Lotte World Adventure celebrates 25 years with ‘Let’s Dream’ parade

In celebration of 25 years, Lotte World Adventure theme park is holding its special “Let’s Dream” nightly parade, the world’s first multimedia show and parade. The parade took approximately two years to organize and produce, and the newly launched, highly technical and LED light-filled character floats look as though they came straight out of a child’s dream. With an investment of around 15 billion won ($14.58 million), Lotte World Adventure organizers said they pulled out all the stops for its

July 25, 2014

Mayfield opens business hotel in Dongdaemun

A suite in Mayplace Seoul Dongdaemun (Mayplace Seoul Dongdaemun)The Mayfield Hotel and Resort opened its first business hotel Mayplace in Dongdaemun, Seoul on Thursday.Mayplace is located within walking distance to major tourist spots in the capital such as Changgyeonggung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine. It’s also close to the shopping districts of Dongdaemun, Myeongdong and Insa-dong. “The location, outstanding service and reasonable price make the hotel an attractive accommodation option for both l

July 24, 2014

World traveler tallies 100 countries

Douglas Nickson makes lists of goals. Lots and lots of lists.Then, unlike you and me, he accomplishes them.Eighteen years ago, he was financially busted ― bankrupt. He had just gone through an emotional divorce.Nickson decided it was time to pull himself out of “my own Dark Ages.”He gathered a bunch of magazines and travel brochures with photos of landmarks around the world: Buckingham Palace. The Eiffel Tower. The Great Pyramid in Egypt.He cut out the pictures and glued them on 2-by-4-foot card

July 23, 2014

‘Imagine your Korea’ new tourism slogan

Korea has unveiled a new tourism slogan that highlights the nation as a trendy and cutting-edge travel destination. The Korea Tourism Organization announced on Tuesday the new tagline “Imagine your Korea” to replace the short-lived slogans “Dynamic Korea” and “Sparkling Korea.” While the former slogans stressed the nation’s economic and cultural dynamism, the new motto focuses on cultural appeals to foreigners. “Korea has a lot for foreign tourists to discover. Korea has changed from a cheap tou

July 22, 2014

[Weekender] Koreans suffer from stressful summer vacations

The scorching heat and humidity signals that it’s time to get away from daily responsibilities and set off for white sand beaches or lush green mountains. But summer vacation in Korea is often another round of stressful days. More than half of the population takes summer vacation during late July and early August. Beaches are crowded with endless stretches of colorful parasols. Added to this are congested highways and overpriced restaurants and hotels. The summer fantasy of relaxing on a peacefu

July 18, 2014

[Weekender] Gangwon offers something for everyone

Located in the eastern part of the Korean Peninsula, Gangwon Province is home to some of the most beautiful mountains in the country, on top of scenic beaches and clear water.The region is the most-visited summer destination for Seoulites, beating Jejudo Island and Busan.It is blessed with Gyeongpo Beach, the largest beach on the country’s east coast; the Hantangang River, a popular site for white-water rafting; and the peaceful Kwangchi Recreation Forest, which offers fascinating scenery that i

July 18, 2014

[Weekender] Armchair traveling, a new way to experience getaways

Long-awaited vacations always pass by all too soon, and it seems that to make the most out of that limited time, one simply has to fully savor the pretravel excitement and post-travel reminiscing.Luckily, it has become easier nowadays to find travel-inspired places all over Seoul, where aspiring travelers may obtain travel information and fatigued urbanites may feel a sense of freedom amid their pressing daily routine.The newest of these spots is the Hyundai Card Travel Library, which opened in

July 18, 2014

[Weekender] Sightseeing trains make hard to reach more convenient

Hoping to see vast rocky mountain ranges, but can’t face hiking? Want to see the crisp blue coast, but avoid the summer crowds? For summer travelers looking to enjoy Korea’s picturesque countryside, KORAIL’s sightseeing trains just might be the answer. The only question is: O, V or S? Early last year, the state-run rail operator launched the O-train and V-Train, with the goal of showcasing some of Korea’s hard-to-reach inland rural areas. Spring, summer, fall or winter, the exclusive sightseeing

July 18, 2014

Taking the scenic route through the 49th state

ANCHORAGE, Alaska ― Our quest was emblazoned on the T-shirts we were given before we left for Alaska: “8 men, 4 highways, 5 days, 865 miles.” On motorcycles.We were a mixed group of Sunday motorcycle-riding friends. Roger and Rod, both 71, had been pals since high school, and Roger had brought his son Josh, 31. Chris and Jonnie, both 48, and Steve and John, 53 and 51, respectively, had ridden together for years. All were veteran riders.We set out from Anchorage under a leaden early June sky, an

July 18, 2014

Beach getaways less than an hour from Incheon International Airport

Incheon International Airport is not just a gateway to Seoul and other major Asian cities, it is aslo a gateway to clean sandy beaches along Korea’s west coast. Less than an hour from the airport by bus, there are stretches of sandy beaches. Their surrounding areas make ideal vacation spots for those looking for quick and affordable trips away from the bustling cities of Seoul and Incheon.The Korea Railroad Corporation runs the Airport Express Train and the West Sea Beach Train, which provide da

July 13, 2014

Park service calls development plans a major threat to Grand Canyon

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK, Arizona ― At the rim of the Grand Canyon, busloads of Chinese tourists jostled on a recent day with 20-something backpackers and an Amish family with rambunctious boys in suspenders and straw hats, all eager for a prime viewing spot.They gazed out on a dizzying sight of receding canyons and sheer rock walls, with the Colorado River cutting through the canyon floor more than a kilometer down.Generations of park managers have tried to preserve that natural vista, but of

July 11, 2014

French presidents’ holiday retreat open to public

PARIS (AP) ― It’s an old fortress on a tiny island, surrounded by pine trees and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea: The Fort de Bregancon has been the very private holiday retreat of French leaders for decades. And now it’s open to the public. Socialist President Francois Hollande has decided to break with tradition and to show it to the masses for the first time instead of vacationing there, as a symbol of a toned-down presidential lifestyle in tough economic times. The stylish vill

July 11, 2014