K-Smile Campaign to greet foreign tourists

Visit Korea Committee conducted K-Smile Campaign at Myeong-dong Theater on Feb. 12 to celebrate Korea Grand Sale held as part of 2016-2018 Visit Korea Year. The campaign aims at building a culture of kindness and raising the level of tourists’ satisfaction by improvements in the tourism sector, including accommodation, transportation, food, and shopping. Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Kim Jong-deok, “Non-summit” members Alberto Mondi and Nikolai Johnsen took part in the mini talk “Reply K-Smile!” to discuss tourism in Korea and culture of kindness. Kim, Mondi, and Johnsen also put their words into action by guiding foreign tourists at Myeong-dong and handing out guide maps.

(jej2403@heraldcorp.com)


Everland to hold Valentine’s Day Romantic Concert

Everland will hold “Romantic Concert” at Rose Castle Special Stage at 5 p.m. on Feb.13 to celebrate Valentine’s Day. K-pop girl group April, indie rock band Recycling, and kids group Vitamin will be onstage to present a romantic and amusing performance. There will be no extra charge for the concert.

Meanwhile, a music lighting show as part of “Romantic Illumination” will be held at Rose Castle, providing a beautiful night view.

For more information, call 032-320-5000 or visit www.everland.com.

(jej2403@heraldcorp.com)


Croatia tourist guide books in Korean

Croatia Tourist Board has published the Korean version of two guidebooks: “Croatia-The Mediterranean as it was once” and “Tourist Information with Roadmap of Croatia.” Croatia, known for cultural assets including the remains of ancient Rome, has garnered Korean tourists’ attention since being featured on reality show “Sisters over flowers” in 2013.

“Croatia-The Mediterranean as it was once” consists of general information and tourists attractions such as national parks and regional eateries. More detailed information about the cities which aired on “Sisters over flowers” -- Zagreb, Dubrovnik, Split, Sibenik, and Zadar -- is included. “Tourist Information with Roadmap of Croatia,” a pocketbook consisting of detailed roadmap, provides information on local tourism centers.

(jej2403@heraldcorp.com)


Mysteries of the Maya at Chichen Itza, Mexico

Each year during the spring and autumn equinoxes the sun produces the illusion of a serpent ascending or descending the steps of the Pyramid of Kukulkán. The illusion is reproduced at the sound and light show that takes place nightly at the archaeological site.

Yucatan Maya archaeological sites Chichen Itza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was named one of the “New Seven Wonders of the World.” Chichen Itza has two distinct architectural zones. The southern zone dates back to the 7th century and showcases Chichen Itza’s early construction in the traditional Puuc Maya style of the Yucatan region. The central zone was constructed after the arrival of the Toltecs around the 10th century and showcases a unique fusion of highland central Mexican and Puuc architectural styles.

For more information, visit www.visitmexico.com.

(jej2403@heraldcorp.com)


Opera Festival in Kristiansund, Norway

The Opera Festival will take place in Kristiansund, Norway, on Feb.4-20. The festival, a 17 day-opera gala, presents Norway’s acclaimed musicians coming together with local talents to perform full-scale opera, operettas and musicals. The city offers free performances in cafes, restaurants and shopping malls in addition to the concert events. Every year the festival gathers approximately 10,000 visitors with over 50 performances in total.

For more information, visit www.visitnorway.com.

(jej2403@heraldcorp.com)