With the value of Turkey’s lira plummeting nearly by half against major currencies over the last five years, tourists are flocking to the country from all over the world, its tourism association Tursab said on New Year’s Day.

More than 250,000 Korean tourists traveled to Turkey last year, a more than 30 percent increase from 2013. Turkey received nearly 38 million international visitors in the same year, raking in $28 billion in revenue.

The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul ― one of the largest and oldest markets in the world with over 60 streets and 3,000 shops ― has seen sharp increases in visitors. Over 91 million travelers visited the market last year, making it one of the most visited tourist attractions worldwide.

Visitors can buy ceramics, lanterns, carpets, copperware, jewelry and other goods in the 600-year-old vaulted walkways. “To haggle like a pro, lowball your starting offer and don’t be afraid to walk away. And if it all gets overwhelming, break for a succulent doner kebab or strong cup of Turkish coffee,” tourism magazine Travel+Leisure says.

The Olympos Cable Car in Antalya province in southern Turkey is the world’s one of longest aerial trams at 4.3 km. With the slogan “From Sea to Sky,” the tram offers a panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea and Mount Olympos on its way to a mountaintop station at 2,365 meters above sea level. Tourists can hike, mountain climb and paraglide in the summer and ski in the winter, and gaze at the stars at night year-round.

Last year, more than 2.8 million tourists visited ancient sites in Antalya province, which has 284 historical ruins; major sites include the Santa Claus Church in the Myra city, the Alanya Castle and the ancient city of Xanthos ― a UNESCO-protected area.

Turkey’s Ministry of Forestry and Water Affairs recently designated 527 areas in 81 provinces for nature tourism. Thanks to the country’s diverse climate, Turkey is home to a wide variety of animals living in mountains, beaches, lakes, rivers, caves and canyons. Eco-tourism in Turkey comes with wildlife and environment protection, the ministry said.

Direct flights to Istanbul from Seoul take 12 hours through Turkish Airlines, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines. Daily transfer flights are available through Emirates Airlines, Qatar Airways, Uzbekistan Airways and Etihad Airways.

For more information, call the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism Agency at (02) 336-5337, or visit www.goturkey.com.

By Joel Lee (joel@heraldcorp.com)