FEATURE SOUTH KOREA
New tour operators featuring South
Korea include Austravel, Explore and Inspired by Asia. Asiana now offers a daily non-stop service between London-Heathrow and Seoul Incheon airport. From April 29 Korean Air is to expand services from the UK with an extra three flights a week from Gatwick each Wednesday, Friday and Sunday with a 10.30 or 10.40 departure to arrive in Seoul around 5.30am next morning. The return flights operate each Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday departing at 19.00 for a same day 22.55 arrival.
Tourism Talk MR HONG KI KIM
Director of KTO, London “This year has started buoyantly out of the UK,
with greater media exposure and greater product choice for the consumer the keys to rising interest. “Yeosu EXPO 2012 and F1 will also
boost the appeal, while new niche markets such as cruise, rail, sport tourism and new UNESCO sites all play an important role. “Our theme, ‘Recharge your Energy’,
is connected to health and well-being and remains a focus in 2012. A newer theme is luxury tourism to Korea and we will be creating new luxury products and promoting these through fam trips. “The KTO also intends to use the
‘Olympics’ in London as a platform for tourism to Korea with outdoor and magazine advertising campaigns.”
From the Front Line MALCOLM DAVIES
Middle East Product Manager, Funway Holidays “What is currently selling
are Seoul city stays. Our future plans would be to concentrate on Seoul by itself and in combination with other Asian cities – the trade can expect to see some fantastic tactical offers throughout the year ahead. The only
46 April 2012 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
barriers are political issues on the peninsula.”
PRU GOUDIE Head of PR On the Go Tours “Seoul is rich in history,
whilst at the same time embracing all that is modern. Jeju Island is a great honeymoon destination with volcanic landscapes and lovely beaches for snorkelling. Our seven-day group tour is selling well and we are promoting the Festival of Mud at Boryeong.”
ISIAH THOMAS European Product & Agency Support Manager Kumuka
“South Korea has its own unique cuisine, history, ancient customs and culture and the landscape is unbelievable. We have a seven-day highlights tour for those who want a taste and a 12-day tour that covers all the major sights in the country; anything more specific, we tailor-make on request. Future plans include family holidays, trekking, cycling and cultural tours.”
HANNAH METHVEN Product Manager, Explore “There is a big focus on Jeju Island this year, as it’s
just been voted one of the new seven wonders of nature. We have a new tour visiting the capital, spending a night in a monastery and exploring Jeju Island. The people are very friendly and the food is amazing. It’s an easy country to travel round with great high-speed train links connecting the major cities.”
Where To Book It ON THE GO TOURS – 020 7371 1113
www.onthegotours.com A seven-day South Korean Express, taking in the country’s main highlights, includes six nights’ accommodation, transfers, breakfasts, guided tours and
the services of a tour guide. Prices from £1099
excluding flights.
KUMUKA – 0800 068 8855
www.kumuka.com A 12-day South Korea Revealed tour, taking in all the main sights, is from £2495, excluding flights. It includes 10 hotel nights and a night’s temple stay, breakfasts, all activities and entrance fees, guides and domestic transport.
EXPLORE – 0845 291 4542
www.explore.co.uk The 13-day South Korea Explorer, taking in Seoul, the ancient Silla capital of Gyeongju, the Demilitarized Zone and Jeju Island is from £2,498, including flights, accommodation, some meals, transport and a tour leader.
FUNWAY HOLIDAYS – 0844 557 3131
www.funway4agents.co.uk A three-night Seoul city break, staying at the three-star Hamilton Hotel, is from £859pp, and including flights with Emirates. Travel on July 2 2012.
Room Report Korea has a diverse selection of accommodation that ranges from the five-star luxury brands to Hanok Stay opportunities. The ‘Benikea’ (BestNightInKorea) brand offers high quality hotels at reasonable prices (
www.benikea.com/en). www.
visitkorea.or.kr lists all available accommodation options.
Who Flies There? Direct flights with: KOREAN AIR - 020 7495 3377
www.koreanair.com ASIANA AIRLINES - 020 7304 9900
eu.flyasiana.com
KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION - 020 7321 2535;
london@gokorea.co.uk www.gokorea.co.uk
UP CLOSE & PERSONAL
BY ANNA MARIA ESPSÄTER “Daegu, in the southeast, is South Korea’s fourth largest city and home to some of the best galbi (also known as kalbi) restaurants in the country. I sampled some of these grilled dishes of marinated beef (or pork) ribs at a charming eatery in the centre of town. I soon found myself kneeling on a floor cushion in front of a low table, shoes left just inside the door, while seemingly endless heaps of gorgeous, steaming meat were arriving, served in a traditional nickel-silver pot. After this meat feast had been thoroughly munched, it was time to take in a show at Daegu Culture and Arts Centre, where comic martial arts troop Jump had the audience in stitches with their hilarious slapstick comedy stunts. Now that’s what I call dinner and a show!”
C M Y CM MY CY CMY K
Keen on Korea?
Facing page: Gyeongbukgung cherry blossom; Above: Left, a taste of Korean culture with Jeju Hyeopjae Beach, right
Selling Tip
Take time to sample the cuisine, including home-made tofu and kimchi
KOREA TOURISM
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