Bae Yong-joon promotes Korean tourism in "Smile Campaign" Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr 기사입력2009.11.12 13:44 최종수정2009.11.12 13:44
Hallyu star Bae Yong-joon promotes "Visit Korea 2010-2012" campaign [Korea Tourism Organization]


Official posters of a "Smile Campaign" featuring Hallyu star Bae Yong-joon have been unveiled through the pages of some 40 media outlets, according to his agency on Wednesday.

The actor, who was appointed PR ambassador for the "Visit Korea 2010-2012" campaign last month, will be promoting Korean tourism through the posters released yesterday, BOF Entertainment said in a statement.

In February, a poster featuring the actor smiling in front of traditional Korean palace had been released to Japan's major newspapers including Asahi Shimbun, Yomiuri Shimbun and SPUR magazine.

"We expect this campaign to receive a positive response from Korean people," an official at Korea Tourism Organization was quoted as saying. "Bae Yong-joon has been promoting Korean culture and tradition through his book and a lot of people are relating to that."

Bae recently released photo essay book "Discovering the Beauty of Korea", which contains photographs of various cultural artisans that the actor met during his year-long travels. He authored the book in order to introduce Korean culture such as food, tradition and travel locations.

The 37-year-old actor has been actively promoting Korean culture in Asia since shooting to stardom in the region after starring in 2002 hit TV series "Winter Sonata" alongside actress Choi Ji-woo.

Reporter : Lynn Kim lynn2878@asiae.co.kr
<ⓒ10Asia All rights reserved>

韩国宣传大使裴勇俊“微笑”海报公开
体育朝鲜 (2009.11.12 13:59)

▲裴勇俊的“微笑行动”海报 / 体育朝鲜裴勇俊的“微笑行动”海报于日前公开。裴勇俊去年10月被委任为“2010-2012韩国访问年”的韩国宣传大使，并正在积极开展宣传韩国的活动。在本次公开的“微笑行动”海报上，他身着西装，以韩国古宫为背景，露出灿烂的笑容，向国民传达“让我们用微笑展示韩国之美”。

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裴勇俊參加大韓民國宣傳大使“微笑運動”
來源 ：JES | 2009.11.12 16:06

頂級韓流明星裴勇俊以其特有的甜美微笑出面吸引外國游客。

“韓國訪問年”的大韓民國宣傳大使裴勇俊參加了“韓國訪問年”的主要活動——“微笑運動”。他拍攝了以故宮為背景、用甜美的微笑宣傳韓國之美的宣傳海報。

裴勇俊今年2月在日本公開的宣傳韓國的海報受到了熱烈的相應。在《朝日新聞》、《讀賣新聞》、SPUR等主要媒體做了全版廣告，引起了關注。《讀賣新聞》上的廣告的關注率還創下了70%的紀錄。

“韓國訪問年”的相關人士說：“裴勇俊先生最近通過書籍宣傳了韓國的文化和傳統，很多人對其宗旨產生了真心的共鳴，因此期待著本次運動也將會受到好的效果。”

另外，裴勇俊執筆的照片旅行寫真《尋找韓國之美的旅行》在韓國和日本都牢牢站穩了暢銷書地位，持續暢銷的可能性也正在出現。

韓國中央日報中文網 http://cn.joins.com/big5 http://chinese.joins.com/big5/article.do?m...category=003002

Korea to become next hot destination for tourists
Date: November 24, 2009






Korea is seeking to become the next rising destination for tourists around the world. The big aim is to attract 20 million visitors by 2020 through various support measures for the tourism industry.

Special loans for ailing travel agencies

The government decided to allot 10 billion won for individual travel agencies that have been badly hit by the spread of the H1N1 influenza strain around the world. Those eligible for assistance will include travel agencies for both inbound and outbound tourists. Travel agencies serving outbound tourists were excluded from regular loan programs in the past. The government also decided to postpone tax payment for chartered bus businesses.

The government plans to make a good use of Hallyu (Korean Wave) marketing it as uniquely Korean. Korean celebrities well known in Asia like Bae Yong-joon will be prominently used in commercials.

More permits to build tourism complexes

It is also important to increase the number of tourists first in order to raise the level of the tourism industry. Public servants will be encouraged to make full use of their vacation time for starters and leisure facilities will be improved.

There will be educational tour programs for children from low income families and other convenience facilities for senior citizens and the infirm. The number of tour buses for the disabled, which is only at the beginning stages with government assistance, is to be increased to 50 by 2012. Inside these buses will be tour guides who can communicate in sign language. The government plans to foster some 300 guides to assist the sick and the disabled. Tourism vouchers will be extended to the financially vulnerable.

To stimulate private investment, the government will allow construction of multi-function complexes with regulations much eased from the past. When starting with empty land, the government plans to lower the rental fees by 20 percent for state-owned land and 30 percent for public land. Capital funds for the tourism industry will be established, applying to build condominiums and permits for consigned management of accommodation facilities will be eased.

Making resorts out of idle/ abandoned sites

There's always a special image and a story that follows a popular tourist site. In Korea, it is history and spirit; folk tradition, five major palaces, royal tombs and UN designated cultural heritage; miraculous economic growth; Korea popular culture represented by Hallyu (Korean Wave) and stage performances; shopping and medical tourism; and theme tours like DMZ trips. These all hold great potential.

The Korea Tourism Organization, with cooperation from the private sector, is to establish relevant task forces for each kind of tourist site.

The traditional city of Gyeongju, once the capital of the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C. – A.D. 935) that lasted for nearly 1,000 years will relate its colorful history to tourists, including the advent of Korea's first queen, Seon-deok. The abandoned mines and railways will also be re-tooled and filled with new leisure facilities.

Streets and roads, rivers and seashores will be linked together for tours across the country. Through the four river restoration project (the Han, Yeongsan, Nakdong and Geum Rivers) the government will also look to restore the culture and history of the region and further smarten it up with public design, new bicycle paths, youth hostels and other spaces to enjoy leisure time.

An eco-friendly tour site that allows a good trekking experience will include the mountain range of Baekdusan Mountain, the peace life zone of the DMZ, Dulle road of Jirisan Mountain, Nadeul road in Ganghwa, the east coast trail, Yeongnam Highway and Samnam Highway.

Creative tourism & MICE on the rise

Creative tourism may be the key to boost the old, worn-out villages in local regions. Next year the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will set up four offices in selected villages for trial projects. This is to experience the hidden charm of the respective villages and allow a chance for locals to profit from the tourism industry, thus creating more jobs.

Storytelling is also important. Stories based on names, historic incidents, legends and folklore of the area will be compiled up into a large database and some 100 professional storytellers will be nurtured. The best story will be selected every month to be reborn as souvenirs or, if lucky, remade as TV dramas.

Other high-value added tourism can be found in MICE tourism (meeting, incentive, convention and exhibition) and shopping. Korea has already succeeded in gaining the rights to host some high-level meetings around the world, including the G20 Financial Summit in 2010 and the general assembly for the UN World Tourism Organization in 2011.

To jumpstart the shopping tour, the government plans to implement a shopping certification system to heighten the quality of service, install before-purchase duty free shopping for large-scale expositions and increase shopping infrastructure in local regions.

To popularize duty free shopping that allows an after-purchase duty free system, the government plans to increase venues for online and offline refund systems. Shopping multi-complexes will be built in popular streets of Seoul such as Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, Namdaemun and Insadong.

A hallyu tour package that includes a visit to a drama shooting location and fan meetings will be developed in preparation for a potential drop in foreign currency. To attract tourists who are just stopping by Korea, the government is considering the distribution of various incentives such as discount coupons.

Improving visa system and establishing accommodation with reasonable prices

In 2008 some 45.84 million Chinese took off for a vacation trip overseas. That figure is expected to jump up to 100 million by 2015. It should be noted, however, only 1.17 million (2.6 percent) chose to visit Korea, which is in stark contrast to China's receiving 3.96 million visitors from Korea.

To attract more tourists from China, Korea needs to ease the complicated procedures for visa issuance and increase the amount of reasonably priced accommodation available. Jeju-do Island for one saw the number of its Chinese tourists jump from 3,821 in 2005 to 22,913 in 2008, after implementing visa-free entry in 2006.

The government, therefore, decided to extend rights for visa issuance to Korean consulate offices situated in China for individual tourists. The trial demonstration at a Korean consulate office in Qingdao showed twice the number of applications for visas to Korea. The rate for illegal overstayers shrank from eight percent to 0.08 percent. Korea and China also decided to take steps for visa-free entry in the long run.

To come up with more reasonably priced accommodation, the culture ministry decided to ease the interest rate for such business, extend the grace period and save more room space during construction, thus securing an additional 10,000 rooms by 2012. Not only hotels and hostels, but Hanok buildings, temple stay and accommodation certified by the Korea Tourism Organization will be facilitated.

A Korea Pass Card will be introduced to allow easy travel around the country. The new transportation card, which will be released in 2013, is to link transportation services with accommodation facilities. One of the trial projects is to allow a 10 percent discount on transport fares and entry fees when a tourist visits certain tourist sites in Korea.

*Adapted from Weekly Gonggam Magazine

By Kim Hee-sung
Korea.net Staff Writer

http://www.korea.net/News/News/newsView.as...Day=&page=1

SOURCE *POST & REPORT BY BAESISTER /JAPAN PICTURES SOURCE* BY *Halphen bra san THANKS!!!!!!!

韩文化长官：韩中日“捆绑游”效应会加倍专访韩国文化部长官柳仁村
朝鲜日报记者 金辰英 (2009.12.30 16:10)
“目前正在研究一种可以同时在韩国、中国、日本三个国家使用的旅游通卡。这种卡是在T¬money等交通卡中加入住宿和观光地门票功能，可以说是一种综合旅游卡。”

韩国文化体育观光部长官柳仁村在“韩国访问年”（2010年-2012年）即将到来之际，29日接受了本报的独家采访。柳仁村表示：“韩国、日本、中国三个国家不应成为竞争对手，而是应该融合为一个整体的旅游圈，只有这样才能培养竞争力。三国政府已经同意，所以只要解决技术问题就可立刻引入三国通用的旅游通卡。”韩国政府已经开发出仅凭一张卡就可以在韩国国内乘车、住宿、进入观光地和购物的“韩国通行卡”（Korea pass），这种卡将在明年试销。柳仁村表示：“日本国营电视台NHK和中国中央电视台（CCTV）都在播放韩国电视剧，但韩国主流电视台为何不能播放日本电视剧？”他强调说：“韩流不应是单方面推出的，应该建立相互交流的韩流模式。”这是文化部长官首次就主流电视台是否应该播放日本电视剧的问题发表肯定言论。

▲文化体育观光部长官柳仁村29日接受本报采访时表示：“单方面向外推出的韩流很难持续下去。”朝鲜日报记者 摄影问：明年开始的韩国访问年同日本、中国“撞车”。在必须同这两个旅游大国展开竞争的情况下，是否应该尽快扩充旅游基础设施？

“三国相互之间的游客人数都位居第一或第二位，因此，应该将韩中日三国视为统一旅游圈，而不是竞争关系。当然，韩国的旅游基础设施需要完善。如果入境游客超过650万人，将无法接纳。政府的目标是到2012年吸引1000万名游客，但这些游客入境后住在哪里？例如全罗南道，特级宾馆只有两家。因为紧急所以想要扩大寺院住宿体验（Temple stay）和古建筑体验等项目，但外国游客还是会感到不方便。”

问：裴勇俊等演员都在积极参与韩国访问年的宣传活动。您作为演员出身的长官，看到韩国明星积极开展活动，您的心情应该很特别吧？

“我非常羡慕他们。我们年轻时没有机会在如此广阔的舞台上活动。尤其是裴勇俊，他有经营头脑，而且做事努力，所以能取得巨大成就。裴勇俊的公司以裴勇俊亲自撰写的书籍《寻找韩国之美的旅行》为基础制作了一套高价旅游商品，10到15人一组，费用为150万韩元左右。听说明年六月份之前的日程已经排满。听说该旅游商品从11月开始出售，至今为止销售额已超过10亿韩元。这可以说是韩国旅游产业向前发展的一个范例。现在应该脱离价格低廉的团体游’。”

问：高级旅游商品暂且不论，如果去地方旅游，公共交通和旅游指南等旅游基础设施根本不完善。一旦离开首尔，外国人几乎没有办法乘坐公共交通工具去旅游。

“在韩国旅游时最便利的交通工具就是‘自家车’。因为地方交通工具太差。应该着眼于长远目光，加强公共交通基础设施，引导人们不要自己开车出行。因为没有其他办法，所以即使知道会堵车，大家也会开车出行。不久前我曾从月精寺步行到上院庵。在这条路上行走的只有我们这一支队伍，所有人都是乘车前往。不应该让车开到这样的山路上。”

问：首尔市为发展旅游业而建立了“光化门广场”。目前围绕光化门广场各界的议论纷纷，您如何看待这个问题？

“也有可能存在设计方面的问题，但我认为这个地方至少可以让很多人聚在一起，这样很好。但是，‘类似主题公园的广场’同政府推进的‘国家象征街道’（将景福宫-南大门-首尔站-汉江之间约7公里的道路开发成为韩国象征性街道的计划）的形象不太相符。”

问：受甲流和韩元走软的冲击，今年有很多旅行社关门。大韩航空明年将取消支付给旅行社的机票代售手续费（目前为7%），这让旅行社一片哗然。

“废除手续费后，消费者可以买到更便宜的机票，这不是一件好事吗？我认为，取消手续费在原则上是一个好的方向。在日本等发达国家，已经取消了机票手续费。我们三年前就已经预告要取消手续费，但旅行社还是没有准备好对策。与韩国旅游产业的规模相比，旅行社数量太多，这是一个问题。”
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Culture minister vows to enhance S. Korea's allure in 2010


SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Yonhap) -- Culture Minister Yu In-chon said Thursday his ministry will work towards making South Korea more tourist-friendly next year with the creation of new cultural spots and events.

