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

Frasers eyes expansion in North Asia

With the number of tourists and business travelers in Asia growing, Frasers Hospitality, the company behind serviced residences Fraser Place and Fraser Suites, is planning to double its properties in North Asia and is eying unexplored areas of North America and South America, according to Choe Peng Sum, CEO of Frasers Hospitality Pte. Ltd. “We have seen growth in China, India and Japan, Taiwan and more. The whole of North Asia will see Frasers double its properties from 3,000 to 7,500 in the nex

July 12, 2013

Half Dome in Yosemite National Park, a California icon

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK ― Japanese artist Hokusai liked Mt. Fuji. Really liked it. So in the 1820s and 1830s, he made a series of 36 woodblock prints of the mountain, from near and far, in summer and winter. When they went over well, he made 10 more scenes. Then, because an artist must follow his muse, he started a new series: 100 views of Mt. Fuji.When I’m looking at Half Dome, the great granite hood ornament of Yosemite National Park, I understand Hokusai and Fuji. You see Half Dome on a centur

July 12, 2013

Group exercise helps you stay fit on the go

Staying fit while traveling is more difficult than one thinks. For business and leisure travelers alike, the excuse of being away from their regular routines can make it easier to stray from one’s usual fitness regimen. One way to overcome the lax mindset is trying group exercise classes offered at your hotel. Hotels are stepping up efforts to offer efficient exercise programs in addition to the usual gym facilities. Utilizing a fitness program developed by Core Performance brand, Sheraton Seoul

July 10, 2013

Closer to nature

After spending most of his week sitting at his desk, investment adviser Kim Jong-do sets off with a backpack once or twice a week to explore some of the seldom visited parts of Korea. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s a mountain or the seaside. I just pack light and leave,” said Kim, who recently starred in a survival program on cable channel TV Chosun. “I enjoy my time with nature and when it gets dark, I find a spot to spend the night.” His camping gear is basic: a rope, a small bush knife and a

July 5, 2013

Creature comforts under canvas

It sure felt like being in the woods at the Hurom Farm Cafe in Gwanghwamun, the bustling area of central Seoul. It was humid and hot outdoors, but inside the cafe was relaxed and peaceful with tent canopies hanging from the ceiling, a display of breads and pastries in a nearby camping car, and murals of the woods. One can choose from a wide range of freshly squeezed juices using a Hurom juicer. Persimmon, tangerine, cherry tomato, sweet pumpkin and black sesame are just some of the choices.“I ha

July 5, 2013

Clueless in Ucluelet: Discovering Vancouver Island

QUADRA ISLAND, British Columbia ― The shiny “Michael Jackson,” popular lately with fishermen, isn’t Ed Jordan’s first choice. Even the pink and yellow “Disco Party” ranks higher on his list of hoochies. But after hearing that another Campbell River fishing guide hooked a 32-pound king salmon on it, he’s reconsidering.“Take a look,” he tells me, idling the motor and rummaging through the tackle rack beside the wheel. Shaking his head, he unhooks a blue and green hoochie with silver sparkles and a

July 5, 2013

Options for seeing the Statue of Liberty

NEW YORK (AP) ― The Statue of Liberty is scheduled to reopen to visitors on July Fourth for the first time since Superstorm Sandy. But for those who just want a photo op with the statue, there are many other vantage points, from Red Hook, Brooklyn, and Governors Island, to a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. The Staten Island ferry takes you right past the statue for free, while those on bigger budgets can reserve a room with a view at the luxury Ritz-Carlton hotel. Here are some ways to get a gr

June 28, 2013

Up close with animals of Africa

CAPETOWN, South Africa ― “What will you do?” our mustachioed safari guide Deon Gericke asked. Each of us in turn gave our guesses on how to best to survive an impromptu encounter with a lion in the wild.“Firstly, take your glasses off and make eye contact because eyes on the front is a meat eater. Eyes over here is an herbivore,” he continued, pointing to the side of his head. “The lions know that, so hopefully they are going to be backing off and look at me and see that I am meat eater.” Some 3

June 28, 2013

Make the right impression at Grand Hilton Seoul

HOTEL (CONVENTION)GRAND HILTON SEOULThe Grand Hilton Seoul Convention Center is the venue of choice for domestic and international meetings and conventions. Facing directly across from the main hotel building, the center houses a large convention hall as well as small and medium-sized banquet halls and conference rooms. With a spacious lobby and reception area, the new convention center provides a quiet and serene atmosphere well-suited for cocktail receptions, meals and meetings. The fourth-flo

June 26, 2013

Oakwood Premier COEX offers luxury services

SERVICED RESIDENCE(WORLDWIDE)OAKWOOD PREMIER COEX CENTEROakwood Premier COEX Center Seoul is the city’s first deluxe furnished serviced residence area, combining the highest class in hotel services with the spacious and cozy atmosphere of a private home. The property offers 280 furnished apartments from studio apartments to four-bedroom suites. Each residence has a separate living, dining and sleeping area, as well as a fully equipped kitchen. Oakwood Premier COEX Center offers its guests a wide

June 26, 2013

Sheraton Incheon Hotel haven for business or leisure travelers

Whether it be for business or for pleasure, the Sheraton Incheon Hotel has all the amenities to ensure its guests the perfect hotel stay. The Sheraton Incheon Hotel is strategically situated at the heart of Songdo, Northeast Asia’s vibrant new business hub with thriving businesses, exciting cultural experiences and modern leisure options. The Songdo international business district, located just 20 minutes from the Incheon International Airport and 40 minutes from Seoul, was developed as one of t

June 26, 2013

Feel the comforts of home at Somerset Palace Seoul

Somerset Palace Seoul, located in the heart of Seoul’s diplomatic, business and financial districts and beside Gyeongbokgung Palace, is famous for its luxurious yet family-friendly residences. Many popular tourism sites, restaurants, shopping and entertainment outlets in the city are easily accessible through the nearby Anguk, Jonggak, and Gwanghwamun subway stations. Its apartments are available in four different sizes: studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and penthouse. Every unit offers an enrich

June 26, 2013

Imperial Palace Seoul caters to international business travelers

Hotel (business), Imperial Palace SeoulImperial Palace Seoul is rising not only as a landmark hotel in the Gangnam area of Seoul, but also a convenient urban hotel that caters to the needs of international visitors to southern Seoul. The award-winning hotel has small and large halls that can host different meetings and conventions. The hotel was named “Favorite Business Hotel” by readers of Time Asia in the Travel Choice Awards in 2006 for the first time in Korea. The Dubhe Hall, decorated in a

June 26, 2013

A walk by the pine trees, by the ocean

This is the fourth 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 selected the 10 best places for walking and hiking. The series received funding from the Korea Press Foundation. ― Ed.TAEAN, South Chungcheong Province ― The 2007 oil spill in Taean, South Chungcheong Province, was Korea’s worst oil spill ever, dumping more than 12,000 to

June 26, 2013