American Airlines to reward based on dollars, not miles

American Airlines announced it will no longer reward its airlines members with perks based on how many miles they fly, rather with how much passengers spend on tickets. The change, which matches those at Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, starts with flights on Aug. 1 and rewards the airline’s highest-paying passengers.

Elite-status members of American’s AAdvantage frequent-flier program will earn bonus miles for every dollar they spend.

AAdvantage is the oldest and biggest major airline loyalty program, with about 100 million members. American said most members will earn five miles for every dollar they spend on base fares and carrier-imposed fees. That multiple rises to seven, eight or 11 for elites -- gold, platinum and executive-platinum members. (AP) 

Busan Sea Festival

The annual Busan Sea Festival is gearing up for its 21st year, kicking off this year’s weeklong festivities on Aug. 1.

The festival was launched 20 years ago in an effort to promote the harbor city of Busan as a port-side tourist destination and was Korea’s first general ocean festival. The event has now grown to become one of the city’s biggest festivals, offering visitors of all ages the opportunity to view and experience various cultural programs and performances. The festival will also feature a number of star-filled concerts such as the Cass Summer Concert, Busan International Hip-hop Festival, the Busan International Rock Festival and the 7080 Family Love Concert.

Busan Sea Festival will be held on five beaches throughout the city: Haeundae, Gwangalli, Songdo, Dadaepo and Songjeong until Aug. 7. For more information, visit www.seafestival.co.kr. 

Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour

One of the city of Seoul’s most popular palace tours, this year’s 2016 Changdeokgung Moonlight Tour will allow guests the special opportunity to wander around the place grounds under the moonlight.

Typically closed off to the public at night, the annual event allows a limited number of visitors to explore the gorgeously lit-up Changdeokgung Palace grounds in a special guided tour. Allowing only 100 guests per tour, the palace will host its annual nighttime palace festivities on selected days until June 22. It should be noticed that there are separate dates and tours for Korean and non-Koreans. Non-Koreans are not permitted to join a Korean tour and vice versa. Tickets to the event cost 30,000 won and must be purchased in advance at interpark.com. 

Hwaseong Moonlight Tour

Similar to that of the Seoul palaces’ nighttime tour openings, the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress will soon be available to visitors who want to take a nighttime stroll in the historic structure.

From May 21 to July 17, the Suwon Cultural Foundation will open the gates to the UNESCO World Heritage Suwon Hwaseong and Hwaseong Haenggung Palace to the public for a special nighttime program known as “Moonlight Tour at Suwon Hwaseong.” Participants can enjoy various programs such as exploring the palace, attending poetry reading and watch various traditional performances.

Tickets are listed at 20,000 won and must be purchased in advance at interpark.com. 

Boryeong Mud Festival

One of the country’s most highly anticipated festivals of the year, the annual Boryeong Mud Festival attracts the largest number of international visitors of all the country’s top festivals.

Not only can visitors enjoy a myriad of energetic and wild actives such as mud wrestling, mud sliding and even swimming in the mega mud tub, but festival participants can also take part in the marine mud-training course for some added competition and fun as well as enjoy a relaxing mud massage.
In the evening, visitors can head to the beach for a lively outdoor party atmosphere with live music and fireworks.

This year’s festival will be held from July 15 to 24.