"Next year, we will host the G-20 summit, which will set up a new order in world finance and help us enhance our national image," the minister said in his New Year's message. "I look forward to seeing our country become one of the world's top 10 culture nations through this global event."

South Korea will soon become "a country attracting friends from all over the world," Yu said.

"With new national gallery and museum showing off our proud history and culture, Korea will become a space connecting culture, art and dreams," he said. "The future of the 21st century lies in culture."

Coinciding with its 2010-2012 "Visit Korea" campaign as well as the G-20 summit, the South Korean government plans to host large events featuring Korean food and culture next year, aiming to increase the annual number of foreign visitors to 8.5 million from the current 7.8 million, according to the culture ministry's New Year plans.

The government will also begin construction next year in central Seoul on the state-run Korean alphabet museum and national art museum, slated for completion in 2012.

hayney@yna.co.kr
(END)

Korea, China, Japan to Issue Joint Tourism PassKorea, China and Japan will develop a joint travel pass that can be used in all three countries. Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Yu In-chon said the travel pass will strengthen cooperation among the countries in boosting tourism.

"The pass will serve multiple purposes, such as paying transportation fares, admission fees for tourist attractions, and hotel costs," Yu said.

The minister said the governments of the three countries have agreed the idea so it will be introduced as soon as technical problems are worked out. "We can sharpen our competitiveness by forming a single unified tourism zone," Yu added.
englishnews@chosun.com / Dec. 30, 2009 09:17 KST

S. Korea Eyes 8.5 Mil. Foreign Tourists in 2010

South Korea will make a special effort to lure tourists from its closer neighbors, China and Japan, in the new year, hoping the visitor tally to the nation to reach 8.5 million, Yonhap News reported Saturday.

The period starting from this year to 2012 is designated as "Visit Korea" years, intended to attract more foreign tourists as part of efforts to bolster the service industry.

The government also designated Hallyu (Korean Wave) star Bae Yong-jun as the Promotional Ambassador, who is widely popular in Japan and China.

Last year, around 7 million foreigners toured South Korea, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Corp.

Visit Korea Year" will run from 2010 to 2012 as a national tourism campaign aiming to attract more than 10 million foreign tourists by 2012 and raise tourism revenue up to 13 billion U.S. dollars. The government will hold a dozen major events to upgrade the country's tourism brand name.

Several of the events scheduled from 2010 to 2012 are World Design Capital Seoul, the 2012 Yeosu World Expo, a hallyu (Korean Wave) festival, World Cultural Festival, World Food Festival, a Jeju Olle road trekking event, and more.

Over the three-year period, incentives will be offered to long-term visitors to Korea. Airports and duty-free shops will run holiday offers for those who visit the country on New Year's Day. The "Korea Grand Sale" with the participation of about 15,000 companies will also continue.

For those interested in "Visit Korea Year," the following is highlights of the promotional events.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmNO1KzWpHs...player_embedded
Famous sets of hit drama in Seoul
The spy action drama "Iris" thrilled audiences with its action scenes, thrills and romance. Yet the series also used famous sights of Seoul for sets, including Gwanghwamun Square, Cheonggye Stream, Gwangjingyo river bridge café, Dream Forest, and many more.
Promotion of medical tourism
Triggered by hallyu, or Korean Wave, in Asia, plastic surgery and dermatological clinics in Korea are enjoying an unprecedented boom. Female tourists from nearby Asian countries like China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan are going to such clinics in Seoul's Myeongdong and Gangnam districts to become as beautiful as the cast in Korean dramas and movies. "Petite beauty districts" are also being developed in Busan and Incheon to attract foreign patients. Incheon Airport voted world's best for 4th year
Incheon International Airport has been named the world's best airport by the U.S. travel magazine Global Traveler for the fourth straight year. It also topped the magazine's Tested Awards for Best Airport in the World. Changi International Airport of Singapore ranked second, Schiphol of the Netherlands third, Chek Lap Kok of Hong Kong fourth, and Heathrow of London fifth.
Int'l Postage Stamp Design Contest
The 2010 International Postage Stamp Design Contest will open in July under the theme of Visit Korea Year. Candidate designs for postage stamps will be screened by experts, and the winning entries will be announced Oct. 21 on the Korea Post Web site (www.koreapost.go.kr). The grand prize winner will be issued as the "2010-2012 Visit Korea Years" official commemorative stamp next year.
Story of Seoul, World Design Capital
The Story of Seoul, World Design Capital will run at Seoul Plaza through January. The event is aimed at increasing awareness of Seoul's appointment as the World Design Capital for 2010. The event includes the WDC Experience Hall, Gate of Haechi and WDC PR Center. A light show is planned from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily. The hall consists of four themes: Seoul smiling with design, charms of Seoul, symbol of Seoul, and design Seoul everywhere. The gate was built to represent Haechi, the city's new identity and appointment as the World Design Capital for 2010. People can attach their drawings showing their New Year's hopes to complete the statue.
Outdoor ice skating rink
An outdoor ice skating rink has opened this winter at the site of the flower carpet in Gwanghwamun Square. Covering 2,250 square meters, the facility consists of three rinks: the 20X20 meter small rink; 20X30 meter medium rink; and 25X25 meter large rink. The small rink has sleds for children. Each rink is connected with ice-covered roads and convenience facilities are available, including restrooms and cafes. Seoul Festival of Lights
The world-class digital façade is on display on screens blanketing Sejong Center for the Performing Arts and the KT Building on both sides of Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square. The digital façade consists of themes such as the light of history, culture and communications, and features efforts by the city government to prepare for the future. About 20 works of media art are on display on the screens, including a story of heroes, the lights of Seoul, and the city depicted in Korean movies. Seoul Lantern Festival
The Seoul Lantern Festival began at Cheonggye Plaza Nov. 11 to mark the 50-day countdown before the opening of the 2010-2012 Visit Korea Year festivities. A delightful opening ceremony got things started, followed by a concert of Korean stars and lanterns strung up all along Cheonggye Stream. The festival invited people from all over the world to Seoul and to light a lantern as a symbol of hope and friendship.

Health & beauty meet tourism in Korea
Date: December 08, 2009




After much hesitation, 22-year-old Yang Lin came to Korea from Shanghai two months ago to receive breast enlargement surgery at Image Plastic Surgery at Gangnam-gu district in Seoul. She made up her mind after seeing the marvelous results of her hometown friend, who received botox and filler in the same hospital.

Yang went through the surgery the day after arriving in Korea. She then stayed in a nearby hotel for a week, receiving outpatient care from the hospital. Yang continues to stay in touch with the hospital even after returning home. She still sends occasional inquiries through e-mails and expresses overall satisfaction with the surgery.

“For the past two to three years we have been receiving quite a few Chinese customers, both from the mainland and the United States, as well as Japanese people who have heard of our hospital through word of mouth,” said Lee Hong-gi, the head of Image Plastic Surgery. “Chinese tourists find Korean surgery more expensive than back home but give better points for low failure rates and high satisfaction. Japanese people, on the other hand, enjoy the low prices. Most hesitate a lot in the beginning, pondering the risk of going through surgery in another country, but once it happens, they usually express more satisfaction than locals.” The clinic has lately hired nurses who speak Chinese and English.

Triggered by the Hallyu, or Korean Wave in Asia, that is largely propelled by Korean TV dramas and pop songs, plastic surgery and dermatology in Korea are enjoying an unprecedented boom. Female tourists from nearby Asian countries China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan are rushing to places like Myeongdong and Gangnam, known as “beauty districts” in Korea, inspired by the beautiful actors and actresses they see in Korean productions. So-called “petite beauty districts” are also in the making in areas of Busan and Incheon, also frequented by many overseas visitors.

University hospitals such as those of Seoul National, Yonsei and Korea Universities, boasting high-end medical equipment and relatively reasonable prices, make sure to highlight that point to tourists. As of Oct. 20, 2009, exactly 1,301 hospitals had received registration certificates from the government to attract overseas patients.

The number of international tourists is also on the rise thanks to the revision of medical laws last May and the introduction of a separate visa category for medical tourism. The figure increased from 7,900 in 2009 to 27,000 in 2008. A total of 50,000 medical tourists will have visited Korea by end of this year, according to the estimate of the tourism office.

Arumdaum Nara Clinic, or Anacli for short, is another well known beauty and skin clinic in Korea, complete with several foreign language websites of its own. The hospital, which has been receiving overseas medical tourists since 2000, now has seven branches outside Myeongdong and an additional two branches in Beijing. The local branches alone succeeded in attracting over 1,000 tourists in 2007 and another 1,300 in 2008.

“Medical procedures must be based on mutual trust. It's a pity, however, that Korea is yet to establish a big brand name abroad in the medical sector,” said Lee Sang-joon, head of Anacli. “It is important for the government to promote it as a national brand and the hospitals to provide 200 percent-satisfaction to overseas patients to further spread the word.”

According to Anacli, you can safely presume that those who come for “beauty tourism” are usually well-off in their home country. They stay in Korea for about a week, spending 1 to 3 million won for the surgery. They then go shopping, spending almost as much again on fashion, accessories and cosmetics.

High-tech surgery on the way

Da Vinci Robot MachineBut beauty isn't all there is to Korea's medical tourism, as is shown by the International Health Care Center at Yonsei Severance Hospital, now equipped with a state-of-art robotic system. In 2007 the hospital introduced not one but seven surgical robots named “Da Vinci.” By November 2009, the hospital had gone through over 3,200 successful operations.

The operation on thyroid cancer alone exceeded 1,000 cases for the past two years, recording the highest number of operations performed by robot surgery in the world. The operation is now being extended to treating other cancers as well. Thanks to all that, the hospital attracts quite a number of rich folks from Russia, China, Vietnam and even Saudi Arabia.

The head of the Severance International Health Care Center is Dr. John Linton, 50, who has been in charge since 1991. Having come from a four-generation missionary family in Korea, he has played a key role in systematizing Korea's emergency medical treatment, making one of Korea's early ambulances out of a 15-passenger van and more. Also a well known celebrity who appears on TV once in a while, he has lately been attending many forums held related to medical tourism.

Dr. Linton says that Korean medical tourism must go beyond the beauty industry to take full advantage of other advanced medical skills. He particularly sees metal chopsticks as the secret point of Korea's competitiveness. “Chopsticks are used in China and Japan too, but Korea is the only country that uses the metal-kind. The usage of the heavier material has led Korean doctors to be more nimble in working with their hands,” he said.

He added that Korea has the largest number of Da Vinci Robots in Asia, but that's not the real point. “The Da Vinci operation in the United States takes 12 hours in total. In our hospital it's just four hours for the same operation. Consider the efficiency of time and skill.”

He believes what Korea needs right now is a doctor with a big brand name. “Hyundai Motors was able to make it in the United States thanks to the level of benefits offered to customers. That is exactly what Korea needs to do before settling with a brand name in this field with “celebrity” doctors.” Linton also noted that to bring in overseas patients, government assistance is most crucial, likening international patients' travel to Korea as crossing the Grand Canyon, at least for now.

Dr. John Linton, 50, of Severence Hospital, SeoulMeanwhile, new jobs such as medical coordinator and hospital interpreter are also becoming more numerous. Other hospitals are coming up with strategies to differentiate themselves, advertising their strong points or boasting their knowledge of oriental medicine.

“Countries like Thailand, forerunners of medical tourism, succeeded in gaining recognition by combining good quality medical treatment with tourism resources. In Korea's case we should especially highlight “beauty-tourism” and let it spread to other medical areas later on,” said Shin Young-hoon head of the Korea Medical Tourism Association. “This would, in the long run, contribute to creating jobs, so the government should make more efforts to systematize the overall industry. The medical sector could become the next IT sector that would help enhance the brand value of Korea.”

