Amsan Ice Festival canceled due to warm winter

Ice festival lovers living in the country’s southeastern Yeongnam area, which covers South Gyeongsang Province, North Gyeongsang Province, Daegu, Busan and Ulsan, will need to travel further afield to enjoy this year’s winter festival, as the Amsan Ice Festival has been canceled due to unusually warm winter temperatures. The Amsan Ice Festival, which was scheduled to take place in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, is one of the most visited winter festivals in the Yeongnam area,

Jan. 14, 2024

Wintertime fun fill tranquil towns

POCHEON, Gyeonggi Province -- January may still be a time of hibernation for bears, snakes, frogs and others, but that is not so the case for some villages in northern areas of South Korea. Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, home to the Republic of Korea V Corps, is seldom visited by outsiders other than those visiting to see their friends, sons or brothers serving their mandatory military duty. However, things change in the winter months when this quiet locale becomes crowded with people from around

Jan. 13, 2024

[Around the hotels] Promotions and packages

Hanhwa Resort Pyeongchang presents winter sports package Hanhwa Resort Pyeongchang is offering a special all-in-one package for winter sports enthusiasts. The “Extreme Winter In Pyeongchang” package features a one-night stay and breakfast. Guests may choose a free six-hour lift ticket, a ticket to be used in a sledding park, or ski or snowboard rental. The tickets can be used at the nearby ski resort Phoenix Park in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province. The promotion offers a 55 percent dis

Jan. 12, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Seoul Lantern Festival Held annually since 2009, the Seoul Lantern Festival is again taking place across Gwanghwamun Square and just to the south of it at Cheonggye Plaza and Seoul Plaza. The lights come on from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. every day through Jan. 21. Also open at the same time is the Gwanghwamun Square Market, potentially the largest winter flea market in the capital. Seasonal goods including crafts and street food are offered. Both cash and credit cards are accepted at the stores. Bot

Jan. 12, 2024

Escape winter’s chill, dive into paradise in Vietnam

HANOI, Vietnam -- If the abounding lush green paddies and the Trump-Kim Hanoi summit click in your mind about Vietnam, you’re missing out on a big part, because the country has much more to offer. From waves gently hitting the shores and palm trees swaying in the distance to natural wildlife experiences, Vietnam aims to be South Korean travelers’ most sought-after destination this year, with its unique blend of traditions, cuisine and customs. The country had welcomed over 11.2 milli

Jan. 6, 2024

Indoors doesn't have to mean boring

The winter may have you huddling indoors to avoid the weather, but that doesn't mean you have to narrow your horizons. To prove this, Gyeonggi Tourism Organization has announced six indoor destinations in Gyeonggi Province for travelers looking to enjoy the holidays while avoiding the cold weather. The recommended destinations include museums featuring trick art, comics, a virtual reality studio and more. Paju Heyri Trick Art Located in northwestern Gyeonggi Province, Paju Heyri Trick Art

Jan. 6, 2024

Seoul to renovate city walking trail to be more accessible, attractive

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Thursday it will renovate the city’s footpaths, called “dullegil” in Korean, to allow more travelers to finish the complete walking trail safely. Though the total length of the trail remains the same, major changes will be made with the courses and tourism facilities. Seoul Dullegil circles the city on a 156.5-kilometer course divided into eight paths. Feeling most of the courses were too long -- averaging nearly 20 kilometers -- Seoul Met

Jan. 5, 2024

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

All-in-one park in Paju At First Garden Park in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, visitors can try everything from riding a train that runs across the park to fishing for smelt. Street food is available too. The festivities run through the end of February. All-inclusive tickets, covering up to six attractions and sledding without snow, are priced at 27,000 won for admissions starting at 11 a.m., and 23,000 won for those entering the park after 1 p.m. The fees are the same for adults and children. For

Jan. 5, 2024

Explore dragon-themed travel sites in Gyeongsang region

While food tours or luxury adventure vacations are surefire crowd-pleasers, exploring South Korea's many sites inspired by the mythical dragon creature will offer holidaymakers a chance to learn more about the country, its culture and history in 2024, the year of the blue dragon. Busan’s Haedong Yonggung Temple If you are looking to hit some towns in South Gyeongsang Province or pay a visit to Busan, the popular coastal town at the southern part of the Korean Peninsula, consider add

Jan. 1, 2024

Local governments up safety measures for year-end festivals

Hoping to keep New Year's festivals safe, local governments are planning to focus their efforts on crowd control at desirable travel destinations across the country which are popular for watching the first sunrise of 2024. Gangneung, a popular year-round travel destination facing out to the East Sea in Gangwon Province, has organized a special safety management team, encompassing the city’s police, firefighters and other travel-related officials to closely monitor the on-site situatio

