The Korea Herald

Summer vacation destinations recommended by netizens

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization recently hosted an event to promote domestic travel in Korea. More than 300 people participated in the event by posting their favorite regions to visit on the event’s website. Results showed a mix of popular beach and river travel destinations such as Busan’s Haeundae Beach and Udo Island in Jeju, as well as locations that are lesser known including Tongyeong’s Somaemuldo Island and Geoje City’s Geojedo Island. For mo

Aug. 2, 2013

Finnair’s special promotions for round trips to Europe

Finnair is holding special promotions for round-trip tickets from Korea to Europe, costing as little as 700,000 won for an economy-class seat to 37 destinations in Europe via Helsinki, Finland. Business-class seats cost 4.4 million won for two on flights to 15 major European cities. Reservations must be made through Aug. 16. For the special rate on economy class, departure must be made between Oct. 1 and March 31, 2014. For business class, departures must be made by Oct. 25 and the trip complete

Aug. 2, 2013

Experience fun-filled festivities in Malaysia

Tourism Malaysia is promoting Hari Raya Aidilfitri, an event with Islamic roots that has become a festival that anyone can enjoy. In a country with a population that is 60 percent Muslim, the majority of Malaysians participate in Ramadan, which is the practice of fasting for a month. People do not consume food or water until sunset during this time. Ramadan began on July 10 ends on Aug. 8, which is when Hari Raya Aidilfitri will take place. The government has announced a two-day national holiday

Aug. 2, 2013

Iraq seeks to promote tourism despite deadly violence

BAGHDAD (AFP) ― As it trundles down busy roads, the minibus packed with tourists would be unremarkable except for two things ― its passengers are Westerners and the city they are in is Baghdad.Iraq is no stranger to tourism, with countless pilgrims visiting its religious shrines, but now the country that touts itself as the “cradle of civilization” also wants a different kind of visitor.Though almost entirely dependent on oil exports for government income, Iraq does play host to millions of Shii

Aug. 2, 2013

Simple luxury at The Shilla Seoul, After seven-month renovation, hotel unveils new plush, swanky look

The Shilla Seoul reopened on Thursday after seven months of renovation. The highly anticipated reopening of the capital’s upscale hotel revealed facilities that the hotel claims to be “the best in the world.” “The core concept of the renovation was making our hotel a place where every day becomes a luxury,” Choi Tae-young, general manager of The Shilla Seoul, told reporters at Wednesday’s press conference ahead of the official reopening. “Whether it’s business, rest, dining or leisure, The Shill

Aug. 2, 2013

Simple luxury at The Shilla Seoul, After seven-month renovation, hotel unveils new plush, swanky look

Dark tourism brings light to disaster zones

RIKUZENTAKATA, Japan (AFP) ― Before the huge tsunami virtually wiped it off the map in 2011, Rikuzentakata’s pristine beach and luxuriant pine forests were a well-worn stop on Japan’s tourist trail. Now the visitors are coming back, but this time they want to see the devastation and the monuments to those who died, the latest example of a phenomenon dubbed “dark tourism” where holidaymakers pay to witness the aftermath of others’ misery.“You can’t really get a sense how huge the tsunami was unle

Aug. 1, 2013

Dark tourism brings light to disaster zones

New York’s latest luxury: a night under the stars

NEW YORK (AFP) ― In the concrete jungle of New York City, where open sky can be hard to find, the latest luxury offering is a night under the stars ― or, under twinkling city lights, at least.From terraces and high-rise balconies atop Art Deco buildings or glass-walled modern structures, this new breed of hotel offers straight-up views, with nary a window pane or curtain to impede the breeze. And in a city where air pollution, bright lights and the dizzyingly tall skyscrapers of the Manhattan sk

July 31, 2013

New York’s latest luxury: a night under the stars

Summer adventures in sunny California

The California Tourism Office is promoting a variety of summer adventures and activities in 12 different areas of the Golden State. Beer lovers can go to any region of the state and taste different local beers in 200 different breweries and bars with the Beer Tour (www.californiacraftbeer.com). A range of organized events await travelers at the America’s Cup Pavilion in San Francisco, including the America’s Cup Yacht Competition and various concerts and performances (www.americascup.com). If yo

July 26, 2013

Hyatt Place to open first Seoul hotel

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced plans to open a Hyatt Place hotel in Seoul by 2016. The hotel will be the first Hyatt Place branch in the Northeast Asian market. The hotel will join three existing Hyatt-branded hotels in Seoul: Park Hyatt Seoul, Grand Hyatt Seoul, and Hyatt Regency Incheon. The new Hyatt Place will be in the Dongdaemun area, a famous shopping district and tourist destination, where it will cater to the increasing demand in business and leisure travel by offering 204 guest

July 26, 2013

France’s ‘Do You Speak Touriste?’ guide

PARIS (AP) ― What does an American expect from Paris? What’s the best way of making an Italian feel welcome?Paris’ Chamber of Commerce and Industry and its Regional Tourism Council have teamed up to produce a guide for hotel owners, restaurateurs and shopkeepers in the hopes that it will help shake off the city’s reputation for snobbishness.Here are some excerpts from “Do You Speak Touriste?’’ ― a guide to the cultural habits of some of Paris’ most frequent visitors:Americans: spend the largest

