Queensland promotes tourism to bounce back above pre-pandemic levels

Tourism and Events Queensland, a statutory body of Australia's Queensland government, announced on Tuesday the ambitious goal of promoting state’s tourism with beautiful nature-themed programs and unique cultural experiences. “Travelers can experience nature-based tourism, adventure and discovery. Queensland will offer an exciting opportunity for the visitors to come across indigenous culture programs as well,” Katie Mills, international director of TEQ, said during a pres

Sept. 9, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights around Korea

Yulbom Botanical Garden Impatiens Flower Season, Gwangju The Impatiens Flower Festival, which kicked off on July 31, will run through Sept. 10 at Yulbom Botanical Garden in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province. Flower lovers can enjoy both impatiens and sunpatiens flowers spread around the 66,000 square meter areas. As there are plenty of benches and bedsteads, visitors can relax and enjoy their break to the fullest. Visitors can dye their fingernails orange using impatiens flowers as well. Other hands-on

Sept. 8, 2023

Explore depths of history during 'Byeongsan Seowon Stay' in Andong

ANDONG, North Gyeongsang Province – Andong is renowned not only for its hanok, but also for its neo-Confucian academies, called "seowon," which draw visitors year after year. As a special program open to the public during the World Heritage Festival period, the Cultural Heritage Administration and the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation unveiled "Byeongsan Seowon Stay," an overnight program that will be offered from Friday to Sept. 17 by reservation. The unique program o

Sept. 7, 2023

Work and explore in Korea's scenic destinations

The Culture Ministry and the Korea Tourism Organization have unveiled a "workation" program, spanning 16 regions across the nation, away from the bustling city of Seoul. The pilot initiative is aimed to give people a chance to step away from conventional office settings and experience a change in their work environment, while also potentially stimulating local economies. The ongoing application process, launched Tuesday, will be carried out until Oct. 30., on a first-come, first-served

Sept. 2, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights around Korea

Wonju Dancing Carnival The Wonju Dancing Carnival will be held at the Wonju Sports Complex in Gangwon Province from Sept. 22 to 24. The event will feature various programs, including art performances, a dance competition, a fringe festival, a free dancing festa and more. K-pop girl group Fromis_9 and singers Insooni and Kim Bum-soo are scheduled to perform on stage. Admission for all seats costs 10,000 won. Wonju residents can buy tickets for 5,000 won. More information can be found at www.ddcwj

Sept. 1, 2023

Guam invites visitors for unforgettable Chuseok holiday

The Pacific island of Guam is just a four-hour flight away from Seoul, and the island is beckoning Korean visitors over the upcoming Chuseok holiday. The traditional holiday has been extended to a six-day break this year -- Sept. 28 to Oct. 3 -- with Oct. 2 being designated as a temporary holiday, connecting the Chuseok holiday to National Foundation Day on Oct. 3. Guam, although a small island of 549 square kilometers, is abound with resorts near Tumon Bay for all kinds of travelers: young and

Aug. 31, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights around Korea

Yangpyeong Catfish Barbels Festival The Yangpyeong Catfish Barbels Festival seeks to become another exciting summer event for festival lovers, offering a diverse array of water activities and hands-on programs. This year’s festival is taking place at Sumi Village in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province. The festival started on June 6 and will run through Sept. 3. Tourists can also enjoy bear-handed fishing, ATV rides, bubble fights and barbecues. Tickets vary by program. Online reservations can b

Aug. 25, 2023

Korea tourism festival to be held in Frankfurt

Stories of Korean culture and tourism are set to captivate Germany at a major outdoor festival held in Frankfurt this weekend, in commemoration of the 140 years of diplomatic bond between the two nations, the Korea Tourism Organization announced Monday. Kicking off on Friday, the three-day festival will unfold at the Rossmarkt Square in Frankfurt. The festival is held in connection to the renowned Museum Embankment Festival, also known as Museumsufer Fest, an annual celebration of art and cultur

Aug. 21, 2023

Gwanaksan, a popular southern Seoul mountain in summer

Gwanaksan, the mountain stretching across parts of southern Seoul and Gyeonggi Province, always welcomes hikers of all ages with a total of 15 hiking trails that can be approached from multiple subway stations in Seoul, Anyang and Gwacheon. With its subway-accessible trails, Gwanaksan is one of Seoul's most popular mountains, especially among those in southern Seoul, in any season. This summer, an outdoor swimming pool opened on July 7 in Gwanaksan, but the seemingly endless monsoon rains,

Aug. 19, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights around Korea

LCK Fan Festa, Daejeon The League of Legends Champions Korea’s Fan Festa is scheduled to be held at the Daejeon Convention Center Hall 1 in Daejeon from Friday to Sunday. The three-day esports festival is held to entertain fans prior to the upcoming LCK 2023 Summer final match, which takes place at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Both final match ticket holders and visitors of all ages are welcome without any admission fees. The event features various programs, including Riot's games such as League