Dec. 30, 2023

Bidding farewell to last sunset of 2023

Haenam sunset festival From Haenam, a county located in South Jeolla Province at the southernmost tip of the Korean Peninsula, to Gangneung, Gangwon Province, a popular year-round travel spot facing the East Sea, desirable travel destinations are set to entertain those who wish to bid farewell to 2023 while watching the last sunset of the year on Sunday. Haenam’s Ttangkkeut Village, visited by countless travelers hoping to watch the last sunset or catch a glimpse of the first sunrise of th

Dec. 30, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Gwanghwamun Square Market Potentially the largest winter market in the capital is taking place at Gwanghwamun Square through Jan. 21, 2024. Open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the market not only sells seasonal goods, including crafts, but also offers street food from food trucks. The Seoul Lantern Festival is taking place concurrently, across Gwanghwamun Square and just to the south at Cheonggye Plaza and Seoul Plaza. The Gwanghwamun Square Market and lighting show are open during the same period

Dec. 29, 2023

Moroccan marvels: Dive into North Africa's diverse cultural heritage

RABAT, Morocco — The Kingdom of Morocco is expanding its presence in South Korea's travel market as tourists seek new destinations for travel from Korea. Morocco presents itself as a richly diverse "melting pot" in terms of beliefs, ethnic groups and ways of life. The country is located on the African continent, but only one hour away from southern Spain by ferry, spanning from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, bordered by Mauritania and Algeria. Due to its strategic positio

Dec. 23, 2023

Chuncheon hosts Christmastime promotions, events

The city of Chuncheon -- about a two-hour drive east of Seoul -- in Gangwon Province seeks to add to the Christmas atmosphere with special promotions and events. According to the city of Chuncheon, it will offer opportunities for visitors to enjoy Samaksan Mountain Lake Cable Car at a discount. For travelers who upload a post to social media like Instagram with Christmas-themed accessories or outfits in Christmas colors, 1 in 3 visitors will have their ticket fee waived. The event runs through C

Dec. 22, 2023

[Photo News] Everland’s favorite panda mascot

Giant Bao, a massive blown-up balloon version of Everland’s popular panda Fu Bao, has become a go-to tourist attraction in the largest theme park and zoo in South Korea. It has been a year of Fu Bao -- the first panda to be born naturally in Korea in 2020 -- for Everland as countless visitors fell in love with the panda's lovely charm and cuteness. Everland has prepared a special photo zone with the 12-meter-tall mascot at the entrance. Visitors can take pictures with other installati

Dec. 22, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Lighting at Cheonggye Plaza Cheonggye Plaza is lit up in festival lights until the end of this month from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visitors can drop by and see the area illuminated with a giant Christmas tree set up along the Cheonggye Stream, which runs from west to east starting from the plaza. There is no admission fee. Parking and public bathrooms are not separately available. Visitors are encouraged to use the subway. The nearest stations to the area are Exit No. 5 from Gwanghwamun Station on

Dec. 22, 2023

North Gyeongsang Province beckons tourists with UNESCO World Heritage

With Gaya Tumuli as the country’s latest addition to the list of UNESCO World Heritage in early September, North Gyeongsang Province now offers six UNESCO World Heritage sites for tourists, each capturing travelers’ hearts with different charms. Gaya Tumuli refers to the seven tomb clusters of Korea’s ancient Gaya Kingdom (42 BC-562 AD). The historical site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its universal value as archaeological evidence of Gaya culture, and sh

Dec. 21, 2023

Outdoor ice skating rinks open for winter season

Several outdoor ice skating rinks are opening this weekend, beckoning winter sports lovers. Though the ice condition may not satisfy the most sensitive skaters, outdoor rinks are a popular option for fun with one's family and friends, enjoying the cold season to the fullest at an affordable price. Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink is arguably the most popular and accessible outdoor skating rink in the nation. Located in front of City Hall in central Seoul, the rink is a favorite for skaters from

Dec. 20, 2023

Haenam poised to become top travel destination for culture, history buffs

When searching for cities to visit and learn about the history of Korea, the capitals of old Korean kingdoms, such as Seoul; Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province; and Gongju, South Chungcheong Province, may be the first to come to mind. While all three cities boast ancient architecture, a rich cultural heritage and a unique appeal in their own right, there is a lesser known historical gem that is certainly worth a visit. Haenam -- a small county located close at the southernmost point of the Kore

Dec. 16, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Nature Park A zoo for those curious about how animals survive winter has opened in Daegu. Visitors can feed the animals and enjoy the nearby flower garden and playground. Through early January, guests will receive presents if they buy a “Lucky Bag” sold on the spot. Admission is priced at 20,000 won for adults and 18,000 won for elementary school students and younger. The zoo is open Wednesday to Monday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with last admissions at 5 p.m. More details are avail

Dec. 15, 2023