Ambassadors revel in Korea’s bucolic beauties

BONGHWA, ANDONG, North Gyeongsang Province ― A group of foreign envoys traveled to Korea’s countryside last weekend, discovering the country’s unexplored treasures, while taking a break from their industrious diplomatic duties. The “2015 V-Tour for Ambassadors and Foreign Correspondents” took a trip to Bonghwa County and Andong, North Gyeongsang Province. The two-day trip from June 26-27 was organized by the Herald Corp. and supported by the North Gyongsang Province Tourism Corporation, Bonghwa

July 3, 2015

Bali, Bandung beckon with natural wonders

BALI, BANDUNG, Indonesia ― From the crystal-colored waters of a volcanic mountaintop in West Java to the soft sands of Bali’s beaches, two Indonesian tourist destinations offer visitors a chance to escape the day-to-day hassle of urban life at lower-than-expected prices.Stepping into the airport of Bandung, the capital of West Java, Indonesia, visitors will be greeted by swarming traffic, humid air, and streets filled with motorcycles ― the choice of transportation for many locals.But at the cit

June 26, 2015

[Weekender] Hidden hot spots in Seoul

While places like Myeong-dong, Garosu-gil and Hongdae are still popular meeting spots where both Seoulites and tourists flock, in recent years, a slew of new hot spots have sprung up, grabbing attention of those wanting something different. These lesser-known districts are smaller than the mainstream hangouts. Yet, they boast unique, chic and sometimes kitsch ambiences that are not easily found at the usual nightspots saturated with big name chains. These up-and-coming neighborhoods can be diffi

June 26, 2015

[Best Brand] Imperial Palace Seoul offers European luxury

Located in the heart of Seoul’s business district, Imperial Palace Seoul hotel offers the unexpected luxury of staying in an opulent Baroque-style room. With highly detailed decorations and luxurious furniture, the award-winning hotel with 26 years of history seeks the best in service and style under the motto of “The Best of Everything.” The homegrown Korean hotel company branched out overseas, now operating IP City Hotel Fukuoka in Japan and planning to open a new one in Osaka next year. The h

June 25, 2015

[Best Brand] Oakwood Premier Coex redefines residence comfort

Those seeking chic, refined living quarters during their stay in Korea may want to visit Oakwood Premier Coex Center Seoul, an exclusive serviced residence in the city.By combining the luxurious amenities of a hotel and spacious living quarters of a private home, Oakwood provides an unparalleled living experience for both short-term and long-term residents. The 280-unit property is undergoing renovations that will be completed by July 5. Previously furnished with classic-themed interior decorati

June 25, 2015

The unstoppable dreamer

DANGJIN, South Chungcheong Province ― Sailing solo, nonstop, unassisted by motor power for 41,900 kilometers to circumnavigate the globe: That is the feat achieved by Kim Seung-jin. Returning to Waemokhang Harbor in South Chungcheong Province on May 16 after 209 days on the high seas, Kim became the sixth person in the world and the first Korean ever to have successfully completed the challenge.I met up with Kim, 53, at his trailer base camp at Waemokhang Harbor, a small village known for its be

June 19, 2015

Travel Bits

AirAsia offers early-bird discountAirAsia, Malaysia’s budget airline, will offer special discounts to those seeking to plan their autumn and winter travel vacations early.The airliner’s “Early Bird” program will enable travelers to take advantage of its discount when going to international destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Manila from Korea’s Incheon between Oct. 1 this year and Feb. 14, 2015. The program also includes special offers for flights from Incheon and Busan in Korea to Sy

June 19, 2015

Around the Hotels

Live music at Park Hyatt BusanPark Hyatt Busan’s Living Room Bar is presenting a series of exciting music performances from jazz band BigFace. The band features a range of diverse instruments such as the piano, saxophone, drums and trumpet, and vocals. Mondays will feature swing music; Tuesdays, a trio of piano, bass and vocals; Wednesdays, contemporary jazz renditions of early Bach and more; Thursdays, soft and romantic music; and on Fridays, Latin jazz. Saturdays will see an exhilarating perfo

June 19, 2015

[Market & Merchants] Bangsan Market ― where packaging meets aromatic materials

Bangsan Market in Jung-gu, Seoul ― just 6-7 minutes walk west from the renowned Dongdaemun Market ― may look like another traditional Korean market that sells all sorts of food and household accessories and products from the outset.But as visitors walk toward the entrance of Bangsan Market, they will immediately feel and notice a difference on the street as they pass by specialty stores that sell faucets, wallpaper and lighting equipment mostly for businesses.Walk a little more and step inside B

June 16, 2015

Travel Bits

Train ride to Korean rural regionsKorail is offering train tour packages to city slickers seeking to get away from their city lives and travel to rural areas to experience their food and farming culture this month.In partnership with government agencies such as the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Rural Development Administration, Korail’s “Rail Green” train tour will enable travelers to visit traditional farming villages.The train will take them to places such as Gwangyan

