Korea's beaches ready for summer vacationers

With South Korea’s daytime temperature rising to 33 Celsius or higher, the country's sandy beaches and open ocean are scheduled to greet summer vacationers with various festivals and water-themed activities. Gyeongpo Beach, the biggest beach along the east coast that attracts an average of 6.5 million tourists each summer, already kicked off its summer season with the Gangneung Beach Beer Festival on Saturday. Located in eastern Gangneung, Gangwon Province, the beach was visited by al

June 30, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Night stroll at Sejong arboretum The Sejong National Arboretum in the central city of Sejong offers admission at half price for those visiting in the evening. Between 6 p.m. and 9:30 pm. on Fridays and Saturdays through Oct. 12, visitors will find performances of gugak, traditional Korean music, and a chamber orchestra, as well as flea markets. Tickets are priced at 2,500 won for adults. The first 500 entrants will be given lanterns. Check the latest performance schedule at sjna.or.kr. S

June 28, 2024

[Drama Tour] Relaxing weekend trip to Yangju

YANGJU, Gyeonggi Province -- One popular way to create an interesting plotline in Korean drama series is by depicting the changes and growth of a lead character since their countryside move to Seoul. Ranging from “When the Camellia Blooms” (2019), a hit drama set in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province, to “Welcome to Samdal-ri,” (2023) which heavily features Jeju Island, Korean dramas offer a great window of opportunity for provincial governments to promote their cities and

June 22, 2024

Caribbean Bay opens water attractions earlier than expected

Caribbean Bay water park at Everland, South Korea’s largest theme park, announced it will fully open in June, running all its iconic water attractions three weeks earlier than expected. According to the resort division of Samsung C&T which runs Everland and Caribbean Bay, the decision was made after recognizing the recent early heat and a sharp rise in attendance. While the water park’s Adventure Pool -- a beloved attraction where the guests can enjoy the outpour of 2.4 metric to

June 21, 2024

Celebrated bartender presents unique cocktail experience on June 26

Park Hyatt Seoul, located in Gangnam, southern Seoul, looks to attract prominent cocktail lovers with a one-time guest bartender invitation event at the hotel’s premium vinyl music bar, The Timber House, on June 26. The upcoming event invites renowned bartender Choi Won-woo -- a 2019 bartender competition World Class Korea champion -- to showcase three of his special cocktails. While “miracle morning” presents pure American aloe scent with spiciness, “after sweating&rdquo

June 21, 2024

[Around the hotels] Promotions and packages

Rolling Hills Hotel launches Haribo-themed promotion Rolling Hills Hotel in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, collaborates once again with the fruit gummy brand Haribo to present a unique hotel experience to its guests. The promotion offers a chance to have a one-night stay in Haribo-themed room, a free gift set featuring Haribo tumbler, a reusable bag and jelly candies. It includes free access to the fitness center, swimming pool and breakfast for two guests. There is a 50-percent discount for a chi

June 21, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Summer blooms at Morning Calm Through July 14, hydrangeas of 200 different varieties will be showcased at the Garden of Morning Calm in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province. The Secret Garden, one of the many gardens and trails at Morning Calm, touts a hydrangea field now at its peak, with elaborate installations making for a beautiful spot to take the snaps of a lifetime. Morning Calm is open year-round from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission for adults is 11,000 won with discounts for children. See more

June 21, 2024

[Drama Tour] Follow Suwon’s fortress to find traces of ‘Lovely Runner’

SUWON, Gyeonggi Province -- Suwon has been one of the country’s iconic travel destinations, beckoning both local and overseas travelers with a unique charm by blending old and new. As soon as tourists step foot in Suwon, they can spot the Hwaseong Fortress -- one of the country's UNESCO World Heritage sites -- from almost anywhere in the city. Looking at high-rise, glass-covered buildings from the centuries-old stone walls is one of the many spectacular aspects the fortress has to off

June 15, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Festivities on Jamsu Bridge Mark your calendar for festivities taking place on the Jamsu Bridge near Banpo Hangang Park every Sunday until June 23. Scheduled between 1 p.m. and 9 p.m. are classical music concerts, food trucks and flea markets. Tents will be set up on the bridge overlooking the Han River, with spots open to those who make online reservations. A rainbow fountain show is also scheduled at night. For the latest schedule of festivities, visit festa-ddooddoo.com. Gwanghwamun f

June 14, 2024

Seongsu Pass offers discounts for foreign travelers

South Korean inbound tourism service platform Creatrip has launched the “Seongsu Pass” online voucher for foreign travelers eager to explore the trendy area of Seongsu-dong in eastern Seoul. Seongsu-dong is one of the three beloved travel destinations in the capital among travelers, behind only shopping district Myeong-dong and nightlife district Hongdae, according to the Korea Tourism Organization. The Seongsu Pass, launched earlier this month, offers foreign tourists the opportunit