*Adapated from Weekly Gonggam Magazine

By Kim Hee-sung
Korea.net Staff Writer

Kimchi, soju & friendship - a visitor's take on Korean culture
Date: December 09, 2009




Leaves have fallen off their branches and the weather has turned chilly. But Seoul Deoksugung (Deoksu Palace)'s Daehan Gate area still remains crowded with tourists from all over the globe. To the echo of the sound of the large pung-ak drum, people dressed in traditional ceremonial costumes appear with vibrant flags to carry out the ceremony of the changing of the guard. First time visitors exclaim "amazing" and "wonderful" as they snap the shutter buttons of their cameras.

Launched in 1996 by Seoul Metropolitan Government, this event has been popular with many tourists for its pomp and ceremony. It is repeated three times a day every day of the week and remains a must see for sightseers in Seoul.

Along with the ceremony, what catches many visitors' attention is the free dress up opportunity that allows anyone to try on the traditional outfit worn by the gatekeepers. A 33-year-old Canadian traveler, Jeffrey, who fell for the beauty of Korea on his first visit, posed as if he were really a palace guard and attracted many other tourists. He even enjoyed a few seconds of fame as other tourists crowded in to take pictures with him.

When asked, "What is your favorite aspect of Korea," Jeffrey answered with a thumbs-up, "The kimchi and soju." He added with a smile, "It has been only four days since I came to Korea, but there are many other excellent qualities about this country."

"I travel for a living. So instinctively, I am interested in nature. I am especially fascinated by the fact that there could be ancient palaces like Deoksugung Palace and beautiful mountains like Namsan in a metropolitan city like Seoul. Above all though, the wide range and availability of food is my favorite part. Also, I admire the Korean people, who tend to be shy at first but are easy to get close to."

In another group of tourists who were enthusiastically watching the ceremony were a 29-year-old instructor from France named Mahali and a 23-year-old student from Columbia named Ann Helica. They said, "Korea is a country busting with things to see," and added that "a short trip left us unsatisfied so we are now on a long trip."

Mahali has already been to Busan's Haeundae, Gwangju's Mudeung Mountain, and Boseong's Tea Plantation in the 20 days she's been in the country and plans to continue with her journey of visiting distinctive places all over Korea. When asked about the most memorable place so far in her trip, she chose Haeinsa Temple in Gyeongsangnam-do (South Gyeongsang Province) in a heartbeat. She said it was a short overnight stay but a noteworthy one, because she stayed in a temple.

"I am not Buddhist, nor do I know how to pray in Korean. However, I really enjoyed my stay at the temple. Being able to be so intimate with nature and quietly meditate is close to impossible in France. Most of all though, because of the kind and generous people I have met all over this nation, I want to study Korean culture when I finish my trip."

Ann Helica first became interested in Korea while she was studying Asian cultures in college. She extended her trip to Korea by a month and is ecstatic about her trip this month to a farm in Gangwon-do (Gangwon Province) with her newly made Korean friends.

As can be seen, the amount of tourists visiting Korea is rising annually. According to the Ministry of Justice's Immigration Service, in the first half year of 2009 there were 1,418,265 tourists in Korea, a 38.8 percent increase in comparison to last year's statistics.

As reported by the Korean Tourism Organization, the most common reason foreigners visit Korea is for shopping. The cost of the trip, food, and close distance to their home country are the next biggest reasons.

A 28-year-old graphic designer from Lebanon said, "I am very interested in Korean fashion. I was able to shop at moderate prices in Myeongdong and Dongdaemun," and added that as soon as she is done with sightseeing historical sites, she will "return to shop until she drops."

Shopping became one of the most popular activities amidst visitors and naturally, Myeongdong (46.6%), Dongdaemun (40.5%) and Namdaemun (38.8%) became some of the most visited places. Also, famous shopping location Myeongdong (27.1%) was ranked as one of the most memorable places in Korea by tourists.

* Adpated from Weekly Gonggam Magazine

By Lina Kwon
Korea.net Staff Writer

Big Things Expected from Visit Korea Campaign
To celebrate the Visit Korea Year 2010-2012, the newly formed Korean National Smile team makes an appearance in Myeongdong, one of Seoul's top shopping districts.
They are a group of university students from home and abroad volunteering to promote the Visit Korea campaign.


[Interview : Chung Hye-won, Korean National Smile Team] "We think one of the most important factors that draws foreign tourists to Korea is our smile. Our slogan is 'Present Korea with Your Smile,' so, we have been asking citizens to give us a smile."

The National Smile Team is part of the three-year government-initiated program to welcome foreign tourists… launched with the belief that every little effort made by each person is what strengthens Korea's foreign tourism.
Meanwhile, the government is various festivities and events that would interest international travelers.
In the country's most popular shopping areas, the nation will further expand the 'Korea Grand Sale' by promoting festivals that combine shopping with more discounts… and events, such as concerts by Korean Wave, or "Hallyu," stars.
Fans will be able to take part in more Korean TV drama festivities, film festivals, like the Pusan International Film Festival, fireworks and food festivals.
More tour packages will also be offered linking Korean food, historic sites, ecology and medical tourism.

[Interview : Roh Young-woo, Managing Director
Visit Korea Year Committee
] "Last year, we focused on promoting the Visit Korea Year at home and abroad. This year, we plan to take practical measures such as having events with Hallyu celebrities."

There are also plans to develop and promote various tourism products related to large international conferences, particularly the G20 summit slated for Seoul this November.
The government aims to attract 8.5 million foreigners this year… and ten million tourists by the year 2012.
Moon Conn-young, Arirang News.

JAN 04, 2010
Reporter : jenmoon@arirang.co.kr

http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/News_View.as...&category=2

Tourism campaign kicks off

Government hopes to attract 8.5 million visitors
January 05, 2010

Tourists pose with a piece of artwork in Seoul Plaza over the weekend. [NEWSIS]
Tourism organizations are starting the new year with an ambitious resolution. Their mission is simple and not so impossible - or so they believe. The goal is to attract as many as tourists to the country as possible through a campaign they are calling “2010-2012 Visit Korea Year.”
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2914803
On New Year’s Eve, Culture Minister Yu In-chon said he hopes to make Korea “a country that attracts friends from all over the world.” The next day, Yu, along with Lee Charm, president of the Korea Tourism Organization, went to Incheon International Airport to personally welcome the year’s first inbound tourists at the arrival gate.


The Seoul Metropolitan Government distributed materials to companies in the service industry last month ahead of the “2010-2012 Visit Korea Year” that describe hospitality practices for foreign tourists. Provided by the government
Although the gesture of greeting guests at the airport is nothing new, the move reflects one of the key points on the Korean government’s “to-do list” this year: increase the annual number of foreign visitors to 8.5 million, from the current 7.8 million. It is all part of the Culture Ministry’s larger plan, announced in November, to increase the number of inbound travelers to Korea by nearly three times to 20 million by 2020.

The only question now is whether the Korean government will be any more successful at keeping its resolution than those who vow to quit smoking or exercise regularly at the beginning of a new year, only to go back on their promises as the year goes on.

Although market watchers worry that uncertainties like a weak won and other favorable economic conditions still linger and that they could factor negatively in tourism sector, few would argue that Korea’s chances are higher than ever.

In addition to the 2010-2012 Visit Korea Year campaign, the government is supporting other events to increase tourism. In October, Yeongam County in South Jeolla will be the venue for Formula One, or F-1, the world’s most prestigious car racing competition, and in November, Seoul will be the gathering point for world leaders as the host of the G-20 economic summit.

To prepare, Korea seems to have been doing its homework.

Last year, it launched a host of committees that will work on assessing and improving Korea’s image abroad. These include the Presidential Branding Council, Task Force for Korean Cuisine and Visit Korea Committee.

The committees are getting some very high-profile help from First Lady Kim Yoon-ok. She serves as honorary chairwoman of the latter two committees. She also cooked Korean food on CNN, made kimchi with Miyuki Hatoyama, wife of Japan’s new prime minister Yukio Hatoyama in October, and selected the menu for U.S. President Barack Obama in November.

All of these efforts provide the country with opportunities to promote itself, but there are also challenges.

First and foremost, there is the issue of the slogan. The slogans “Dynamic Korea” and “Sparkling Korea” have not proven very popular thus far. Euh Yoon-dae, chairman of the Presidential Branding Council, lamented that “a recent survey shows that only 20 percent of respondents supported those slogans.”

While most agree on the need for a better slogan, officials are still undecided over what that will be.

There is also a rivalry between Korea, Japan and China. Next year is “Visit China Year” and “Visit Japan Year” in those countries. But some people, such as Lee Charm, say this presents the three countries with an opportunity, and he has even suggested a “Visit East Asia” campaign.

Now that it’s showtime, we’ll see if all of these efforts will help the Korean government keep its resolution as the year goes on.


By Kim Hyung-eun [hkim@joongang.co.kr]

[Focus 2010] Korea gears up to be one of world's top 5 content powerhouses
Date: January 06, 2010




The government in 2010 plans to focus on nurturing the domestic cultural content industry -- namely animations, TV dramas, movies and computer games, in a bid to make Korea one of the world's top five content-strong nations by 2013. It will also encourage competition among public schools and teachers in ways to foster public education and lower money spent on private extra-curricular education.

Korean-made cartoons Pukka and Pororo, TV dramas Daejanggeum (Jewel in the Palace) and Winter Sonata, and Korean-made computer games Maplestory, AION and Lineage: these are businesses that have so far earned over US$100 million from exports.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will support 30 more such “$100 mil. makers” from now until 2013 and plans to facilitate $3.8 billion worth of exports from the cultural content industry within this year. Such exports in 2009 amounted to $3 billion.

The year 2010 marks the beginning of the "2010-2012 Visit Korea Year" campaign, and the Culture Ministry plans to increase the number of inbound tourists from 7.8 million in 2009 to 8.5 million this year.

Several of the events scheduled during the national campaign period are World Design Capital Seoul, the 2012 Yeosu World Expo, a Hallyu (Korean Wave) festival, World Cultural Festival, World Food Festival, and a Jeju Olle road trekking event. Furthermore, the "Korea Grand Sale" with the participation of about 15,000 companies is continuing on from 2009.

Symbolic cultural edifices will be built nationwide as part of the Culture Ministry's efforts to reduce the gap of cultural access between different socio-economic classes. For one, a Hangeul (Korean Alphabet) museum will be built inside the National Museum of Korea in Yongsan-gu (district), Seoul. It will be used to promote the creativity and practicality of Korea's writing system. Construction will be completed in 2012.

The ministry will also maximize use of the G20 summit for cultural exchanges. A Han-style (Korean style) fair, special Korean culture exhibitions, special palace tour programs and many promotions are scheduled around the summit, to take place in November.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology will focus its efforts on enhancing the quality of public education in the new year.

In this vein, all elementary and middle school teachers will be subjected to a teacher evaluation system as of March.

The new university admission officer system, in which each school has more power than before to choose its own students, will be further promoted.

The system aims to select more creative applicants with potential and to lower the burden of students and parents attached to the scores of university entrance exams. The system is expected to cool down the heavy dependence on private after-school education in Korea.

The ministry also plans to boost education related to environmental protection in the school curriculum to keep abreast of the incumbent administration's "low carbon green growth" policies.

Further, in 2010, efforts will ramp up for the successful launch of Korea's first space rocket called Naro. The first such attempt failed due to technical glitches in August last year.

Among other plans to be pursued by the ministry are exports of domestically developed nuclear power plants and the launch of a Global Korea Scholarship, which will unite all government-funded scholarship programs under a single umbrella.

By James Ro
Korea.net Staff Writer

http://www.korea.net/news/news/NewsView.as...09&part=101

http://english.visitkoreayear.com/english/main.asp
[Photo / Capture] Visit Korea Year 2010 - 2012 - BYJ related
source: FROM DEARYONGJOON BLOG/BY* XIAOYIYAN THANKS!!!!!!!

Ad Panel at the subway station

Seoul Is Asians' Favorite Travel DestinationSeoul is the preferred travel destination of Chinese, Japanese and Thai tourists. According to a straw poll of 800 Chinese, 500 Japanese, and 300 Thais in their respective countries in December, 11.4 percent, 9.8 percent and 20 percent said Seoul is a city they want to visit within the year, the Seoul city government said Wednesday.

Regardless of actual travel plans, the largest percentage or 14.3 percent of Thais chose Seoul as their favorite city, while the second largest proportion, or 7 percent of Japanese respondents picked Seoul after Honolulu (8 percent). Seoul was the third favorite city of Chinese people with 7.3 percent after Paris and Tokyo.

In multiple answers to the question why they wanted to visit Seoul, 57.4 percent of Chinese respondents, 50.2 percent of Thais and 36.8 percent of Japanese said they were attracted by watching ads for Seoul or Korean soap operas on TV or the Internet. This indicates that the Korean pop culture boom and the city government's overseas TV ads have proved effective in attracting foreign tourists.

