Expecting some 45,000 Chinese tourists to visit Korea during the first quarter of the year, the Korea Tourism Organization is offering special events.

Celebrating the 20th anniversary since Korea and China set up diplomatic ties, Korea will have a Visit Korea Year ceremony in Beijing in February and hold cultural performance road shows in some 18 major Chinese cities.

Simultaneously, the country is offering special discount promotions for China’s Union Pay credit card users. Those who shop with the card in stores in Myeongdong, Jeju Island and other popular destinations will receive special discounts and bonus points.

Korea has also launched an A to Z online information shopping website in Chinese and has designed joint promotions with Chinese travel agencies.

(hayney@heraldcorp.com)