garden and city views”
MALCOLM DAVIES Funway Holidays
• Explore history… “Whilst Seoul is modern, it is also rich in history. In the city there are five major palace complexes, which were built under the Joseon Dynasty and provide fine examples of traditional architecture”
PRU GOUDIE On the Go Tours
steady inroads in attracting UK visitors, whose numbers grew by 7.3% in 2011. Despite being comparatively small,
S
South Korea (or ‘Korea’) is a fascinating destination, with its 5000-year old history, interesting culture, beautiful landscapes and unique cuisine. This year has been designated ‘Visit
Korea Year’ and the country is playing host to a series of notable events that will enhance its international profile, such as the 2012 World Expo at Yeosu, (
www.worldexpo2012.com), which takes place between May 12 and August 12. The expo will focus on Oceans, Environment and Sustainability. After its debut Formula One race in
Yeongam last year, another grand prix will be held October 12-14. Korea is gearing up to hosting the
2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics by investing in hotels in the Gangwon-do province to complement the area’s world-class ski-facilities. The Games look set to cement the
country as a year-round destination with a top-class winter sports offering. Activities that can be enjoyed at most
outh Korea, in the northeast corner of Asia and surrounded by giants Russia and China, is making
times of the year include temple and Hanok stays, cooking classes and sampling Korean cuisine, Taekwondo lessons, health and well-being tourism (as part of the ‘Recharge your Energy’ theme launched by the tourist board), hiking, cultural tourism and festivals. The country can point to no fewer
than 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and its intriguing history can be enjoyed even in the bustling, modern capital, Seoul, which has five grand palaces that date from the Joseon Dynasty. Parts of South Korea’s troubled past
can also be visited. The so-called DMZ, or Demilitarised Zone, marking the buffer zone between North and South Korea, is open to visitors and is a popular day trip from Seoul. South Korea is proving popular with the second- or third-time traveller to Asia but the country is also attracting more young travellers – either backpackers making a stopover, or those drawn there by the so-called Korean wave, including K-Pop, Korean films and fashion.
“South Korea has its own unique cuisine, history, ancient customs and culture and the landscape is unbelievable”
www.sellinglonghaul.com • April 2012 45
What’s New? International Rail and the Korea Tourism Organisation are jointly promoting the Korea Rail Pass, available in the UK since 2011. Jeju Island was voted one of the
‘New7Wonders of Nature’ in late 2011. Promotions are planned to coincide with the London Olympics, highlighting the links between the UK and South Korea, as well as focusing on the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
KOREA TOURISM
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