The Korea Herald

U.K. enhances airport security measures

LONDON (AP) ― Britain has authorized airport security staff to require any traveler to turn on electronic devices as a way to test for hidden explosives. France and Germany are implementing similar measures, but only for travel to and from the United States.American intelligence officials are worried about new al-Qaida efforts to produce a bomb. Powering up computers or phones allows screeners to make sure that explosives have not been substituted for batteries or essential components. Travelers

July 11, 2014

Banyan Tree invites guests to 20 select resorts

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts is offering an accommodation package that includes 40 nights at 20 select Banyan Tree and Angsana resorts in 11 countries. Highlights of the 40-night itinerary named “Around the World in 20 Ways” include a thrill-seeking flight over Mauritius and an organic farm experience in the Seychelles; a lesson in falconry in the UAE desert; and relaxing in hot springs in China. Guests who book the package can start or finish their journey at

July 11, 2014

Singapore Food Festival offers diverse culinary cultures

The annual Singapore Food Festival celebrates the cultural and gastronomic diversity of Singapore from July 11-20 throughout the city. Themed “A Walk Down Memory Lane,” this year’s edition celebrates the festival’s 20-year history, offering an array of dining experiences and cuisines. Highlights include Nyonya Mobile, where people can sample various traditional and modern interpretations of Peranakan cuisine; BBQ by the Beach, which invites people to dine on Sentosa’s Palawan Beach with a buffet

July 11, 2014

Seoul offers discount coupons for tourists to four Asian cities

Seoul Metropolitan Government is offering special discount coupons from this week for Korean nationals who plan on visiting four Asian cities ― Tokyo, Delhi, Jakarta and Taipei.The coupon, dubbed the “One Asia Pass,” offers discount rates ranging from 5 to 50 percent to the cities’ various tourist attractions and accommodations, such as restaurants, tour buses, airfares and museums. The coupon, which can be downloaded for free at the website of Seoul Metropolitan government, can be used in all o

July 7, 2014

Home of ‘The Hourglass’ looks to expand tourism reach

For years, the East Coast beachside area of Jeongdongjin in Gangneung City, Gangwon Province has been riding the coattails of one of the nation’s most popular 90s TV dramas, “The Hourglass,” featuring Choi Min-Soo, Lee Jung-Jae and Park Sang-won. The SBS political crime series first aired in 1995 and is still considered one of the most significant and highest-rated TV productions in Korean drama history and had drama fans flocking to the coast to see first-hand some of the show’s iconic filming

July 4, 2014

Home of ‘The Hourglass’ looks to expand tourism reach

West of old, new and myth meet in Colorado

DURANGO, Colorado ― Without railroads and mines, what would the American West be? Less populous, less prosperous, less polluted. And the town of Durango might not be anything at all.Durango, sporty and historic, stands almost 2,000 meters above sea level among the San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado, its downtown streets skirted by the Animas River. Look past the runners, rock climbers, kayakers and fly-fishers, past the rampant Subaru wagons, the snowboarders of winter and the second-home-o

July 4, 2014

West of old, new and myth meet in Colorado

Cardboard boat race to take place on Hangang River

A fun boat race will be held on the Hangang River in August.The event titled “Box1Race” is a competition in which participants will peddle their boats made with cardboard boxes and other materials. Cardboard boat races are held around the world. In Box1Race, a total of 400 teams will compete, using one-of-a-kind cardboard boats. Participants are required to make their boats with a given set of corrugated cardboard sheets and cohesive materials such as duct tape. Poster for the cardboard boat rac

July 4, 2014

Cardboard boat race to take place on Hangang River

Ocean Grove boardwalk reopens after Sandy damage

OCEAN GROVE, New Jersey (AP) ― With the ceremonial reopening of the Ocean Grove boardwalk Thursday morning, most of the Jersey shore’s boardwalks are back in business following Superstorm Sandy. The walkway in the Ocean Grove section of Neptune Township was the final major project to rebuild a boardwalk damaged by the storm, but it was not the last. Part of Long Branch’s storm-wrecked boardwalk won’t be repaired until this fall. And the Seaside Park boardwalk, destroyed by a spectacular fire las

July 4, 2014

Tourist police to patrol in Busan and Incheon

As the number of foreign tourists is on the rise, tourist police debuted in Busan and Incheon this week. The special police unit that patrols major tourist areas to watch out for illegal tourism businesses launched in Seoul last year. The tourist police are fluent in foreign languages including English, Chinese and Japanese will patrol popular tourist attractions such as Haeundae, Gwangalli and Jagalchi Market in Busan and Incheon International Airport, Songdo and China Town in Incheon. The Seou

July 4, 2014

Air Busan offers huge discounts on international flights

Air Busan offers large discounts on international flights until July 7 as part of its annual summer sale. Roundtrip tickets between Busan and neighboring cities such as Fukuoka, Osaka, Tokyo, Macau and Hong Kong start from 116,800 won to 195,600 won, including fuel tax and airport fees. All flights depart from Busan International Airport. Flights to Southeast Asian countries are priced around 200,000 won. Roundtrip flights between Busan and Taipei are 183,800 won, between Busan and Cebu is 217,0