The number of foreign tourists to Seoul stood at about 7.8 million last year, up 13.2 percent from the previous year's 6.89 million.

The three countries had different ideas about what image the city should promote. Most Chinese respondents suggested a city "with many things to enjoy"; most Japanese a city "where shopping is fun"; and most Thais a "traditional city."
englishnews@chosun.com / Jan. 14, 2010 09:33 KST

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rz2aJMVZyJw...player_embedded SOURCE* BY BAEBAE72 SSI/YOUTUBE.COM THANKYOU!

http://www.korea.net/News/News/NewsView.as..._no=20100119012

Seoul ads, TV dramas boost Asian tourists in Seoul
Date: January 19, 2010

Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government



Seoul City announced on Wednesday (Jan. 13) the results of two separate surveys of 1,600 local people in China, Japan and Thailand as well as 600 foreign tourists visiting Seoul from China, Japan and Thailand. The surveys on ‘Analysis of Effects on Overseas Marketing by Seoul City in 2009' were conducted by The Nielsen Co., a global marketing research firm, in October and December last year and commissioned by the city.



The majority of respondents said they visited Seoul because ads on Seoul made them like the city

In the first survey of 600 foreign tourists visiting Seoul from China, Japan and Thailand, conducted by The Nielson Co. between Dec. 4 and 15 at major tourist attractions in Seoul, including Namdaemun Market, Gyeongbokgung (Palace), Myeong-dong, Insa-dong, Jongno, Itaewon and Hanok Village (Traditional Korean Village), a majority of the respondents said they visited Seoul because they had a better image of the city after watching advertisements by Seoul City and television dramas set in their countries. The results showed that overseas advertisements by Seoul City played a key role in improving the city's brand awareness and attracted extra numbers of foreign tourists.

Accordingly, it indicates that Seoul's overseas marketing efforts to increase the city's brand awareness are making an impact.

In particular, eight out of 10 Chinese people, seven out of 10 Japanese people and eight out of 10 Thai people responded they watched advertisements on Seoul City. In addition, more than 80 percent of respondents from the three nations said the ads appealed to them.

Most tourists from China, Japan and Thailand expressed their intention to recommend Seoul as a tourist destination





What's more, most tourists -- 83.6 percent of Chinese, 91.2 percent of Japanese and 74 percent of Thai –- said they intend to recommend Seoul as a tourist destination, indicating they were impressed by Seoul's tour programs that let them experience local history and culture.


Seoul, picked as a city most want to visit for 2nd straight year

In the second survey of 1,600 local people in China, Japan and Thailand, who made an overseas trip over the past two years or plan to make such a trip within the next year, Seoul was selected as the city where they most want to visit within a year for the second straight year.

In the previous survey conducted in November 2008, Seoul had been selected as a city where 13.9 percent of Chinese, 9.8 percent of Japanese and 16 percent Thai people most want to visit within a year. The surveys noted that a preference on Seoul as a tourist destination among Chinese and Japanese people was gradually growing.

In May, 2008, Seoul was ranked sixth (4 percent) in China and fifth (5.1 percent) in Japan in a list of cities that they most like. As of the end of 2008, Seoul's ranking rose to fourth (8 percent) in China and third (7.2 percent) in Japan. In a recent survey conducted at the end of 2009, Seoul's ranking rose further to third (7.9 percent) in China and second (7 percent) in Japan.




Achievements of overseas marketing endeavors through TV stars, direct ads on TV dramas and sports marketing

Since 2008, Seoul City has launched an aggressive overseas marketing program which has helped the city significantly increase its awareness and preference.

In 2008, Seoul City started an ad blitz on televisions and in newspapers in China, Japan, Southeast Asia and North America to promote the city's image under the ‘Hi Seoul, Soul of Asia' mantras, with Japanese novelist Ryu Murakami, US pianist George Winston and Chinese director Chen Kaige featured in the ads.

In 2009, Seoul City launched a campaign of ‘Infinitely Yours, Seoul,' to put an emphasis on a variety of cultural experiences and strengthened advertisements through Hallyu, or Korean Wave, stars and its products. Also, Seoul City set up LED advertising boards on buildings and buses in Beijing, Tokyo, Shanghai, Manhattan and Paris to raise Seoul's brand awareness.

An official in charge of public relations and planning in Seoul City said, “In 2010 we will do our utmost to attract tourists from around the world, beyond Asia, and help create jobs as Seoul will host the World Design Capital Seoul 2010 and the G-20 Summit in November this year. Seoul was recently selected as the third most popular destination ‘The 31 Places to Go in 2010' by the New York Times.”

The ‘Analysis of Effects on Overseas Marketing by Seoul City in 2009' consisted of two separate surveys, an online survey of 1,600 local people in China, Japan and Thailand and another face-to-face survey and ‘Focus Group Interview' of 600 tourists visiting Seoul between Dec. 4 and 15 in 2009. An interview with local people and tourists is now under way and will be completed by the end of January.

Korea Tourism Organization | Korea Inspiring | Global
22-Jan-10, 11:39



A year after Cheil Worldwide scooped the creative and media business for Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), a global campaign is set to launch in mid-March under the theme ‘Korea inspiring’.

Cheil won the creative and media business last March 2009. Joe McDonagh, executive worldwide creative director at Cheil, explained that KTO's image has been fragmented under the tagline ‘Korea sparkling’. He added that one of the biggest challenges is to integrate the essence of the Korean culture and deliver them in a unified format.

McDonagh said: “The message before was disconnected. Print ads with individual messages. Some worked and some didn’t. We need to find a focus this time and connect with people in a deeper level.”

The global campaign involves three television commercials that have been adapted for each region: Asia, Japan, the US and Europe. Cheil has identified three distinct connections within the Korean culture. 'Qi' being the spiritual bond with nature; ‘Cheong’ as the heart-to-heart connection between people; and ‘Heong’ which refers to the collective energy and passion of the Korean philosophy.

“We have no significant landmark like the Eiffel Tower or Times Square. It is the people that make us stand out. That’s the magic that you never let go of,” McDonagh added.

The creative concept for the ad that airs in Asia is focused on music, fashion and energy. For Japan ithe focus is on hospitality and the elements in nature. It is also the only ad version that features Korean celebrity Bae Yong-joon, who played a key part in the ‘Korean wave’ that swept across Asia in 2002. The American version of the ad incorporates the rich culture of Korea and its landscapes.

The campaign will kick off with the TV ads and with print and online promotions running at a later stage.

http://www.media.asia/newsarticle/2010_01/...483?src=mostpop

http://www.media.asia/searcharticle/2009_0...-business/34668

Cheil retains US$20 million KTO business
by David Blecken 9-Mar-09, 11:11



SEOUL - Cheil Worldwide has retained the Korea Tourism Organisation's (KTO) creative and media business, worth an estimated US$10 million, following a statutory annual review that also included LG Ad, Innocean and Daehong.

A spokesperson for Cheil stated that the government body would be looking to step up its national branding activities in line with this year’s ‘Visit Korea’ promotional drive to increase the flow of tourism to the country. Cheil will be responsible for the account until 2011 under a two-year contract.

The spokesperson added that forthcoming creative work would place emphasis on digital elements and would aim to attract a combination of visitors including young Japanese, Chinese families and adventure seekers from Southeast Asia, Europe and the US.

The current advertising theme, ‘Korea, sparkling’, was initially developed by LG Ad. Cheil was appointed agency-of-record for the account last year.

Separately, a result for the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s annual city branding creative review is expected to be announced at the end of the week.

Get full access to an all-inclusive ranking of Asia's award-winning creative talents. Subscribe to CREATIVE RANKINGS 2009.

Year of the Tiger 2010 Tiger, guardian deity and loyal friend of the Korean people http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/index.kto http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_....jsp?cid=475504 Just What Is Sibijisin?
Visitors to Korea might be surprised to hear Koreans referring to 2010 as ‘the year of the tiger’. Koreans believe that there are twelve gods of the earth (Sibiji or twelve jisins) who take the form of twelve animals: the mouse, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, chicken, dog, and pig.

Before the arrival of the Western concept of time keeping, Koreans measured time according to the names of animals, for example myosi (the time of the rabbit) was between 5:00 and 7:00, and misi (the time of the sheep) was between 13:00 and 15:00. The whole day was divided into twelve sections, each of which was symbolized by one of the twelve animals. Various tales regarding the origin of these beliefs have been handed down through the generations, and the most common ones are indicated below. These animals were therefore seen as guardians of specific times and also of specific directions such as north or southwest. They were believed to be guardians against evil spirits, and can be seen surrounding royal tombs.



Koreans also determined the years by assigning them to the twelve animals. According to this system 2010 is ‘the year of the tiger’, and 2011 will be ‘the year of the rabbit’. It is traditionally believed that people possess the certain characteristics of the animal whose year they were born in. Therefore the year and also the time at which you were born were believed to determine your personality and fate.

Symbols of Sibiji
Jasi
(23:00-01:00) : The mouse is most active during this time.

Chuksi
(01:00-03:00) : The cow ruminates its cud and prepares for the next morning's work in the field.

Insi
(03:00-05:00) : The tiger is the most ferocious during this time.

Myosi
(05:00-07:00) : Before the sunrise, a jade rabbit can be seen in the moon high in the sky.

Jinsi
(07:00-09:00) : The dragon flies and prepares for the rain.

Sasi
(09:00-11:00) : The snake is still sleeping so it will not harm humans

Osi
(11:00-13:00) : As the yang of the earth turns to yin at this time, the horse gallops across the earth.

Misi
(13:00-15:00) : The sheep must graze the field at this time so as not to harm the grass.

Sinsi
(15:00-17:00) : The monkey cries the most at this time.

Yusi
(17:00-19:00) : After a whole day of searching for food, the chicken finally goes to its nest.

Sulsi
(19:00-21:00) : As the sun sets, the dog starts looking after the house.

Haesi
(21:00-23:00) : The pig has the sweetest dream at this time.


Meaning of 12 Sibiji
Ja Chuk In Myo Jin Sa O Mi Sin Yu Sul Hae
Animal Mouse Cow Tiger Rabbit Dragon Snake Horse Sheep Monkey Chicken Dog Pig
Time 23~
01 01~
03 03~
05 05~
07 07~
09 09~
11 11~
13 13~
15 15~
17 17~
19 19~
21 21~
23
Month Nov. Dec. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May. Jun. Jul. Aug. Sep. Oct.
Direction N NN NEE E SEE SSE S SSW SWW W NWW NNW



Just for Fun - Innate Character by Sign
Mouse (2008, 1996, 1984, 1972, 1960, 1948)
Those born in the year of the mouse are generally said to be frugal, thrifty, and very hardworking. Their hearts are very fragile, making them extremely wary of others. However, they are usually witty and very quick. However, those born during the year of the mouse often lack emotional self-control and need greater moral cultivation




Cow (2009, 1997, 1985, 1973, 1961, 1949)
People born in the year of the cow are patient, honest, and hardworking. They don’t like to lose. They are good at getting things done and have a personality that attracts people. However, they are weak in love, timid, and conservative.




Tiger (2010, 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950)
People born in the year of the tiger are passionate, honest, optimistic, and extremely aggressive at everything they do. Generally, most of them are said to be very adventurous and are ambitious of honor and glory. However, their passion may lead to be reckless when reaching for their goals.



Rabbit (1999, 1987, 1975, 1963, 1951, 1939)
People born in the year of the rabbit are sensitive, humorous, and artistic. However, they can readily rely on their talent and not work hard enough.



Dragon (2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, 1952, 1940)
Those born in the year of the dragon do not like to control their emotions and to be overly stingy. Therefore, many of them are adventurous and dream of a romantic lifestyle. However, they should be careful of haughty and arrogant behavior, and should control their impatience.



Snake (2001, 1989, 1977, 1965, 1953, 1941)
Many people born in the year of the snake are dignified and are perfectionists. They have the tendency to be ambitious, and they work hard for their goals and persevere. They are passionate about what they do. However, their overly perfectionist personality may constantly bring about self doubt.



Horse (2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942)
People born in the year of the horse are cheerful, open, and humorous. They commit to one field, so they are likely to be successful in whatever they do. However, they want everything to work around them, and they must be careful of waste and entertainment.



Sheep (2003, 1991, 1979, 1967, 1955, 1943)
People born in the year of the sheep are sympathetic and peaceful. They are simple and kind, so they are usually fortunate. However, they are also fearful, indecisive, and complaining.



Monkey (2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944)
People born in the year of the monkey are social, cheerful, and positive. They are good leaders of public or organization. However, they need more tenacity.



Chicken (2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945)
People born in the year of the chicken are intelligent and courageous. They are very good at thinking ahead and meticulously carrying out plans. Although they have a smart appearance, many have an upright, moral body and mind. However, they can also be self-centered and stubborn.



