News for Asia

Korea: The Destination for the Unusual and Unique

By Elinor Garely

people

Mr. Yong-Ku Hwang, the Executive Director of the New York office of the Korea National Tourism Office recently met with travel journalists, reviewing Korean travel/tourism accomplishments in 2004. Highlights of the year included the development of an affiliation with the United States Tour Operator Association, the origination of the Three Countries Tourism project, coordinating the efforts of Korea, Japan and China for regional travel development, and hosting Korea’s first PGA Golf Championship at Jeju Island. Looking to the future, Korea has proposed hosting the 2007 ASTA International conference, thus demonstrating that this destination is an excellent location for international meetings and incentive travel.

Why Korea?

There are many traditional reasons for visiting Korea, from its unique cuisine, grand five star luxury hotels and excellent shopping. However, what many travelers do not know is that Korea has many unique events and travel opportunities that often pass under the radar screen.

For cold weather swimmers, there is the January Polar Bear Swimming Contest where swimmers run into the winter seawater, splash about for a bit, and then run to a nearby hotel for a hot sauna. Travelers interested in traditional Korean medicine prefer the health tour of the country which includes a physical evaluation, followed by acupuncture and cupping treatments. At the Gyeongiu Conmaul Oriental Hospital patients receive blood and nerve function tests and aroma therapy, while the Chorakdang health care clinic program includes red mud heat treatments followed by physical and bedding therapy and herbal bath treatments. The health food tour focuses on visits to Buddhist temples to experience vegetarian cuisine, Zen and meditation classes.

mountain

For the Adventure Tourist, there is the Mt. Taebaek Snow Festival, where tourists carve show sculptures, ride on a Siberian husky dog sleds, go downhill sledding, and mountain climbing. There is also a ski and snow festival at Youngping.

Korea Games online

If you cannot make it to Korea this year, Ragnarok, a new online game takes place at many of Korea’s main tourist sites. Not only do you get to plug and play in Korea with millions of users in over 20 countries, participants have an offline opportunity to join game shows.

For additional information www.kntoamerica.com

 


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