The Korea Herald

Arches National Park an overlooked winter escape

ARCHES NATIONAL PARK, Utah ― I spent six hours scrambling across the frosted red rock, eyeing the endless blue above and surrendering to the quiet that commands this place in late January, when the obvious was finally put to me.“What are you doing out here ― in winter?”The question came from Kenna Chandler, 31, whom I encountered in the midst of a seven-mile hike through Devils Garden. I’d passed nearly a dozen of the park’s 2,000 red sandstone arches, carved from hundreds of thousands of years

Nov. 11, 2011

Arches National Park an overlooked winter escape

Han Bi-ya excited about new U.N. job, still loves to travel

JEJU ― Han Bi-ya, a popular travel writer and newly appointed advisor to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund, is excited about her new job and proud of her accomplishments. “My job is to aid underfunded emergencies around the world, and make sure the victims get the help they need,” Han told reporters during a press conference on Jeju, Tuesday. “I am very excited and will do my best for the next three years.”The 53-year-old, who is known for her best-selling travel books and emergency relief

Nov. 10, 2011

Han Bi-ya excited about new U.N. job, still loves to travel

Yes it ‘can’: Chicago museum’s lavatory is flush with fame

CHICAGO ― If you’re heading to the Field Museum to check out its world-class exhibits, you may want to consider stopping at its latest award-winning spot ― the restroom.This year’s 10th annual America’s Best Restroom contest, sponsored by Cintas Corp., named the Field Museum’s ground-floor restrooms as the top bathroom in America as chosen by online voters.The Field’s bathrooms were lauded for its two large break rooms featuring artwork of the night sky, “a calming image that also absorbs sound,

Nov. 9, 2011

Yes it ‘can’: Chicago museum’s lavatory is flush with fame

Founder of Lonely Planet takes wandering spirit to Jeju

The co-founder of the world’s largest travel guide book publisher shared his love of walking after spending a day at Jeju Olle, the famous hiking trail on Jeju Island, Monday.“Today everything is so fast,” Tony Wheeler, the co-founder of Lonely Planet, told reporters during a press conference on Jeju, after the official opening ceremony of 2011 World Trail Conference.He was scheduled to give a lecture titled “Walking this Planet” on Monday afternoon as a part of the three-day event.“We are alway

Nov. 7, 2011

Founder of Lonely Planet takes wandering spirit to Jeju

W Seoul-Walkerhill taps into Chinese market

Having seen a rapid rise in the number of travelers from the country this year, W Seoul-Walkerhill will enhance marketing to attract more Chinese people, said Greg Findlay, who was appointed general manager of the hotel in early October.About 45 percent of visitors are Koreans and the largest group among the international guests is Chinese, he said.“On the weekends, it’s generally Koreans coming out of Seoul to get away from the city. But China is growing and Japan is quite strong for us with th

Nov. 6, 2011

W Seoul-Walkerhill taps into Chinese market

Yosemite river plan could limit visitor access

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, California (AP) ― On busy days, more than 8,000 cars pass through Yosemite Valley in the nation’s third most-visited national park. But, there are only 1,100 parking spaces.The scarcity of visitor parking in the narrow glacial valley is just one of many challenges facing Yosemite National Park officials say as they launch their third attempt at a master plan to protect its heart, the Merced River.After striking out twice with the courts, park officials are asking the publ

Nov. 4, 2011

Yosemite river plan could limit visitor access

Grand dinner with Moet & Chandon

The Paris Grill at Grand Hyatt Seoul will hold “Grand Dinner with Moet & Chandon” from Nov. 11-27. The dinner will feature a five-course menu, designed by Moet & Chandon’s house chef Pascal Tingaud. The menu includes Parmesan sable, cappuccino of sea urchin, Carantec lobster, sea bass rolls, U.S. Creekstone beef tenderloin rossini and fig millefeuille. Vintage champagnes include Moet Chandon Grand Vintage 2003. The menu is priced at 110,000 won and 220,000 won, depending on the pairing of champa

Nov. 4, 2011

Imperial Palace Seoul offers Australian promotion

The hotel’s buffet restaurant Familia offers 11 Australian-Korean menus jointly with Meat & Livestock Australia from Nov. 7. The promotion will run for three weeks. Australian assistant executive chef Martin Todd Kindleysides’ menus include rare beef salad with chili lime dressing, braised beef cheeks and masterstock and chili and pineapple chicken. Lunch comes at 62,000 won and dinner, 72,000 won, during week days. On weekends, lunch is 68,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3440-8000.(yoo

Nov. 4, 2011

Foreign KTX users to get 30 percent discount

The Visit Korea Year Committee and Korail said foreigners who use KTX will be able to get up to 30 percent discount. The special offer runs through 2012, as the Visit Korea Year is 2010-2012. Anyone who is non-Korean can reserve the KTX ticket on the Website www.visitkoreayear.com and get the ticket offline.(yoonmi@heraldm.com)

Nov. 4, 2011

KTO to develop makgeolli tour product

The Korea Tourism Organization said it will develop tour packages that show rural areas to Japanese tourists who are interested in “makgeolli,” Korea’s traditional rice wine. With makgeolli getting more popular in Japan, demand for visits to makgeolli breweries and bars has soared, prompting the KTO to do market research across the nation, it said.Through Nov. 5, the KTO is to take Japanese travel industry officials to Busan, Jeonju, Jincheon, Pocheon and Seoul to explain how those cities can of