Dog (2006, 1994, 1982, 1970, 1958, 1946)
People born in the year of the dog are honest, bright, and friendly to other people. They are sympathetic and responsible. However, they tend to spoil their own family.



Pig (2007, 1995, 1983, 1971, 1959, 1947)
People born in the year of the pig are honest, simple, and strong. Many are hardworking and good-hearted. However, they are sometimes hesitative, which prevents further growth


Article by Hong, Mi-kyung

裴勇俊·韩国宣传'国家代表'[韩国日报]2010年01月25日(星期一)上午06:前往44街|电子邮件|印刷今年海外动画主要模特儿…本月末'真的'对日本整个地区谒见演员裴勇俊·在2010年国家海外宣传的主要 模特儿里(上)出了。

裴勇俊·工作以主人公出来了韩国宣传动画'真的'(情)将呈现在1月末日本整个地区上。 工作'真的'好好地穿了购买和水韩衣服的女性与旅行道有裴勇俊·的女性星期三干sa包含着漂浮podurippu的话。

使是映像末了裴勇俊·的软的微笑富有魅力被摄影了,使之想起最近他发刊了的<韩国的美丽的旅行>的执笔过程理念衬托显现出来CF。

是裴勇俊·的所属公司的BOF"去年在11月渊表面(tamyan)的竹的森林摄影了宣传动画。 宣布了所感代表日本等亚洲的裴勇俊·小,不过能帮助国家宣传很高兴"。

集中了在是韩国旅游国营公司向(以)欧美,中国·亚洲,日本等3个特定地区和国家情趣使焦点协调各々制造了的宣传动画'气'(气)'fun'(兴致)'真的'本月从末通过CNN等全世界地播放(情)的计划'气'轻快的samurunori 韵律合起与乘务一起显出,韩国各个角落'哼'(兴致)与其他恶演奏一起发展了的大韩民国的城市的人生。

采纳了韩国旅游国营公司对世界告知韩国的新的标语'Korea,be in间谍广告'(Korea,Be Inspired·韩国,为何被拉的国家)。

体育韩国孤闺论说委员enter@sportshankook.co.kr http://kr.news.yahoo.com/service/news/shel...;newssetid=1352 overseas announcing to public in 'Really' Japanese whole area in 2010 at the end of this month.

bae yong joon's going out as a hero animation of the South Korea announcing to public working 'Really'(affection) is scheduled to appear in this whole area of the end of January. As for working 'Really', the story that the woman who neatly put on South Korea clothes as soon as she requests water from the woman thatbae yong joon is on the travel road floats [podou;rippu] on the water ladle is included.

A soft smile of bae yong joon was taken a picture, and is attractively CF that seems that the concept to remind me of the writing process of < beautiful travel of South Korea > that he published recently looks better at the end of the image.

BOF of the affiliated company of bae yong joon is ..".. animation of announcing to public of which it took a picture in the forest of the bamboo of [**you] ([tamyan]) in November of last age. Impressions were clarified though bae yong joon that represented Asia such as Japan was small ..glad to help a national announcing to public.. .."...

When 'Really' of ..having fun..)(affection) is scheduled to be telecasted worldwide through CNN etc. at the end of this month, 'Nature' shows every corner of South Korea with working according to a light sa mur nor i rhythm ..focusing on 3 piece specific region such as Europe and America, China, Asia, and Japan and national emotions and each production of the public corporation of sightseeing in South Korea.. ..animation of announcing to public 'Nature'(nature) and 'Excrement' (... ..having fun..) ..'Excrement'(.. concentrated on the life of the city in the Republic of Korea that developed with a bad another performance.

The public corporation of sightseeing in South Korea adopted 'Korea and [bi-] [insupaiado]'(South Korea of Korea and Be Inspired and countries pulled why) by a new slogan that informed the world of South Korea.

Sports South Korea [**neya] editorial writer enter@sportshankook.co.kr

Visit Korea Year" Tourism Campaign Kicks Off

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Updated : January 26, 2010



"Visit Korea Year" Tourism Campaign Kicks Off
The Korean government kicked off the new year with an ambitious goal of attracting some 10 million foreign tourists by 2012 through a three-year campaign they are calling the "Visit Korea" years.
However, the general population is still largely unaware of what it's doing to attract international visitors and what the campaign entails.
According to the Visit Korea Committee an organization in charge of promoting this movement it's giving foreigners a reason to come and see what Korea has to offer.


[Interview : Sonia Hong, Secretary General
Visit Korea Committee] "For three years, we are trying to offer 3-plus-1 or 4-plus-1 accommodations throughout Korea. So if you come and stay three nights, certain hotels would offer one night for free or if you stay four nights, they would offer you one night free."

Other incentives include 10 to 20 percent discounts at restaurants and souvenir shops as well as eased visa requirements for foreigners wishing to visit Korea.
Although tourists from Japan, Europe and the US are able to enter Korea visa-free the country still has strict regulations for Chinese visitors.
However, in light of the "Visit Korea" campaign the government has significantly reduced the amount of paper work needed to receive a visa.


[Interview : Sonia Hong, Secretary General
Visit Korea Committee] "We are trying to offer things to do. No longer is travel just sight-seeing and taking pictures, it's interactive travel. So we're trying to create lots of different interactive events."

Organizers say they plan to put together seven major events over the next three years and they include, the Hallyu Festival, the World Food Travel Festival and the Jeju Olle Trecking Competition.
Aside from all the special promotions and scheduled events the Visit Korea Committee has also arranged small groups of volunteers to go around to the country's hot tourist destinations to educate visitors about the three-year campaign.
And one student from China says she joined the organization to improve foreigners' image of Korea.


[Interview : Jin Mi-dan, Student from China] "At first Koreans came across as being really cold. But once I got to know more people, I found everyone to be extremely kind and always willing to help. I don't think a lot of foreigners know about this. So I'm here to promote the kindness of Koreans."

Studies have also shown that people generally form an image about a country based on the quality of their tour experience of that nation.
In fact, an individual's tourism experience accounts for nearly 50 percent of a person's general image of a country.


[Reporter : Jang Ji-yun
jiyun.jang@arirang.co.kr] "And so experts say Korea's long-term goal should be raising its overall image by launching campaigns like the "Visit Korea Year" and enhancing foreigners' travel experience in Korea.
Jang Ji-yun, Arirang News."

JAN 26, 2010
Reporter : jiyun.jang@arirang.co.kr

http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/News_View.as...&category=2

SOURCE* BY SAKURASAN/BLOG THANKS!!!!!!!

'Korea Be Inspired' Selected as New Tourism Slogan
http://koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/20.../117_60112.html


By Do Je-hae
Staff Reporter

Korea's tourism attractions will be promoted through a new English slogan, "Korea Be Inspired," the nation's tourism agency said Monday.

The new slogan emphasizes the hope that foreign tourists will gain new inspiration by visiting Korea. The KTO is aiming to attract 8.5 million foreign tourists in 2010.

The KTO has been gathering ideas from its staff members and advertising experts before confirming the final phrase.

This year marks the beginning of the 2010-2012 "Visit Korea Campaign," aimed at generating $10 billion in annual tourism revenue and advancing Korea's stature as a tourism power.

Previously, Korea has used the slogan "Korea Sparkling" in various promotional materials at home and abroad since 2007. However, it had been criticized for lacking identity and relevance to tourism.

The Presidential Council on National Branding, launched in January 2009, raised the need for a more appropriate tourism slogan. Some experts, including Euh Yoon-dae, chairman of the Presidential Council on National Branding, have been critical of the effectiveness of "Korea Sparkling" as a slogan to represent Korea in the world.

Other tourism powers in Asia have used slogans that define the essence of their respective countries, such as "Incredible India," "Uniquely Singapore" and "Malaysia Truly Asia."

The new slogan will be used in promotional videos and advertisements produced by the KTO in the near future.

Korea spent 5 billion won in developing the slogan 'Korea Sparkling' in 2007 through consultation with domestic and foreign experts.

jhdo@koreatimes.co.kr

Chinese Tourists Discontent With Korea


Visitors from China land in Korea at the Incheon International Airport, the nation’s main gateway, in December 2009. Chinese tourists accounted for some 17 percent of the total number of foreign visitors last year.
/ Korea Times

Lack of Chinese-Language Signs, Tasteless Food, High Costs Cited as Complaints

By Do Je-hae, Kwon Mee-yoo
Staff Reporters

Korea has high hopes for hosting Chinese travelers, who are increasing in number worldwide and getting bolder with their overseas spending. By 2020, Korea wants to host 10 million Chinese tourists.

Chinese tourists currently make up one of the largest groups of foreign tourists in Korea after those from Japan. A total of 1.3 million Chinese people visited Korea last year, represent some 17 percent of the total number of foreign visitors.

However, many Chinese were found to be less than satisfied with their travels here, according to recent reports by the nation's tourism agency conducted in China.

The world's most populous country rated Korea last among ten destinations in a survey assessing the level of satisfaction of Chinese tourists, according to a recent consumer report by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO).

Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Europe, Malaysia, Japan, Macao, Thailand and Vietnam all placed ahead of Korea.

Many said that they would not recommend Korea to other people.

They cited the lack of Chinese-language signs, high costs, and heavy traffic as the main inconveniences.

Only 28 out of 60 Seoul restaurants designated by the KTO as "foreigner-specific" offer Chinese-language menus. Despite the nation's push to globalize Korean food, or ``hansik,'' more than 40 percent of Chinese tourists found Korean food to be "tasteless."

Chinese tourists also called for eased entry regulations.

"Though the government has established its 'Visit Korea 2010-2012' campaign, it is difficult for Chinese tourists to visit Korea with visa," an official of a tour agency specialized for Chinese tourists said. Efforts between the two countries have been made to allow travelers from the China to visit without a visa.

Korea is seeking a visa waiver program with China for tourists staying for up to 30 days. However, it is unclear whether the plan will be realized.

Due to an increasing number of Chinese travelers and their spending power, many countries across the globe have been making efforts to attract more Chinese visitors.

Last year, Chinese tourists spent around $2.3 billion in Korea.

Shopping was the main reason their coming here, followed by nature activities, hallyu (Korean entertainment) and historical heritage.

Hosting more Chinese tourists is an essential task for Korea's tourism, especially during the 2010-2012 Visit Korea campaign.

Shanghai was one of the first places where the campaign's organizers rushed to announce the tourism drive to generate $10 billion in annual tourism revenue and advance Korea's stature as a tourist destination.

More and more Chinese people are traveling abroad, although 75 percent of Chinese travelers visit only Hong Kong and Macao due to credit card and visa issues.

Despite the global economic downturn, a Chinese state report showed that 47.5 million Chinese travelled abroad in 2009, a 3.6 percent increase from the previous year.

The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) projected that by 2020, China will be fourth after Germany, Japan and the United States in the number of outbound tourists.

Currently, about 9 percent of the total number of Chinese travelers going overseas visit Korea. The KTO wants to see the figure go up to 30 percent, considering the geographical proximity between the two countries.

Local governments are launching campaigns of their own to host more Chinese tourists.

Incheon is hoping more than 30,000 senior tourists from China will visit the city this year.

Led by Hong Kong-based Lippo Incheon Development, the port city is developing a leisure town with a Chinese motif within the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ).

The Incheon Tourism Organization (ITO) said Monday that it has developed a new tour program for elderly Chinese tourists along the West Coast of the Korean peninsula.

The ITO expects some 30,000 Chinese tourists will visit Incheon and the southwestern city of Gwangju from April to October through the program.

The ITO has established connections with several tourist organizations and other senior associations in China.

The West Coast Silver tour is a travel product connecting Incheon, South Chungcheong Province, Gwangju and South Jeolla Province along the coast.

Major tourist attractions include the Incheon Bridge, Compact Smart City ― an exhibition displaying the urban development of Incheon and Songdo ― and Incheon's Chinatown, which is the biggest in Korea.

The Korea-China Silver Tourism Festival will be held in Incheon in May and in Gwangju in September. The festival includes singing and dancing contests and a golden wedding ceremony for some 20 senior couples from Korea and China.

The ITO aims to develop the festival as a health expo for the elderly in the near future.

"We will create more tour programs in connection with senior education centers and senior welfare centers," an ITO official said. "In the long term, we want the festival to be a health expo for seniors."

jhdo@koreatimes.co.kr

Tourism board begins service for menu translation


Local restaurateurs and food vendors will now be able to create foreign language versions of their menus using a web-based service provided by the Korea Tourism Organization. Vendors may visit www.visitkorea.or.kr to get started on updating their awkwardly translated menu items, such as "spawn soup," "an intestine of an ox," "cow head soup," and "gut of a pig."

The new service looks to ease some of the headaches Korean restaurants and eateries have experienced translating some of the country's more eclectic dishes and delicacies into Chinese, Japanese and especially English.

