Vivaldi Park introduces winter packages for foreign guests

Vivaldi Park, the resort complex of Daemyung Group, said it is launching packages for foreign visitors in Korea for the snow-covered season.This includes the one-day ski package and Snowy Land package that offers something for both children and adults.The one-day package is for those seeking to briefly enjoy the slopes on either skis or a snowboard. It includes a free shuttle bus between Seoul and the resort, a lift pass from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the rental of equipment along with parka and

Dec. 14, 2018

[Graphic News] Korean travelers looking more at Portugal, Hungary

　South Korean tourists’ interest grew the most for Portugal and Hungary over the past year, although Japan, Vietnam and other nearby Asian nations remained steady picks, according to a travel fare website.　Skyscanner analyzed internet searches of travel destinations from October last year to September this year and found that searches for Portugal increased 93 percent compared to the previous period of the same months. Searches for Hungary were up second most, jumping 74 percent.　Other increases

Dec. 13, 2018

Hotel Tops 10 to celebrate 1st anniversary

Hotel Tops 10, located in the east coast city of Gangneung, Gangwon Province, is inviting locals and tourists to enjoy a relaxing getaway on the occasion of its first anniversary. Geumjin Hot SpringsOn Friday, the hotel will open up its Geumjin Hot Springs to the public for free. After a warm bath, visitors will be offered a free bowl of “janchiguksu,” or “banquet noodles,” a dish served on special occasions. The hot spring facility opened in September, reflecting the property’s former use. Loca

Dec. 11, 2018

Korea Grand Sale to offer promotions, events for foreign visitors

The Visit Korea Committee on Monday announced benefits and promotions for foreign tourists visiting Korea from Jan. 17 through Feb. 28, during the annual Korea Grand Sale.Under a theme of “Travel, Taste, Touch,” the event will offer promotions and benefits provided by 51,497 businesses.Participating firms include Jin Air and Jeju Air which will provide discount on inbound flights, Daemyung Resort, Ramada Encore Haeundae and Grand InterContinental for accommodations and food, and Paradise Casino

Dec. 10, 2018

Rediscovering eastern China

Though Shanghai is known as the pearl of China, not much is known about eastern China beyond the megapolis. The cosmopolitan port city is actually part of Jiangsu province, a province itself as large as South Korea. Not only in size, the province also boasts rich cultural traditions and economical infrastructure, inviting tourists and business seekers. It is also one of the richest parts of mainland China.Though many international tourists do not have the opportunity to explore past Shanghai, Ji

Dec. 6, 2018

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights around Korea

European Christmas MarketEuropean Christmas Market aims to exchange and promote cultural values with international visitors and local residents by celebrating Christmas in the European tradition. Visitors can experience European Christmas through food, music, performances, and other enjoyable events.The event is held at the Seongbukcheon Fountain Square in Seongbuk-dong, Seoul, Saturday and Sunday, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.It is open to visitors of all ages.For more information in Korean, English,

Dec. 6, 2018

Seoul develops cooking class in English at Korean traditional market

Seoul Metropolitan Government has teamed up with startup company OME to run a cooking class for foreigners at a Korean traditional market.OME’s cooking class is one of the eight tourism programs selected for “Seoul Tourism Startup 2018,” a series of programs aiming to provide “unique” travel experiences for foreigners visiting Korea.  (Seoul Metropolitan Government)Participants will learn basic Korean phrases and use them to buy fresh ingredients from the Euljiro Jungbu market. Later, they will

Dec. 3, 2018

Lacasa Hotel aims to be big in boutique hotel industry

Along with the staycation boom, lifestyle boutique hotel brand Lacasa Hotel hopes to be a big player in the hospitality market with new and renewed properties. Lacasa Hotel Seoul, located in Sinsa-dong of southern Seoul, recently renewed its penthouse floor and restaurant. After the renovation, the top floor now houses two rooms: the Loft House and Garden House.  Lacasa Hotel Seoul Lacasa Hotel SeoulThe rooms, with separate bedroom and living room spaces, are designed to accommodate brand events

Nov. 30, 2018

Stone’s throw away from North Korea

Standing atop the Ganghwa Peace Observatory and looking over at the farmland of the most reclusive state in the world unfold in front of my eyes was a strange feeling. In my short days as a travel writer, I’ve literally been to the other side of the planet, yet there was always one place I could never be as a South Korean. That’s North Korea. The “stone’s throw” cliche is only a slight exaggeration – the North Korean shore is just 2.3 km away. That’s how close it had been all this time. Tantaliz

Nov. 30, 2018

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights around Korea

Bucheon Aiins World festival  The miniature theme park Aiins World is hosting the World Nightview Fantasy Lighting Festival. The festival runs from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and is closed on rainy days. The last admission is at 10 p.m. The admission fee is 16,000 won for adults and 13,000 won for children. It is open to visitors of all ages. For more information, call the travel hotline at 1330 for Korean, English, Japanese and Chinese services. The homepage (www.aiinsworld.com) is only avai

