Experience German tradition, customs

Germany is known for its strong manufacturing industry consisting of high-tech small and medium enterprises that drive its economic growth. It holds also one of the biggest consumer electronics fairs called IFA in Berlin.

But the German National Tourist Board seeks to make other parts of its country well-known beyond technology by launching a tourism campaign, enabling Koreans to experience its tradition and customs.

Germany will offer tourism programs enabling Koreans to taste its traditional food and beverages, including Berlin currywurst sausages, and see artistic craftworks such as the authentic German Black Forest cuckoo clocks.

In 2014, Koreans stayed in Germany for an average of 500,000 days, and the number is expected to grow to 600,000 days in 2020, the German National Tourist Board noted.

For more information, check www.germany.travel/tradition.



Presidents Cup offers travel packages


The organizing committee of the 2015 Presidents Cup will offer travel packages and gifts to those seeking to catch the international charity golf match in Songdo, Incheon this October.

It will offer two types of tourist packages.

The first one will include tickets to the golf tournament, an opening event and a gala dinner party with souvenirs. This will be offered at a 50 percent discount to the first 100 people who sign up for this package by the end of next month.

The second package will provide a city tour of Seoul and Incheon with an access to a VVIP convenient facility near the 14th hole at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in Songdo, in addition to enjoying the first tour package. Also, the second one will offer lodging at a five-star hotel near the golf course.





Win free trips to travel destinations


The Korea Tourism Organization will launch an event for people to win free trips to the country’s tourist destinations during the “Spring Tourism Week” between May 1 and 14.

The event will offer not only free two-day trips but also free lodging and gift coupons, which can be used during traveling to state-designate tourist attractions in spring.

The state tourism agency said that it offer such free trips and gifts to 1,000 people. All they need to do is click the places they want to visit and explain why on the Web.

The online event will end on April 26, and the result will be announced on April 28. For more information, visit spring.visitkorea.or.kr.



Throwback ’70s theme in Boseong

Korail will offer a tourism program in front of Deukryang Train Station in Boseong County, South Jeolla Province, where both the old and the young can play games and visit stores of the ’70s. Boseong is renowned for green teas.

The rail operator has remodeled the station, and will open ’70s coffee and barber shops to take visitors back in time and reminisce about the good old days.

Korail’s Cosplay Festival, which will be held from May 2-31, will also allow tourists to play their favorite pastime games in front of the station such as spinning hoops and jumping rubber bands.

The station’s plaza will also have a roller skating rink, with guides dressed in ‘70s fashion.



Learn about computers

The Nexon Computer Museum will hold a special event for children and parents next month on Jejudo Island in celebration of the Children’s Day on May 5.

On May 4-5, the museum will have Nexon’s famous game characters Dao and Bazzi, who appear in PC game-hit “Kart Rider,” to give history lessons about computers. They will also give pop quizzes and offer prizes for children.

The museum will hold education programs in which children can learn about keyboards and make personal accessories such as rings and badges with keyboard keycap materials, as well as draw future concept computers in 3-D.

NXC, the holding company of Nexon Korea, Korea’s biggest game developer, built the museum in 2013 as part of its social contribution. For more information, visit www.nexoncomputermuseum.org.