Due to such ill-thought out translations, proper labeling has become an important factor in the tourism board's list of priorities in order to boost awareness of Korean Cuisine as a serious player.


Whether it would be a restaurant aimed at the premium market or a no-frills corner street eatery, the new service will give food service entrepreneurs convenient options to label their dishes relevant to the nuance of their establishments.

About 1,700 Korean dishes with Japanese, Chinese and English titles are available for implementation.

For one restaurant manager in downtown central Seoul, the service has made the process of translating his dishes convenient.

"We've had quite a few foreign customers come into our restaurant and we always saw them laughing with their friends," Mr. Park said.

"That made me very upset to see people mock my dishes so we decided a menu for foreigners was needed but we experienced difficulties figuring out how to label them but with this new service, it's been a lot of help."

Last year alone Korea saw for the first time, inbound tourism figures reach a benchmark 7 million.

And through frequent surveys conducted by the KTO, food has consistently ranked first or second place as one of the nation's biggest tourist draws.

With aggressive support from the current administration to globalize Korean Cuisine, calls for a unified system for labeling Korean dishes have become all the more important according to the KTO.

(kws@heraldm.com)




By Song Woong-ki

Four Major Projects Being Pushed to Attract 10 Million Foreign Tourists
Travel
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Lee Kyung-min
Thursday, February 4th, 2010

Shin Dong-bin, chairman of the VKC
The Visit Korea Year Committee (VKC) has been making a strong push for four major projects in 2010 to attract 10 million tourists a year, a top official of the committee said. "On the occasion of the 2010-2012 Visit Korea Year, the committee is exerting all-out efforts to herald the brand of South Korea to foreign countries and improve quality of the nation's tourism industry," Shin Dong-bin the chairman of the VKC, said.

In an interview with Korea IT Times, Shin said, "By doing so, we aim to attract more than 10 million foreign tourists every year, attain over US$13 billion in tourism revenue, and secure No. 21 position in terms of the global tourism competitiveness."

Related to this, the committee is actively pushing for four major projects this year – differentiated overseas marketing by market, affluent incentives for foreign tourists when they visit Korea, special events offering something to see and enjoy. There is also a campaign to improve greeting services for foreign tourists, which enables them to feel welcomed when they arrive in Korea.

Special Tourism Sales Promotion Team

"As an initial step, we will dispatch a special tourism sales promotion team to China and Japan to attract tourists from neighboring countries. We will also stage active PR marketing by holding regular explanatory meetings to introduce Korea's tourism resources to foreigners at overseas offices of Korea Tourism Organization," stated the VKC chairman.

In particular, he said, “The committee will engage in active promotion activity to help foreign tourists attend such global events to be held in South Korea such as the World Design Capital Seoul 2010, the World Championships in Athletics Daegu 2011 and International Exposition Yeosu Korea 2012.”

Shin expressed, "Along with this, the committee will implement a program to decentralize foreign tourists centering on Seoul to provincial regions and attract more foreign tourists by offering incentives to shopping centers and lodging facilities." To let foreign tourists see the attractive appearances of provincial regions in the country, VKC has decided to hold the 2010 Hallyu Festival in Gyeongju, the World Food Tourism Festival in Jeonju, and Busan’s Fireworks Festival.

Shin stated, “For development of high-quality tourism products linked with the festivals, the committee is maintaining close tie-ups with relevant provincial governments.” He went on to say, "In addition, it will stage the welcoming service campaign for foreign tourists with the start of the inauguration of the Smile Supporters' group comprising college students."

Korea's Tourism Resources

For a successful Visit Korea Year, the committee plans to actively push for four major tourism areas such as medical services, meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE), ecology and performance – in which South Korea has strong competitiveness, Shin proclaimed.

"We can develop truly high-valued tourism products by promoting and spreading 'hallyu (the Korean wave),' image. For instance, Korean culture experience and products developed by hallyu's star Bae Yong-joon, that featured travelling to the most beautiful places in the country, were sold out even if the price was relatively high at KRW140,000-400,000," stated the VKC chairman.

When asked about the current situation of Korean culture's globalization and the brand value of South Korea. Shin said, "Korean culture's globalization now stands on a toddler stage. South Korea also ranks 42 in global tourism competitiveness, much lower than its neighboring countries. By publicizing the brand of South Korea to foreign tourists and promoting Korea's tourism image during the Visit Korea Year, we aim to jack up the nation's ranking of tourism competitiveness to 20 in the world."

Noting that major foreign countries are striving to attract more foreign tourists as a means of promoting their state image and bolster state competitiveness. Shin reinforced that South Korea is also necessary to increase the number of inbound foreign tourists in order to reduce deficits in the country's tourism balance and strengthen competitive power of the domestic tourism industry.

In line with this, Korea declared 2010-2012 as the Visit Korea Year at the Cabinet meeting to strengthen competitiveness of the domestic tourism industry, presided over by President Lee Myung-bak, on March 28, 2008.

"During the period, we will make best efforts to promote the image of South Korea to the world and implement a variety of short-term and long-term projects to attract more foreign tourists. In particular, we are seeking private companies' active participation in the campaign to lure more foreign tourists this year," said the chairman.

As an initial event for the Visit Korea Year 2010, the committee plans to hold an event welcoming foreign tourists. Under the project, VKC will present a bouquet of flowers to first foreign visitors at Incheon International Airport, Gimpo International Airport and Jeju International Airport.

Along with this, the committee will operate PR booths for foreign tourists at major tourist spots across the country, including Haeundae in Busan, Homigot in Pohang and Jeongdongjin in Gangnung, Shin concluded.

02-08-2010 17:59

Changing Slogans Confusing, Costly



By Do Je-hae
Staff Reporter

One lingering concern for tourism authorities has been the absence of an English-language slogan that captures the essence of the pleasures and merits of travelling in Korea.

Recently, the nation's tourism organization announced "Korea, Be Inspired" as the new slogan to market Korea overseas, replacing the three-year-old "Korea Sparkling" campaign that has been termed by some as "atrocious."

But the new slogan has also been met with criticism from foreigners, many of whom seem puzzled by the series of inconsistent tourism slogans that undergo changes every few years.

The nation has had a history of unsuccessful experimentations in marketing strategies based on national identity, such as "Korea Sparkling," "Dynamic Korea" and "Hi Seoul" promotional drives.

Since the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) announced its new slogan last week, some foreigners said that the new slogan did not adequately reflect what Korea has to offer as a tourism destination, particularly during the 2010-2012 Visit Korea campaign.

"The words 'inspire' or 'inspirational' or 'inspiration' are often used in regard to spiritual matters, or thoughts and ponderings, and they don't really say much about what Korea has to offer to visitors. In other words, one could ask, "What is inspiring in Korea?" Sonia Strawn, a long-time resident in Korea, said.

"It might be wiser for Korea to work harder on basic issues that attract or repel foreign tourists, rather than spend money and time on trying to advertise itself in a few words," she added.

She also suggested that the KTO be more open to advance suggestions from foreigners when selecting such slogans. "We have wanted to give some input into what appears to be a very crucial part of Korea's tourism campaign toward international persons who do not speak Korean. However, there was no channel for us to do so."

During a recent press conference, KTO President Lee Charm said that "Korea Tourism Supporters" project, consisting of both Koreans and non-Koreans, will be established to work with local governments to exchange ideas about how best to develop the country as a tourist attraction. However, such announcements have largely gone unnoticed by foreigners due to a lack of promotion and media attention.

"Korea Be Inspired" is already being used on the official KTO Web site at www.visitkorea.or.kr. The new slogan will be featured in its promotional videos and advertisements.

Some have voiced concerns that the new slogan is a far cry from the successful slogans that have represented tourism rivals in Asia, such as "Incredible India," "Uniquely Singapore" and "Malaysia, Truly Asia."

These campaigns have been lauded for capturing and defining the essence of the respective countries' exceptional qualities that make them distinctive tourism destinations.

The need to discontinue the "Korea Sparkling" promotion had been raised for some time.

The Presidential Council on National Branding, launched in January 2009, raised the need for a more appropriate tourism slogan. Some experts, including Euh Yoon-dae, chairman of the Presidential Council on National Branding, have been critical of its effectiveness as a slogan to represent Korea in the world.

"Korea Sparkling" had been used in various promotional materials at home and abroad since the previous administration was in power, but it had been criticized for lacking identity and relevance to tourism. Korea spent 5 billion won in developing the slogan in 2007 through consultation with domestic and foreign experts.

Others say that Korean tourism first needs substance, rather than empty, flashy words to represent itself to the outside world. Slogans are just words, but reputations can only be achieved thorough concrete plans and follow-up action to advance tourism, they say.

"Koreans inspire foreign tourists so much that they want to visit other Asian destinations such as Japan, China and Thailand," a netizen said.

The nation is targeting 8.5 million foreign visitors this year through the 2010-2012 "Visit Korea Campaign," but the latest surveys indicate that Koreans are not fit to accommodate them in a friendly manner.

In a survey by the World Economic Forum in 2008, Korea was rated 111th in an index of friendliness among 130 countries. Korea's overall tourism competitiveness was rated 31st.

The "2010-2012 Visit Korea" campaign is ultimately aimed at placing Korea as one of the top rankers in the global assessments of tourism competitiveness.

jhdo@koreatimes.co.kr

Visit Korea Year launches new tourism commercials
Date: February 09, 2010

http://www.korea.net/news/news/newsView.as...Day=&page=1

Visit Korea Year promotion Video for Asia (japanese)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPz64GMauOo...player_embedded



Actor Bae Yong-joon, a major Hallyu (Korean Wave) star in Asia, has starred in another promotional video for Korean tourism.

The latest video to mark the 2010 Visit Korea Year was released last Friday (Feb. 5) and will be aired on Japanese DATV. The video especially highlights the beauty and warm hospitality of Korea with “silence” as its theme.

Bae was appointed a promotional ambassador for the Korea tourism year in October 2008, along with Korea's star figure skater Kim Yu-na and local animation character Pororo. Bae became a major heartthrob actor in Asia through his hit drama “Winter Sonata” (2002). The series sparked a mini social phenomenon in several countries.

He has since become an avid promoter of Korean culture, appearing in many other tourism commercials. Bae has also published a book about traditional crafts and cuisines, entitled "Journey in Search of Korea's Beauty" in Korean and Japanese in late 2009.

Bae has been showing an interest in promoting Korean food as well. He currently runs three Korean restaurants in Japan: “Koshirae” that serves Hansik or Korean traditional cuisine, “Koshirae–hwa” that serves Korean traditional liquor and most recently “Koshirae-geon” that serves all kinds of vegetable dishes such as bibimbap and ssambap. Last November, Bae was even invited to Cheong Wa Dae to meet First Lady Kim Yoon-ok to offer his opinions on better ways to promote Korean traditional cuisine.

There are also other tourism commercial videos, customized for audiences in different regions. For English-speaking audiences in the west, the theme of the video is “ki” or “strength” shown through a performance of heavenly drumming and for Chinese and general English-speaking audiences in Asia, the video's theme is “excitement,” demonstrated through images of colorful dancing.

Visit Korea Year promotion Video for US and EU. (Source: 2010-2012 Visit Korea Year)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHlJzbqrdv4...player_embedded

http://english.visitkoreayear.com/english/main.asp
Visit Korea Year promotion Video for Asia (Chinese)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uC1dRyjpOlU...player_embedded All these videos can also be viewed at the official Korean tourism website “Visit Korea Year 2010 - 2012” (Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese). Each different language section of the site features videos in that language.

By Kim Hee-sung
Korea.net Staff Writer
Visit Korea Year promotion Video for Asia (English) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kPlKKsrRwA

02-12-2010 16:29

Yu In-chon to Become Longest Serving Culture Minister



Yu In-chon,
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism
By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter

Yu In-chon, the culture, sports and tourism minister, is set to become the longest-serving minister on Feb. 14.

Actor-turned-minister Yu will break the longest serving record (one year, 11 months and 14 days) set by former minister Lee O-young who held the post from Jan. 3, 1990 to Dec. 19, 1991. Lee was the nation's first culture minister when the ministry was launched in 1990.

Since his inauguration on Feb. 29 in 2008, Yu has been appreciated as a "field-oriented" minister as he has been active in visiting various regions to encourage artists and promote cultural policies.

But he has also drawn criticism for making reckless remarks and pressuring heads of state-funded organizations appointed during the presidency of his predecessor, Roh Moo-hyun, to voluntarily leave their seats before trying to fill them with his aides in his early days of the post.

"I will work hard. This year, the ministry will bear fruit in the culture and art fields," Yu told the Yonhap News Agency.