Nov. 29, 2018

[Weekender] Temple stay, a window into a different world

From ancient structures raised more than 1,600 years ago to modest venues located in commercial buildings, thousands of Buddhist temples dot South Korea.Buddhism is deeply entwined with the history of the Korean Peninsula. At times of oppression, temples secreted away in deep mountains provided refuge to the persecuted. In more modern times, Buddhist temples have provided safe haven for labor and student activists wanted by the authorities. Temples, and life in Buddhism, are also rumored to have

Nov. 29, 2018

Vivaldi Park launches winter-themed packages

The Vivaldi Park resort said Tuesday that it is rolling out winter-themed packages to attract more foreign visitors, including one for families and one that encompasses skiing, horseback riding and cultural experiences.The Viva Ski Festival is designed to give foreigners a taste of Korean culture along with other activities in a three-day period. It includes Korean traditional food, performances, skiing lessons, horseback riding, and fried chicken and beer. 　The Classic package can be enjoyed in

Nov. 27, 2018

Korail launches tour program combining travel, cultural experience

Korail has rolled out a tourism program that allows people to travel and take part in cultural activities, with the inaugural tour held Saturday. Participants of the daylong tour, priced at 59,000 won ($52), traveled to the seaside city of Gangneung, Gangwon Province, for a concert featuring singers Paul Kim and Jeon Sang-geun, and musical actress Lee Ha-nee.“Previous travel patterns were focused on ‘where,’ but we think ‘who’ you are going with is now more important. This is why we launched the

Nov. 27, 2018

[Eye Plus] Botanical garden opens in Seoul

As South Korea’s capital, home to some 10 million people, is blanketed in a heavy fine dust that clogs throats, a newly opened botanical garden in western Seoul has become a haven for those seeking to breathe clean air. Seoul Botanic Park, which is twice the size of Yeouido Park and located at the center of Magok high-tech industrial zone, has opened for a test run after a five-year construction before its official launch next spring. The indoor botanic garden showcases gardens from 12 tropical

Nov. 22, 2018

Bohol, island close to unexplored nature

BOHOL, the Philippines -- When you think about the Philippines, your first thoughts might be of Cebu or Palawan. But if you want to experience a travel destination that is more natural, more unexplored, Bohol -- the country’s 10th-largest island -- may just be perfect. Bohol, which boasts dense forests and amazing beaches with crystal-clear water, offers diverse marine activities such as swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. There are also two unique attractions that you cannot experience elsew

Nov. 22, 2018

[Graphic News] Southeast Asia top spot for S. Korean winter tourists

　Southeast Asia has emerged as the most popular tourist destination for South Koreans planning on overseas trips in December, a leading travel agency said.　Hana Tour, the largest travel agency in South Korea, said that as of Wednesday, Vietnam and other Southeast Asian nations accounted for slightly over 54 percent of all reservations for overseas travel in the coming month.　The portion is up sharply from 34.1 percent for December last year. Japan followed with 18 percent, trailed by 12.8 percen

Nov. 15, 2018

Ansan beckons with oasis of greenery in arid metropolis

A view of snow-covered Ansan Jarak-gil in Seoul (Seodaemun District Office)If anyone asks me for advice on Seoul’s most beautiful getaway, without hesitation I would pick Ansan Jarak-gil in the northwestern part of the city.The 7-kilometer walkway encompasses the 300-meter-high mountain across several urban districts, and offers some of the most scenic views of nature and the city.During late autumn, you can enjoy the last bits of the fall foliage, with canopies and leaves betraying tinges of re

Nov. 15, 2018

Famous prayer sites for college entrance exam

Buddhist temples are crowded nowadays with mothers ardently praying for their children's success on the annual college entrance exam, which is just a week away.The state-administered exam is extremely important for students as getting into a good college can mean getting decent jobs after graduation in the academic background-oriented Korean society.Many parents visit prayer sites nationwide, mostly Buddhist temples, around this time of the year to wish for their children's good test results. He

Nov. 9, 2018

Ananti Namhae recognized at World Golf Awards for 5th year

Ananti Namhae continued its success at the World Golf Awards, selected as Korea’s best golf hotel for the fifth consecutive year. The World Golf Awards, a prestigious tourism industry award, serves to highlight excellence in golf tourism, world-class courses and golf destinations. Golf travel and tourism industry professionals and golf tourism consumers cast their votes from February to September.  Ananti Namhae　Ananti Namhae features the first seaside golf course in Korea. Due to the moderate c

Nov. 8, 2018

[Weekender] Macau much more than casino chips

MACAU -- China’s autonomous region of Macau is one of Asia’s top tourist destinations to enjoy gambling, entertainment and nightlife. The mesmerizing nighttime view of extravagant casinos shows why the city became known as the Vegas of the Orient, but Macau also has rich tourist attractions for travelers of all ages.The historical background of Macau, which was a Portuguese territory until 1999, creates a unique atmosphere that permeates every nook and cranny of the city, including its food scen

Nov. 8, 2018