June 11, 2024

Tired of city life? Find solace in Seolmaejae Forest

YANGPYEONG, Gyeonggi Province -- Hoping for some respite from urban life, many Seoulites choose to spend their precious weekends relaxing with their families and friends a little way from the city. Many cities and counties in Gyeonggi Province, especially, have long been popular weekend getaway spots for their ease of access from the capital, and the serene atmosphere created by the countryside. Yangpyeong, among many others, beckons travelers, cyclists, runners and sports lovers with its cycle

June 8, 2024

Seoul to limit operation of 4-wheel bikes to prevent accidents

The Seoul Metropolitan Government on Thursday announced a series of safety measures concerning the rental and riding of four-wheel bicycles, which include limiting the areas where they can be operated, reducing the number of bikes and allowing only adults to rent the foot-powered vehicles. The city government in March kicked off test operations renting out 90 four-wheelers at parks along the Han River. Fifteen of these bikes were stationed at each of Banpo Hangang Park and Ttukseom Hangang Park,

June 8, 2024

Donghae's lavender festival to kick off Sunday for two-week run

Donghae, a popular summer getaway spot and seaside city in Gangwon Province, is scheduled to hold its annual lavender flower festival at Mureung Byeolyucheonji starting this Saturday to June 23. Mureung Byeolyucheonji, a large natural area on the site of an abandoned mine, has turned into a popular local tourist destination, beckoning travelers with the country’s first-ever sky glider, alpine coaster and walking trail along the artificial Blue Lake, among others. The 21,000-square-meter ou

June 7, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Garden show along Han River The Seoul International Garden Show 2024 is running through Oct. 8 at Ttukseom Hangang Park in Gwangjin-gu. The park, illustrating the theme “Seoul, Green Vibe,” is divided into different gardens arranged by participants ranging from citizens to companies to artists. The park is open from noon to 7:00 p.m. until August, and from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from September to October. Find more details at festival.seoul.go.kr. Blooms on Jara Island A f

June 7, 2024

More chances to watch Haman Nakhwa Festival

The Korea Tourism Organization announced it is turning Haman’s firework event -- the Haman Nakhwa Festival -- into a monthly festival held from June to November this year. The Nakhwa Festival, or “Nakhwanori” in Korean, is a firework festival where oak charcoal powder wrapped in “hanji” (Korean mulberry paper) is set on fire, creating balls of fire falling into the small pond at Mujinjeong Pavilion in Haman, South Gyeongsang Province. After the county came under h

June 5, 2024

KTO holds photography contest

The Korea Tourism Organization announced that it is accepting applications for a photo contest aimed at discovering the charms of South Korea. Under the theme of “Discover Amazing Moments in Korea,” this year’s contest, which started on Tuesday, offers the applicants an opportunity to present their photos of South Korea from three different sections: digital camera, smartphone and drone. The submitted works will be evaluated in four categories -- photography, tourism, promotion

June 4, 2024

Korail offers sneak peek trip on East-West Trail of Korea

Korail Tourism Development, a subsidiary of the Korea Railroad Corp., is offering a sneak peek of East-West Trail of Korea, a backpacking-friendly walking trail -- scheduled to be completed in 2026 -- on June 22. The East-West Trail of Korea is an 849-kilometer trail course connecting Anmyeondo in Taean, South Chungcheong Province to Mangyangjeong Pavilion in Uljin, North Gyeongsang Province. Collaborating with Korea Forest Service, Korail Tourism Development has prepared a day trip to Yeongju,

June 2, 2024

Heal your mind, body in Jeju forest

SEOGWIPO, Jeju Island -- From palm trees to black basalt stone walls, South Korea’s southern island of Jeju mesmerizes both local and overseas holidaymakers with beautiful nature that differs from that found on the rest of the Korean Peninsula. However, changes in Korean travel trends have led many Jeju visitors to opt for tours of unique cafes and restaurants offering the island’s specialties, as well as Instagrammable attractions like The Snoopy Garden or Osulloc Tea Museum, over i

June 1, 2024

[Around the hotels] Promotions and packages

Le Meridien Seoul Myeongdong launches summer package ‘Au Soleil’ Le Meridien Seoul Myeongdong, Marriott International’s premium brand in central Seoul, offers the relaxing staycation experience “Au Soleil Package” for the summer season. This promotion includes a one-night stay either in a deluxe king or deluxe double room, free breakfast buffet at La Palette Paris -- the hotel’s restaurant -- and gelatos at Lumiere -- the lobby lounge and bar -- for two guests

May 31, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Blooms, evergreens at Vicheollin Vicheollin is a theme park in Jeju where go-karting comes with flower beds of hydrangea, vervain and trumpet vine -- all available through July 20. The park boasts “gotjawal,” literally meaning a forest bush, as well as a smaller park of evergreens for those seeking a secluded escape from the stress of city life. Admission for adults is 17,000 won, with the price for minors at 16,000 or 15,000 won, and seniors 15,000 won. The park is open from 8:4

May 31, 2024