Yu, one of the influential culture and entertainment industry figures, who helped Lee Myung-bak during his presidential campaign, is the third celebrity-turned-minister after actor-turned-minister Kim Myong-gon and director-turned-minister Lee Chang-dong.

janee@koreatimes.co.kr

The day this category is left to Yong's "Affection". Discovery of public corporation CM of sightseeing in South Korea image of bae yong joon appearance. 16:40 February 19【 public entertainments 】
TV CM gets into the news for overseas consumption about the public corporation of sightseeing in South Korea. bae yong joon Yong that builds one large Korean boom performs to this CM.
Everything from 2010 to 2012 is assumed to be an age of the South Korea visit, and various events for the tourist attracting from foreign countries have been held in South Korea. In the event, also for the Korean boom stars to participate a lot, and to introduce wonderful in South Korea, it plays a part. bae yong joon especially serves as the ambassador of announcing to public of the age of the South Korea visit, and has been selected for the model of the Japanese area advertisement of the sightseeing public corporation. CM of the bae yong joon appearance is already SKYPerfecTV! from February 5. It is telecasted with DATV, and it is scheduled to be telecasted about 250 times in the broadcasting channel of six ..Japan NTV etc... in the future until March. I am indescribably glad of fan for this treasure CM to be always seen on an official site of "Age committee member association of the South Korea visit".
Foreign countries TVCM of three volumes where South Korea "Nature of affection of ..having fun.. -" was also expressed were produced ..customer's news in this public corporation this year according to the overseas market up to now for overseas consumption of one volume of TVCM that had become "Age of the South Korea visit" though it produced... This..volume..world..whole area..area..divide..Japan..China..Southeast Asia..Europe..United States..Australia..market..Japan..for..produce..advertisement..South Korea..affection..solicit..CM..finish.
CM starts by the narration of a quiet woman. ｢Country (South Korea) where mind that entertains traveler has been succeeded. It is told that one leaf of the willow was floated when water is turned on. ｣｡Of course, the traveler is bae yong joon. As for the water presented by the woman who wore cima and chogori, after it was delicious, bae yong joon is a word. Afterwards, it is finished off again because of the woman's voice, "The geniality that has been forgotten is surely found".
See CM and confirm what whether the reason and "The leaf of the willow is floated" bae yong joon said by yourself. In a deep forest and the music that flows quietly are done and [kokoroiya] is done indescribably calmly. It has finished exactly ..the young nobleman of the smile seeing that became the hero of one large Korean boom by drama "Winter Sonata" after the World Cup of soccer of the Japan-South Korea co-sponsoring and bae yong joon.. ..CM of the waited healing...
Lately, I want to enjoy being not able to wait for TV appearance of bae yong joon without appearance as the actor after a long time on "Age of the South Korea visit" official site.

日本圈为裴勇俊的"情"委托！裴勇俊 演出的韩国旅游国营公司CM映像发现！[02月19日16点40分]【文艺】

韩国旅游国营公司适合海外的TV CM成为话题！在这个CM里(上)，建立了一大韩流高潮的裴勇俊事裴勇俊 演出着。

在韩国，作为韩国访问的年龄，召开从2010年到2012年为了来自海外的游客招徕的各种各样的活动。为了活动，韩流明星们大量地参加，也介绍韩国极好买着一项任务。尤其裴勇俊 ，担任韩国访问的年龄的宣传大使，被旅游国营公司的日本区域广告的模特儿提拔。裴勇俊 演出的CM，是已经从2月5日开始SKYPerfecTV！DATV被播放，今后，在日本NTV等6个的广播频道3月约250次左右为止被播放的预定。因为这个宝贝CM，在「韩国访问的年龄委员会」的官方网站无论什么时候能看，对于爱好者真的高兴极了。

在该国营公司，到现在为止制作着1编辑适合海外的TVCM,不过，成为了「韩国访问的年龄」的今年，为按海外市场制作了合起为顾客的nyuzu，表现韩国的「情·兴致·气」的3编辑海外TVCM。
这个3编辑，把世界整个地区分成3个区域，成为按日本，中国·东南亚，欧洲·美国·澳大利亚各市场，适合日本被制作了的裴勇俊 的广告，做完为恳求对方购买韩国的「情」的CM。

CM以安静的女性的解说开始。「招待旅人的心被继承的国家，韩国。被传达冒出水的时候，浮起了一张(件)柳的叶的…」。当然旅人是裴勇俊 。契玛裙子，裴勇俊 好吃地领受了之后一句话被裹了朝鲜服短上衣的女性伸出了的水。此后，再次由于女性的声音系紧「忘记和善一定找到」。

「浮起柳的叶」理由和裴勇俊 如何是不是说了，想看CM以自己被确认。
正在深的森林，安静地流的音乐真的平静心被治疗。用日韩共同主办的世界杯足球赛之后，电视剧「冬日恋歌」做完为一大韩流高潮的主人公和变成了的微笑的贵公子，对裴勇俊 恰好嵌套了的疗伤系的CM。

最近，作为演员登场没有的裴勇俊 隔了好久的TV登场不有待于断的一方，在「韩国访问的年龄」官方网站请享受。


mms://www.visitkoreayear.com/board_movie/[2010_02_03]_일본어_30초_B.wmv http://navicon.jp/news/6980/

Promotion of Cultural Exports
[2010-02-23]
The Korean government has presented a set of assistance plans to promote the export of cultural content. This is a timely move by the government, meeting the demands of the so-called “age of culture.” The plans should meet the world’s growing interest in Korean culture and prompt a new area of economic growth. With the government’s support, Korean culture is expected to be more visible on the global stage.

The Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has announced Monday the following strategies to export Korea’s cultural content to the world. The basic objective of these strategies is to cultivate 30 impressive examples of Korean cultural content that will produce more than 100 million dollars in accumulated sales by 2013.

In order to achieve these objectives, Korea needs to focus on “storytelling.” The success of Korean cultural content in the global market lies in how well Korean stories are told to the world. That is, the competitiveness of stories is directly correlated to the competitiveness of cultural content.

As part of the nation’s attempt to sell its cultural content, the Korea Creative Content Agency expanded this year its myth creation project with a creative mythical story contest. Also the agency will develop and distribute story production solutions based on an artificial intelligence system, and the government is ready to provide a wide range of tax incentives and support services.

It’s also worth noting that the new plans include an expansion of two-way cultural exchanges. For instance, domestic and foreign producers of joint cultural content will be given the tentatively-named Hallyu Bridge Awards to applaud their contributions to the spread of Korean pop culture. This is also expected to prevent any anti-Korean sentiments that may rise from unilaterally exporting Korean cultural contents. To further expand the channel of two-way cultural exchanges, the annual Korea-China-Japan Cultural Industry Forum may be upgraded to an official channel of mutual cooperation for the media industry. To this end, the government will push for an agreement of trans-boundary cultural exchanges among Korea, China, and Japan. The government will also establish a taskforce for the trilateral media industry which will hold its first meeting on this project in Tokyo sometime next month.

According to the Korean Ministry of Culture, Korea exported 3 billion dollars in games, TV shows, publishing, and other forms of cultural content in 2009. That’s about 26% more than the cultural export volume in 2008. Seventeen specific examples of Korean cultural content posted more than 100 million dollars in accumulated sales. Although Korea made remarkable advances in cultural exports, the nation still has a long way to go. In this day and age, culture is no longer a proprietary asset of one people. Hopefully, more brisk exports of Korean culture can demonstrate to the world the beauty and depth of Korea’s cultural content. http://english.kbs.co.kr/News/Commentary/view.html?No=17728

A first for tourism, and hopefully not the last

February 23, 2010
The German-born head of Korea’s state-funded tourism agency said his two main goals are to turn Korea into “Asia’s Switzerland” and to succeed as the country’s first foreign-born president of a major public firm.

“Korea has the potential to draw tens of millions of tourists annually,” said Lee Charm, head of the Korea Tourism Organization, in an interview at his downtown Seoul office Friday. “It has everything to satisfy tourists, such as urban culture, shopping, food and scenic places,” he added. The German-born naturalized Korean was appointed to his current post last July.

Around 7.8 million foreigners visited Korea last year, the first time ever that the number of inbound tourists to the country topped the seven million mark. Lee said, however, that compared with the 18 million tourists who visited Hong Kong and the 12 million who traveled to Singapore last year, Korea still needs to do more.

Marketing is key to attracting more foreign tourists, he said. As such, his agency launched the “Korea Be Inspired” campaign to promote Korea’s unique appeal. Lee says the current campaign has proven more successful than its predecessor, “Korea Sparkling,” which brought up images of “cheap sparkling wine” for many Western travelers.

He also explained that the three key words in the KTO’s public relations strategy are “gi,” which translates as “universal energy” and is widely used in martial arts like taekwondo, “heung,” an intrinsic sense of joy, and “jeong,” or caring for others and putting them before oneself.

Lee said his personal background has greatly helped his work at the KTO. The 56-year-old, whose original name is Bernhard Quandt, came to Korea in 1978 to attend a religious event. He forfeited his German citizenship to become a naturalized Korean in 1986 and has since taken on a number of different roles, from teaching German to consulting, acting and hosting an English radio talk show. He is fluent in Korean, English and German.

“[My appointment] shows that Korean society has become more open. It gave a shock to foreigners,” he said. “They are giving a new look to Korea. In that sense, what I say abroad draws more attention.”

Lee stressed, however, that Korea’s tourism industry can’t grow with efforts only by himself and his agency.

“I am not a magician. It is important to enhance public awareness of the tourism industry for its full-scale growth,” he said. “Public perception should be changed.”

He said Korea, focusing on developing automobile, shipbuilding, IT and other sectors, had not regarded tourism as an important industry until recently. “We should present a vision that ... tourism is an industry with great potential for development,” he said. “My job is to make many people share the vision and help it become realized as a national policy.”

Lee admitted that it is a heavy burden being the first foreign-born figure to assume such a high-level post at a state-funded organization. “I will have to strive not to make this first case in history the last one,” he said, adding he wants to pave the way for more people of foreign origin to work at government agencies here. Yonhap


About 100 foreign advisers for Korean tourism, including ambassadors in Korea from 16 countries, tour Naganeupseong Folk Village in Suncheon, South Jeolla, on Sunday at the invitation of the Korea Tourism Organization. [NEWSIS]

Japanese presenter invites fans to Korea

A popular Japanese television presenter is scheduled to bring 1,000 of his fans with him on a tour of Korea.

This is the 14th trip for Miyane Seiji, presenter of the popular morning show "Ohayo Asahi Desu (Good morning, this is ABC)" who has invited 15,000 of his viewers to tour Korea since 2006 as an honorary goodwill ambassador for the Korea Tourism Organization.

The KTO organized this year's visit just in time to commemorate the "Visit Korea Years" that kicked off earlier in January. The event was established to promote Korea as a tourist destination and will set up various events and offer special tour packages for potential overseas tourists over the next two years.







This year's edition of Miyane's viewer invitational pulled in so much interest that when the tour was announced through his morning show in late January, over 2,000 applicants phoned the ABC-TV call center asking to be part of the event.

This year's tour will arrive on Feb. 26 taking Miyane and his viewers around Seoul's central shopping district, Myeong-dong, outlets malls in Yeoju, and a meet and greet with another Japanese goodwill ambassador and television fashion guru Ikko, along with a "fan meeting" with Winter Sonata actress Choi Ji-woo at the Dome Art Hall of the Seoul Children's Grand Park.

According to the KTO, another invitational with Miyane is tentatively planned for June. The organization also plans to develop a fashion and beauty themed promotional tour with Ikko.

KTO president Lee Charm is set to welcome the forthcoming tour at the Seoul Children's Grand Park on Feb. 27.

(kws@heraldm.com)












2010.02.24



日本播音员组团1000人韩国观光

韩联社首尔2月22日电 日本著名播音员宫根诚司（47岁）将带领1000多名日本游客来访韩国。

韩国观光公社22日表示，宫根诚司将在26日至3月1日期间，带领1000多名日本游客游览首尔，尽情享受购物乐趣。

宫根诚司从1987年开始担任大阪朝日电视台播音员，2004年成为自由撰稿人，最近在日本全境成为了著名的广电人物。其间，他先后14次带领1万4千多名日本游客进行了首尔观光。

2006年，他被委任韩国观光名誉大使，2008年策划崇礼门失火主题观光，曾带领1000多名日本游客访问首尔并捐献过修复资金。

宫根诚司带领的日本游客将于26日入境，参观明洞等首尔风景，并在京畿道丽州折价大卖场进行购物活动。（完）
<center>
日本著名播音员宫根诚司(韩联社）

mxan@yna.co.kr

[VOD] KBS - BYJ filming of Korea Tourism Board CM

source: flare's blog
ヨンジュン 韓国観光公社cm撮影
http://flare.heteml.jp/201010302_byj.wmv

http://static.photobucket.com/player.swf?f...1010302_byj.flv

Kim Yu-na to Promote Seoul in Discovery DocumentaryA documentary titled "Hip Korea: Yu-na Kim - Seoul Spirit" will be broadcast around the world on the Discovery Channel beginning March 19. It is the third in a series made to promote tourism in the Korean capital, following the first on pop star Rain and the second on actor Lee Byung-hun.

