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Tourism in South Korea refers to the tourist industry in the Republic of Korea. Domestic tourism is quite popular, among Koreans, but the country attracts relatively few international tourists. Most non-Korean tourists come from China, Japan, Taiwan, or Hong Kong. The recent popularity of Korean popular culture in these countries has given international tourism a boost. Seoul is the principal tourist destination for non-Koreans.
Popular tourist destinations outside of Seoul include Seorak-san national park, the historic city of Gyeongju, and semi-tropical Jeju Island. Travel to North Korea is not normally possible except with special permission, but in recent years organised group tours have taken South Koreans to Kŭmgang-san mountain in the North.
Tourist attractions
South Korea's most famous historical tourist attractions include the ancient capitals of Seoul, Gyeongju and Buyeo. Most international tourists come to Seoul, to experience both the classical and modern aspects of Korean culture.
A number of natural landmarks are important tourist attractions. The biggest of these are the peaks of the Baekdudaegan, particularly Seorak-san and Jiri-san. In addition, the caves of Danyang and Samcheok, and beaches such as Haeundae and Mallipo are popular local attractions.
Apart from Jeju, South Korea's many smaller islands also play an important role as tourist attractions. Excursion ferries are quite common along the south and west coasts, and also to Ulleung-do off the east coast. Political tourism to the disputed Liancourt Rocks (Dokdo islets) has grown in recent years.
Most local districts hold several annual festivals to bring in tourists from elsewhere in the country. Some famous examples include the Boryeong Mud Festival and the Cheongdo Bullfighting Festival.
Despite these attractions, Korean tourism has a long way to go. Last year, 11.61 million Koreans traveled abroad but only 6.15 million foreigners visited Korea. Korea’s “travel account deficit” amounted to $8.49 billion. Simply put, the Korean tourist industry is not very competitive.
Transport
International tourists typically enter the country through Incheon International Airport, near Seoul, which in 2007 was found to be the second world's best airport Some others enter through the country's other international ports and airports, particularly Busan. Seoul and Busan are linked by train with the French built TGV train which can reach speeds up to 300 km/hour. Unfortunately, there are 15 million cars and 50 million people in a country roughly the size of Indiana; therefore, Korea is notorious for its traffic jams.
Governmental support
Through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and its constituent Korea Tourism Organization, the South Korean government works actively to support tourism within South Korea. They have used promotional slogans such as "Korea, Sparkling", "Dynamic Korea","Hi Seoul" and "The Soul of Asia", those campaigns have largely failed to bring in more tourist because there is little substance behind the slogans.
Inter-Korean tourism
Since the late 1990s, limited numbers of tourists from South Korea have been permitted to visit certain sites in North Korea. The most prominent example is the famed mountain of Kumgang-san, near the DMZ.
References
- http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2879358
- http://www.worldairportawards.com/Awards_2007/Airport2007.htm
- http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2880838
- http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200512/200512150019.html
- http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2879358
See also
- KTO (Korea Tourism Organization)
- Korean culture
- Contemporary culture of South Korea
- Tourism in Gyeongju
- List of Korea-related topics
External links
- Tour2Korea, the Korea Tourism Organization’s website Template:En icon
- Ministry of Culture and Tourism Template:En icon