July 4, 2014

[Weekender] Around the hotels

July accommodation package at Oakwood Premier Coex Center Oakwood Premier Coex Center is offering the “O My July” accommodation package for the month of July. The package includes a one-night stay at the hotel and a summer desert of shaved ice topped with red beans, fresh fruits, macaroons and ice cream for two people. It also comes with free access to the gym and swimming pool. The price for a room at Studio Superior is 210,000 won and a room at Studio Premier is 230,000 won, excluding tax and

July 4, 2014

‘Game of Thrones’ puts Northern Ireland on the map

BELFAST (AP) ― Giants, dragons and vengeful queens have for generations populated Northern Ireland’s folk tales. Now, such creatures are visiting the land in a different version ― on the sets for the hit TV show “Game of Thrones.” But rather than spells and destruction, they’re bringing an economic boost to this British province still healing from its past of political violence. Fans of the HBO fantasy drama would recognize here the landscapes from the fictional land of Westeros ― the castle of

June 27, 2014

‘Game of Thrones’ puts Northern Ireland on the map

Miami’s Virginia Key transforms from desolate hammock to tropical wilderness

MIAMI ― Just seven years ago, the 17-acre hammock in Historic Virginia Key Beach Park was as desolate as a moonscape, but now it brims with native plants and wildlife.Volunteer Gary Hunt, armed with a Home Depot fanny pack and a floppy tan hat, walks the overgrown path, pointing out hundreds of new trees and recalling the owls and warblers he has spotted in the park.“This shows you very profoundly what volunteer effort can do,” Hunt said.Volunteers like Hunt have helped transform Virginia Key in

June 27, 2014

Miami’s Virginia Key transforms from desolate hammock to tropical wilderness

Photo contest to receive submissions in August

The Korea Tourism Organization is holding the 42nd Korea Tourism Photo Contest to select the 100 best photographs of Korea. Anyone can submit film or digital photo files from Aug. 20-27 to the state tourism organization. Submitted photos should reflect the charms of Korea in diverse fields such as landscape, culture, stage performance, trends and festivals. The winners will be announced on Oct. 15. The top winner will be presented by president of the organization with 5 million won in prize mone

June 27, 2014

Summer nights at Gyeongbokgung

Gyeongbokgung, a royal palace from the Joseon era (1392-1910) in Seoul, will remain open at night for visitors for 12 days this summer. From July 30 to Aug. 11 (closed on Aug. 5), the palace gates will be open from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. (admission by 9 p.m.), according to the Cultural Heritage Administration. The number of nighttime visitors will be limited to a daily maximum of 1,500 people: 1,390 tickets allocated for online reservation and 110 for onsite sales. The tickets cost 3,000 won and t

June 27, 2014

9/11 museum counts 300,000 visitors since opening

NEW YORK (AP) ― Over 300,000 people have visited the Sept. 11 museum since it opened little more than a month ago, exceeding expectations, officials said this week.Organizers see it as a strong start for the ground zero museum, which had faced questions about its $24 ticket price. The attendance total has topped projections by about 5 percent since the institution opened to the public May 21 and to 9/11 survivors and victims’ relatives six days earlier, President Joe Daniels said.Built amid the

June 27, 2014

[Weekender] Around the Hotels

Scallop and king crab promotion at Grand Ambassador SeoulGrand Ambassador Seoul’s international dining restaurant Cafe de Chef is offering special dishes made with scallops and soft king crab, as well as fresh seasonal ingredients until Aug. 15. The “Scallop & King Crab Pasta” set menu -- priced at 44,000 won -- includes access to the salad bar and a choice of either a crab meat cream sauce pasta or a basil sauce pasta with potatoes, beans and scallops. The “King Crab Business” set menu -- price

June 27, 2014

[Best Brand] Renaissance Seoul Hotel offers summer packages

Outside view of Renaissance Seoul Hotel at night in Gangnam, southern SeoulHotel (F&B) - Renaissance Seoul HotelSummer is near and Renaissance Seoul, located in the upscale Gangnam district of Seoul, offers summer packages for guests who would like to enjoy their holidays in the city.The summer packages come in three different price ranges. All prices exclude tax.The Summer Saving package consists of one night’s accommodation, complimentary use of the swimming pool and recreation center and a 5

June 25, 2014

[Best Brand] Imperial Palace Seoul promises summer breaks

An outdoor swimming pool at Imperial Palace SeoulHotel (Business) - Imperial Palace SeoulIf you’re looking for a cool summer break with great food, music and a dip in the pool, look no further than Imperial Palace Seoul. Located right in the middle of the capital’s expensive district of Gangnam, the hotel offers everything a vacationer would dream of: a premium fine-dining experience, a dance party, unlimited wine, champagne and draft beer on top of live performances of jazz, pop-opera and magi

June 25, 2014

[Herald Interview] Venture beyond modern wonders in Dubai

Modern architecture and luxurious hotels are the images often associated with Dubai. But behind this modern image are traditional Arabic charms, says Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, director of overseas offices within the Dubai Corporation of Tourism and Commerce Marketing. “Dubai has catered to luxury travelers, but there is also a lot to discover behind the modern and luxurious side of the city,” Al Geziry told The Korea Herald on Thursday. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry. (Lee Sang-sub/The Korea Herald)Al

June 20, 2014

[Herald Interview] Venture beyond modern wonders in Dubai