June 12, 2015

Yangshuo, perfect destination for soul-searching in China

For urban dwellers who are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city and dream of a break in a remote corner of the world, Yangshuo, a rural Chinese town in southern China, might be the perfect destination. The 2,000-year-old town is under the jurisdiction of Guilin City in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region of southwest China. It has just 30,000 people, but its world-class scenery of endless karst peaks and winding rivers make it a big draw for tourists. Guilin and Yangshuo, both of which ha

June 12, 2015

Expect most out of nature in Uljin

ULJIN COUNTY, North Gyeongsang Province ― Roughly a four-hour drive from the bustling city center of Seoul lies the peaceful, coastal county of Uljin, North Gyeongsang Province.Known to locals as the snow crab capital of the peninsula, the area has a well-established reputation of having some of the freshest and most affordable raw fish restaurants in the country. However, aside from its delectable sashimi selection, Uljin is also an ideal blend of coast side splendor and vast mountain ranges ―

June 6, 2015

Travel Bits

Caribbean Bay to unveil ‘Mega Storm’ Caribbean Bay, the world’s largest indoor/outdoor water park, is getting set to introduce the world’s largest funnel water slide -- Mega Storm.The new attraction is only the second of its kind in the world, following Yas Waterworld’s Dawwama ride in Abu Dhabi. Caribbean Bay’s Mega Storm measures 355 meters, roughly 1.5 times bigger than the Dawwama. The large-scale inner tube waterslide will take riders through an exhilarating series of heart-stopping quick d

June 5, 2015

Around the Hotels

Summer Splash  at Grand Hyatt IncheonGrand Hyatt Incheon has launched its new “Grand Summer Splash Package,” available from July 17 to Aug. 31. Guests who book the package before July 7 will enjoy a 55,000 won ($50) discount. The package‘s “Fun” option, priced at 235,000 won, includes a one-night stay, breakfast for two, free access to the Grand Play World program and a souvenir. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s three swimming pools, complimentary access to the fitness center and a free shuttle

June 5, 2015

[Markets & Merchants] Reasonable retail therapy at Yeongdeungpo Market

Although Dongdaemun and Namdaemun tend to dominate many lists of “must-see markets” in Seoul, small-scale markets that are equally full of history and character are scattered across the city. This is the seventh installment of a series introducing traditional local markets. ― Ed.A short stroll from the hustle and bustle of the glitzy mega shopping mall of Yeongdeungpo Times Square is a retail relief that couldn’t be more opposite of modern-day purchasing. Despite the vast number of traditional m

May 31, 2015

Travel Bits

Rail cruise in KoreaKorail Tourism Development is gearing up to promote its nationwide rail cruise called Haerang in an effort to attract more foreign tourists during the summer.The Haerang cruise express offers three-day and two-day tourism programs enabling travelers to see Korea’s beautiful landscapes while staying overnight in the train’s hotel-style rooms.It travels as far as Jeonju City in North Jeolla Province, where travelers can visit its famous hanok villages of traditional Korean home

May 29, 2015

‘The valley of water’

GEIRANGER, Norway ― The moment you step on a ferry and travel on the waters of Geirangerfjord, surrounded by snow-peaked mountains and glittering waterfalls, all you can say about the place is: It’s mesmerizing.Feeling the cool, fresh sea breeze hitting your face on the top deck of the ferry, and watching the fjord’s incredible nature, the trip is an instant tonic for all the stress, anxiety and burdens you may have bought from the office.The fjord’s waterfront landscape is indescribable. Geiran

May 29, 2015

[Weekender] Korean tradition meets Western hospitality in hanok hotels

In the heart of Jongno-gu, just east of Gyeongbokgung Palace, lies the quaint hillside neighborhood of Samcheong-dong, well-known for its abundance of chic cafes and small gift shops. From offering simple one-room hanok stays to the more sophisticated options of established hanok boutique hotels ― such as the Cheong Yeon Jae Hanok Hotel or the Haeinjung Boutique Hanok Hotel ― this area has been a magnet for tourists looking to regale in the out-of-the-box lodging experience and a taste of past-t

May 22, 2015

[Weekender] ‘VVIP’ hotel guests ― who stayed where?

When Paul McCartney was planning a visit to Korea for his first concert in Seoul on May 2, he requested his team to find a hotel with a room that comes with a balcony.In the overpopulated business district of Gangnam, a hotel room with a balcony is rare. When everyone was curious where the 72-year-old rock star stayed, his fans on a hunt to spot their star found out that McCartney was staying at the Ritz-Carlton, Seoul, located just 5 kilometers from the concert venue at Jamsil Sports Complex. L

May 22, 2015