July 26, 2013

Paradise found

Boracay was named the best island in the world by Travel+Leisure Magazine in 2012. The small island in the Philippines’ Visayas archipelago boasts clean beaches, tropical palm trees and crystal clear waters. The 4-kilometer stretch of White Beach makes for some of Boracay’s most iconic photos. Its powdery fine sand and warm climate make it a perfect destination for honeymooners, families and friends. Bulabog Beach features large waves and strong winds year round, making it a hot spot for windsur

July 26, 2013

Tongyeong: A seafood haven

Food in the Gyeongsang provinces has a reputation for being dull compared to other regions. But the port city of Tongyeong is an exception, having developed a unique culinary culture based on the plentiful fresh seafood available year round.“Tongyeong’s seafood tastes better than other coastal cities in Korea,” claimed a stall owner of a local fish market. Sea squirt tastes best in the spring and summer, and one of the best ways to try the seasonal exotic-looking delicacy is by way of bibimbap.

July 24, 2013

Tongyeong Iyagil offers vibrant culture at every turn

This is the sixth installment in an 11-part series that introduces some of the best walking trails in Korea. Based on each trail’s popularity and the recommendations of travel experts and the Culture Ministry, The Korea Herald has selected the 10 best places for walking and hiking. The series received funding from the Korea Press Foundation. ― Ed.Tongyeong is a small fishing port city famous for fresh seafood. The small city attracts thousands of tourists throughout the year just to taste the co

July 24, 2013

Tongyeong Iyagil offers vibrant culture at every turn

Hawaiian Airlines launches Honolulu-Taipei flight

Hawaiian Airlines has started operating direct flights to and from Honolulu and Taipei since July 9. This decision came nine months after the extension of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program for Taiwanese citizens. Direct flights from Taipei to Honolulu leave every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, while flights from Honolulu bound for Taipei depart every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Hawaiian Airlines has been steadily expanding its flights in Asia, launching direct flights to and from Tokyo in 2010, Inch

July 19, 2013

Enjoy a dynamic summer in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is hosting a variety of fun-filled festivals and events this summer. “Hong Kong Summer Spectacular,” which continues until Aug. 31, allows travelers to enjoy views of Victoria Harbor while watching the vibrant Dragon Boat Festival, enjoy good food and music at the Lan Kwai Fong Beer and Music Fest and the Chinese Opera Festival 2013, and sales that will happen all over Hong Kong. The winner of the Korean round of “Visa go Hong Kong Super Shopper 2013” an online game played via Twitter

July 19, 2013

Daejanggeum in modern-day Seoul

As Oriental medicine gains attention around the world, Korea is turning to traditional Korean medicine to attract more tourists. At Namsangol Hanok Village, international visitors can experience a fusion of traditional Oriental medicine and cuisine as seen on the internationally acclaimed historical drama “Jewel in the Palace.” The show not only boosted hallyu, or the movement of Korean popular culture, but also triggered an interest in traditional Korean medicine among many tourists and foreign

July 19, 2013

On top of the world

We’re often stuck on cars, buses, and trains, commuting to work or trying to get to our next destination. But what about transportation that highlights a destination?Aerial trams and cable cars take visitors up mountains, over rivers, and above cities, often as a means to an end ― but sometimes these cable cars are the destination themselves. With gorgeous views and unique experiences as our criteria, the members and editors of VirtualTourist.com have compiled a list of the “Top 5 Aerial Trams.”

July 19, 2013

Soaking in history and culture along the Jirisan trail

This is the fifth installment in an 11-part series that introduces some of the best walking trails in Korea. Based on each trail’s popularity and the recommendations of travel experts and the Culture Ministry, The Korea Herald has selected the 10 best places for walking and hiking. The series received funding from the Korea Press Foundation. ― Ed.Hiking trails have sprung up all over Korea in recent years, but the Mount Jirisan trail is a hard one to match in terms of length, diversity and histo

July 17, 2013

Soaking in history and culture along the Jirisan trail

Car-free and budget-friendly summer vacation packages

This summer, the Korea Tourism Organization recommends various packages via travel agencies to enjoy a care-free ― and car-free ― summer vacation, without the hassle of driving. Hongik Travel Agency is offering a package for an overnight trip to Anmyeondo’s Kkotji beach and Asan, South Chungcheong Province, via train, with camping and rail bikes on the itinerary. The package is 165,000 won for adults and 159,000 for children. For more information, call (02) 717-1002. Web Tour Travel Agency is of

July 12, 2013

Foodies flock to annual Singapore Food Festival

The annual Singapore Food Festival held every summer is a foodie’s dream come true, providing the best Singaporean food and various fun-packed events and programs. The festival, which runs through all of July, features the sampling of 40 different dishes at the Singapore Food Festival Village, cooking workshops and activities, and exhibitions such as the Singapore Philatelic Museum. Festivities bring together typical Singaporean dishes such as laksa and chili crab, but also introduce other uniqu

July 12, 2013