Nov. 4, 2011

Disney touch is all over Aulani complex

KO OLINA, Hawaii ― On leeward Oahu, it is 85 degrees, and the trade winds are blowing. Beyond a towering volcanic outcropping, the Pacific Ocean, at a steady 70 degrees, beckons. Honeymooners sip tropical drinks under a thatched-roof hut as the afternoon sun begins its lazy descent.This is Hawaii. Do you really need Disney?My wife, Nancy, and I and our 11-year-old daughter, Hannah, traveled last month to Disney’s new Hawaii resort to see whether Mickey Mouse & Co. could improve on near perfectio

Nov. 4, 2011

Aloha! Welcome to Hawaiian taste

Oahu’s fresh farm-to-table cuisine captivates international gourmandsOAHU, Hawaii ― When Manny Miles, 27, looks out from his farm field across the majestic Waianae Valley in Oahu, he sees a bright future for the food industry in Hawaii.Hawaii is a tourist paradise and has a long history as a favorite destination for honeymooners, but the tropical islands are now trying to receive high marks for its culinary scene.And young farmers like Miles have been at the heart of the farm-to-table movement

Oct. 28, 2011

Royal Caribbean partners with Miami chef on Oasis of the Seas

MIAMI ― Michael Schwartz, one of Miami’s top chefs, is bringing his star power and farm-to-table cuisine aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, designing all-new menus for one of the ship’s fine-dining restaurants, 150 Central Park, beginning with the Oct. 29 sailing.At first glance, it looks like an odd fit.Schwartz, owner of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink in the Design District and two other restaurants, specializes in rustic dishes, simple preparations and local, seasonal ingredients. Th

Oct. 28, 2011

Royal Caribbean partners with Miami chef on Oasis of the Seas

City Center to reopen after $56 million spruce-up

NEW YORK (AP) ― For one of the oldest major performing arts venues in New York ― one that’s hosted many of the world’s premier artists for nearly 70 years ― City Center seems to have had something of a self-esteem problem.It seated over 2,700 people in its main theater, but many of those seats were uncomfortable, the sightlines less than desirable. The lobby felt small and crowded. The beautiful vaulted ceiling in the upstairs lobby was dulled with layers of wear and dust.The distinctive neo-Moo

Oct. 28, 2011

Man near end of 80-day stay at Vancouver airport

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) ― It’s like the movie “The Terminal,” only it’s real. A man has been living in the Vancouver airport since Aug. 17 ― at the airport’s invitation.”I can’t leave. I’m stuck here,” Jaeger Mah explained to an airport volunteer who invited him to a party outside the airport Nov. 3.Since the party happens to fall on the last of Mah’s 80 days at the airport, he added, “Perhaps I could come after midnight.”Mah, 29, embarked on his unusual sojourn as the winner of a conte

Oct. 28, 2011

KTX discounts on Jeolla line

Korail, operator of the high-speed train KTX, said it will offer a variety of discount events to promote the newly established Jeolla KTX line. Teenagers who travel between KTX stations on the Jeolla line and those on other KTX lines will get a 20 percent discount from Nov. 1 to Dec. 31. For those who purchase tickets through SMS on mobiles and print out tickets, Korail will offer a 30 percent discount for 10 people per day, up to 570 people through Nov. 30. Users of the KTX Jeolla line will get

Oct. 28, 2011

The Shilla Jeju discounts holiday package

For those who book early for the year-end and New Year holiday, the hotel will offer the “Happy Holiday Package.” The package includes outdoor swimming with live concerts, French wine tasting for two, use of lobby lounge and unlimited tangerines. For those who check-in in December, a Santa’s gift will be given to one child per family. The bookings should be made for stays between Dec. 23 and Jan. 1, and between Jan. 20 and Jan. 24. The price is 380,000 per night. Call 1588-1142. (yoonmi@heraldm.

Oct. 28, 2011

Hyatt Regency Incheon offers winemaker’s dinner

The hotel is to invite Italian winemaker Enzo Agresta from Fontanafredda winery in Piedmont on Nov. 11 to introduce the history and regional uniqueness of representative wines there. Featuring Piedmont wines and dishes from northwest Italia, the dinner will be priced at 180,000 won per person and 150,000 won for CATH (Club At The Hyatt) members. For details, visit www.hyattregencyincheon.com or call (032) 745-1713~1716.(yoonmi@heraldm.com)

Oct. 28, 2011

W Funky Halloween

In celebration of the Halloween, W Seoul-Walkerhill will throw a “FUNKY HALLOWEEN Party with DJ Gigi Barocco” on Saturday night. WooBar will draw its curtains in the midst of funky neon colors, flashy laser lights and spooky decorations. DJ Gigi Barocco, with pop-style electronic music, will drive the heated party, the hotel said. Tickets are 50,000 won via InterPark and 60,000 won at the door. The party starts at 10 p.m. For details, call WooBar at (02) 2022-0333. (yoonmi@heraldm.com)

Oct. 28, 2011

Winemaker’s dinner at Il Ponte

Il Ponte, Millennium Seoul Hilton’s Italian restaurant, offers a special winemaker’s dinner showcasing Dievole wines on Oct. 28. The gala dinner will feature a six-course dinner paired with a full line-up of Dievole wines. These wines will be paired with dishes such as red onion ravioli filled with

Oct. 21, 2011