Aug. 18, 2023

[By the Highway] Expressway service areas: More than just stopovers

Rest stops are a place where one passes through on the way to going somewhere else. They are not a destination. At rest stops, drivers rush in to use the toilets, stretch themselves after long hours in a car and grab something to eat. However, some of these roadside establishments have gone beyond their traditional role, positioning themselves to become new cultural spaces. While a number of service areas have failed in their grand ambitions after installing entertainment facilities, including

Aug. 12, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights around Korea

Beer Fest Gwangju The 2023 Beer Fest Gwangju, which started on Thursday and runs through Saturday, is taking place at Kimdaejung Convention Center Exhibition Hall and its out door plaza in Gwangju. The festival offers HiteJinro’s all-new malt beer Kelly and Hite Zero, which cost 4,000 won. Snacks including sausages, chopped steak, grilled octopus and fried chicken are offered as well. Performances will take place throughout the festival from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., featuring popular DJs. For mo

Aug. 11, 2023

[By the Highway] Taste local specialties at Osu, Chungju rest stops

As food-based tours have become a popular trend in South Korea, pushing historical sites and beautiful tourist attractions down in the list of vacationers' priorities, well-known restaurants and unique cafes garner unprecedented attention from holidaymakers. Though highway rest stops were considered a place to quench one's thirst and relieve hunger with instant food and snacks, some roadside establishments -- which promote their local specialties with unique culinary offerings -- are l

Aug. 5, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Taebaek Sunflower Festival The Taebaek Sunflower Festival is scheduled to run until Aug. 15 at Guwau village in Taebaek, Gangwon Province. Visitors can enjoy the village’s wide array of colorful wildflowers and sunflowers. The event features busking performances by local artists, artwork exhibition and hands-on activities, including goat feeding, succulents planting experience and more. The festival events run from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are priced at 5,000 won for adults and 3,000 won f

Aug. 4, 2023

[By the Highway] Get a glimpse of traditional Korea at Gyeonggi Gwangju Service Area

GWANGJU, Gyeonggi Province -- If you think rest stops on South Korean highways are just places for drivers to stretch their legs, gas up the cars or use the restroom, prepare to be surprised. Many of these roadside establishments have cool building designs, stunning eateries serving local food, popular coffee shop chains and more. Gyeonggi Gwangju Service Area, a rest stop on the Gwangju-Wonju Expressway bound for Wonju, offers a glimpse into the country’s quality ceramic ware. In the food

July 29, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Jinan Red Ginseng Festival The Red Ginseng Festival is set to take place in the northern region of Maisan in Jinan, North Jeolla Province, from Sept. 22 to 24. The event entertains visitors with various programs and cultural activities, including a red ginseng cocktail experience, a special stamp tour, a concert with local artists, a trot festival and more. It also offers a chance for festival-goers to purchase Jinan’s renowned red ginseng at discounted prices. Admission fees vary by progr

July 28, 2023

Village de Ananti adds colorful layer to Gijang's tranquility

Gijang-gun, BUSAN -- When it comes to must-visit destinations in Busan, the spotlights often fall on the breathtaking Haeundae Beach and the bustling Jagalchi Market, not to mention the internationally acclaimed Busan International Film Festival area. However, nestled in the tranquil northeastern side of Busan City lies a hidden gem that remains relatively unknown to many: Gijang-gun. This hidden coastal enclave boasts stunning blue waters less affected by urban pollution, and is a haven for sur

July 27, 2023

Hanbok, photo studio experiences popular with foreign tourists

Incoming foreign tourists appear increasingly interested in daily life in Korea, including photo studios and hanbok, Korea's traditional costume, data showed Tuesday. According to Creatrip, a Korean content and commerce platform aimed at travelers, the number of searches it handled related to traveling in Korea in the first half of the year came to just over 945,000, up 88 percent from the previous half. Hanbok and photo studios were the most- and second-most searched-for topics, respective

July 26, 2023

Seoul Summer Beach 2023 water festival kicks off in Gwanghwamun Square

Seoul Summer Beach 2023, part of government-planned water festivals installed throughout Seoul, kicked off Friday in Gwanghwamun Square and run through Aug. 13. The festival features various attractions, including Korea-themed splash pads, a 20-meter-long waterslide, and an air bounce house surrounded by 600 years of history. All attractions are available free of charge. Splash pads will run for 50-minute sessions from 10 a.m. to 9:50 p.m., with 10-minute breaks between each session. The watersl

July 25, 2023

[Travel Bits] Festivals, sights across Korea

Lotus and Water Lily Festival, Jeju Island The Lotus and Water Lily Festival, which began July 7, will run through Aug. 31 at Hallim Park, one of the most popular tourist spots on Jeju Island. The park, spanning almost 100,000 square meters, is home to various types of flowers and plants. More than a hundred types of lotus and water lily flowers are in full bloom during the summer. Admission is 9,000 won, 10,000 won and 15,000 won for children, teenagers and adults, respectively. Online reservat

July 21, 2023