The Culture Ministry and Korea Tourism Organization are jointly running a Korean culture and tourism booth at the 2016 Rotary International Convention, which is taking place at the Korea International Exhibition & Convention Center in Goyang-si, Gyeonggi Province from May 28-June 1.

At the booth, visitors are be able to receive information on tourism in Korea and engage in hands-on activities featuring Korean culture, according to the Korea Tourism Organization.

Visitors can taste Korean cuisine, take photos wearing traditional Korean costumes, experience herbal medicine and acupuncture, watch performances and try their hand at Korean calligraphy at the booth. 

The Korea Tourism Organization will also be hosting a number of cultural lectures for the 1,000 young Rotarians attending the convention’s Young Leaders Summit. The lectures will cover topics such as Korean tea etiquette and calligraphy.

The Korea Tourism Organization expects many of this year’s 25,000 foreign participants to attend the convention and travel to Korea without the aid of a travel agency. The organization has thus distributed manuals for officials at Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport to allow them to better provide guidance to foreign convention participants. 

To respond immediately to problems that may arise regarding immigration forms, visas, customs and emergencies, the convention’s organizing committee and Incheon International Airport are jointly operating situation rooms at the airport and KINTEX.

Rotary International is a global charity network with over 1.2 million members from some 200 countries. Referred to as a “mini United Nations,” it hosts annual conventions in global locations, sharing ideas on charity projects.

By Rumy Doo (doo@heraldcorp.com)