Shot between August and December 2009, the new film features Olympic champion figure skater Kim Yu-na and shows a variety of tourist sites in Seoul such as the Gyeongbok Palace, Gwanghwamun Plaza, Bosingak Bell Pavilion, and the nightscape along the Han River while following Kim's daily routine.

Kim Yu-na featured in the Discovery Channel documentary /Courtesy of the Seoul Metropolitan Government
The Seoul Metropolitan Government was able to commission the documentary for the relatively inexpensive price of W100 million (US$1=W1,146) thanks to a long-time partnership with Discovery Channel. It also interviews the first Korean to fly in space, Yi So-yeon, and girl group 2NE1 as it tells of Kim's rise to become one of the leaders of her generation.

The city expects the documentary will capture people's attention thanks to Kim's winning of the gold medal in Vancouver last month. "Kim was hesitant to appear in the documentary because of her very busy schedule, but she agreed after we explained how it would benefit Seoul. As Kim's performance at the Olympics has made her world famous, we believe the documentary will play a huge role in promoting Seoul to the world," said Yoon Young-seok, chief of the city's global marketing division.
englishnews@chosun.com / Mar. 05, 2010 11:51 KST

Discovery Channel to feature Seoul and star figure skater
Date: March 12, 2010



http://www.korea.net/News/News/newsView.as...Day=&page=1


Stay tuned for the next appearance by Kim Yu-na, Korea's figure skating sensation who further solidified her position with a gold medal just last month in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

The Discovery Channel will feature “Hip Korea – Seoul Spirit” a promotional video about Seoul portrayed through the success story of Kim Yu-na. In the program Kim Yu-na will take the viewers to some of Seoul's well-known spots, such as the newly revamped Han River, Gwanghwamun Plaza, popular shopping districts around Ewha Womans University and Hongik University, noted for its art and indie music. The latest documentary has been in production since August last year. (Click to see the video below)

http://www.youtube.com/v/bpuzCkhN1Ww&c...bedded&fs=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpuzCkhN1Ww...player_embedded
The documentary closely follows Kim Yu-na's journey to the Winter Olympics from Seoul to Toronto from August 2009. The footage contains moments of her preparation and practice.

In the video, Kim's own story of triumph over so many various obstacles – injuries, financial burden, lack of facilities and so on, -- to win a gold medal will be likened to the city's own rise from the ashes of war to become a global city. Seoul Metropolitan Government explained that Kim Yu-na agreed to star in the show for free.

Other female celebrities in Korea such as Kim So-yeon, the first Korean astronaut, and female pop group 2NE1 will also appear in interviews to demonstrate the rising status of women in Korea.

The 60-minute documentary, which is the third of the “Hip Korea-Seoul” series, will start airing in Southeast Asian countries starting Mar. 19. The first two previous programs featured singer Rain (Seoul Vibe) and actor Lee Byung-hun (Seoul Savvy), both in 2009. Rain introduced Seoul as a city of modernity and fashion. Lee emphasized the vibrancy of the city through its rapid transformation by combining tradition, modernity and art, like to his acting career.

“Now that Kim Yu-na stands as the indisputable champion in women's figure skating, we believe this new documentary will garner an equal amount of attention, “ said Kang Cheol-won, a Seoul City spokesperson. Seoul also looks forward the documentary being aired in other countries like the United States, China and Australia as well.

By Kim Hee-sung
Korea.net Staff Writer

Tourists irked by shopping, taxis


Japanese tourists in Myeongdong look at a Japanese-language guidebook on Korea. [Lee Sang-sub/The Korea Herald]


Two days ago, Motoko Watanabe and her husband arrived in Seoul from their hometown in Shizuoka prefecture, Japan. Since hearing of close friends' pleasant experiences in Seoul, they figured the short trip to Korea would give them the most bang for their buck.

But what was supposed to be an affordable three days of sightseeing and shopping around the popular shopping districts Myeongdong and Namdaemun, turned into a budget buster the middle-class newlyweds did not anticipate.

Did they go overboard gorging on sumptuous hanwoo while impulsively buying Yonsama socks and Louis Vuitton handbags?

Hardly.

According to Motoko, the couple spent a third of their travel budget on taxis going all over the city. "We don't know our way around so it feels as though we've been wasting money and spending more than necessary on taxis," she said. "Sometimes it feels like we're going in circles when we're in cabs."

She's not alone in her gripes about taxis.

A recent survey conducted by the Korea Tourism Organization shows that the number of calls made by disgruntled tourists in 2009 saw a 13.4 percent increase from the previous year.

Of the complaints, difficulties while shopping and disputing costs of taxi fares topped the list with 32.5 percent and 17.5 percent of the total 468 complaints filed.

"Our experience was pleasant up until we walked out of the key attractions around the city," Watanabe said. "It was when we hopped into a taxi and began getting around town that our trip became unpleasant. We really feel as though we spent twice the amount of our travel budget, and I hate it. In their defense, the drivers just say they don't understand what we're saying, but I find it personally inconvenient. It's made me disdainful of the drivers here."

When asked about taxi scams, Baek Ki-chun, 62, a taxi driver, was quick to defend his profession.






"That was only during the old days when you saw drivers hanging around the airport looking for people to rip off," he said. "Nowadays, we don't do stuff like that to tourists, because we care very much about giving the best impression possible of our country to foreign guests when they visit."

Baek, a 15-year veteran, conceded later that there might be some who take advantage of tourists. "Look, in countries like Japan, you don't see drivers committing such shameful acts because their drivers get all of the proper employee benefits and a respectable salary, regardless of how many passengers they get per day," he said.

"Here in Korea, they tried to implement something similar when DJ (former President Kim Dae-jung) was around, but it never happened because people started saying drivers would just slack off without making their rounds, so the government decided to scrap the whole idea.

"The only thing we have to rely on is getting as many passengers in a day as possible in order to meet our quota. So I can understand when some drivers get desperate enough to commit disgraceful acts like that."

Veteran taxi drivers in Seoul that reach their monthly quota earn about 1 million won ($876) a month, according to the latest data.

Yumi, a 20-year-old college student from Tokyo, came to Seoul with her friend Kumiko on Wednesday. "I think at times when taxi drivers figure out we're Japanese, they ask for more fare," she said. "Another thing we worry about is miscommunication and whether we can calculate our money accurately."

"Overall though, it's been really fun because so many (Korean) employees around the shops here speak Japanese and we've especially been enjoying the food."

Complaints from Westerners aren't as numerous.

According to the KTO's Byun Eun-hye, who works with the organization's complaint center, the majority of the reports regarding shopping mishaps were filed by Japanese and Chinese tourists.

"We've gotten numerous calls from Japanese tourists saying they received the wrong orders such as shoes that were not the size they had purchased or custom tailored clothes that didn't fit when they received them -- or even bizarre instances where they purchased a cosmetic product only to find something entirely different once they opened the box," she said.

Ben, a freelance writer from the United States walking through Myeongdong, said in the three years he's lived in Korea, he has not once been taken advantage of by a taxi driver.

"I've never been ripped off by a cab driver," he said.

He said he's been met with nothing other than goodwill when shopping. "I'm with friends most of the time I shop. And when I'm with them, they help me reduce prices on certain items and sometimes the guy selling it gives me a discount before I even ask."

The KTO's Byun thinks most complaints, regardless of where they come from, are caused by simple miscommunication.

"I don't think incidents are caused from ill-will on behalf of merchants. I think this boils down to miscommunication."

With a boom over the past decade in inbound tourists, Korea's tourism industry has spent billions of won training staff and erecting Chinese, English and Japanese signage.

Some Koreans have been saying for years that foreign tourists should be expected to possess a minimum level of Korean. Others ask for better English education in the travel industry here, citing Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa and the Middle East as places where locals communicate with tourists primarily in English, rather than in their own local languages.

"It's difficult to say whether we are trying too hard to cater and to accommodate foreign tourists and not encouraging them more to try and speak Korean," said Kang Oki, the Korea Tourism Organization's executive director of public relations.

"I know that when I travel abroad and I see a leaflet or information booklet with a section translated into Korean, I feel good and feel even welcomed. I believe there's no harm in that," she added.

"As for the complaints about shopping filed by tourists, I just think that means people are shopping a lot. And not every transaction is going to be flawless or pleasant. That just isn't realistically possible."

On whether the KTO is being overly sensitive with their survey, Kang said "We just want to work hard to try to provide the most pleasant experience for our visitors."

In spite of the increase in gripes filed with the KTO's complaint center, it should be noted that 2009 set a benchmark figure for inbound tourists, reaching over 7 million people for the first time in the nation's history.

The KTO also has plans to establish a certification system for shops that excel in customer service and satisfaction, although it is not certain when the system will be implemented. (kws@heraldm.com)



By Song Woong-ki

Royal palace grounds show off Korea in bloom

Cherries, apricots and spicebush add spots of color to the beauty of ancient architecture
March 26, 2010

Apricot trees blossom last year on the grounds of Deoksu Palace in central Seoul. Provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration
A leisurely stroll around town during the peak flower viewing period is an early spring ritual for many.

The ephemeral nature of the blossoms themselves means those so inclined have only a small window of time in which to enjoy themselves.

It’s almost time to stroll around the grounds of Korea’s palaces and take in the sights, sounds and scents that the royal class enjoyed during springs of the past.

Although it’s still early, royal palace officials said several fragrant spicebush trees are blossoming, but visitors will have to wait a few more days before the other flowers catch up to the early bloomers.



The unusually cold spring weather has delayed blossoming somewhat, but spring is just around the corner. As it always does about this time of year, the Cultural Heritage Administration released the dates when flowers are expected to bloom at the royal palaces in the central Seoul area.

The first things to blossom were the spicebush trees at Changdeok Palace last week. Colorful apricot, Chinese plum and Korean cherry trees, among others, are expected to bloom later this month to early April around the royal palaces in the central Seoul area.

A trip to the palaces will not only provide the beauty of bright flowers set against the backdrop of the ancient royal structures of the Joseon period (1392-1910), but can also reveal some interesting tales about the daily lives of the royal class in the gated grounds of the palaces.

“The prevalence of Korean cherry trees on the Gyeongbok Palace grounds is largely due to the fondness King Sejong [1397-1450] had for the trees,” explained Park Sung-jin, a professor at Kyungpook National University and an expert on royal palace trees in Korea.



According to “Yongjaechong-hwa,” a 10-volume book written on Joseon-era politics, society, policy and culture by scholar Seong Hyeon (1439-1504), King Sejong’s fondness for Korean cherries was so great that Prince Munjong (1414-1452) personally planted Korean cherry trees around Gyeongbok Palace.

Known as a filial son, Munjong would himself pick the ripe fruits off the trees and wash them four to five times before serving them to his father.

Apricot trees were favored for their healing power and medicinal value.

The seeds were considered a cure-all in traditional medicine, which had more than 200 uses for them.

“According to “Goryeosa” [or “History of Goryeo”], a sickly Emperor Munjong in 1078 asked for medicine from the Chinese Song Dynasty. A delegation that included a medical practitioner and medicine was sent, along with 10 bottles of special liquor made with apricot seeds,” said Park.



While some tree species hold special meaning in the history of the royal palaces, as Park explains it, ancient court records show that the species currently seen in what are now Seoul and Gyeonggi were planted on the grounds of royal palaces.

There were also types of trees which were forbidden from royal palaces: Those with thorned branches or hollow trunks could not be planted in the grounds, because those properties could not be associated with the king.

Korea’s tree population has changed throughout the years.

One example is the red Japanese maple trees at Changdeok Palace, which were planted during the Japanese colonial era (1910-1945).

“Not too many trees from the ancient past exist on the palace grounds. Most of the existing trees on the royal palaces were planted during the restoration period of 1984-85,” said Park.

“I would have to say Changdeok Palace is the only remaining royal palace with some trees from before that time.”


Spicebush flowers, top, started to blossom late last week. Middle, in the South Jeolla region, pink apricot flowers bloomed early this month. Tree peonies on the Deoksu Palace grounds, bottom, bloomed last May. [CHA, YONHAP]
For spring flower viewing, timing is of the essence. According to the initial reports released by the Korea Meteorological Administration in February and early March, flowers are expected to bloom later this year than they did last year.

Unexpected changes in weather patterns can delay blossom dates, and the recent spring cold snap pushed the dates back.

“The overall expected dates will be delayed by an average of two days around the country and by a day in Jeju Island,” said Chun Jun-seok, director of the Climate Prediction Division at the administration.

Although many believe that Korea has had an unusually cold winter and spring, with the longest cold snap lasting for roughly three weeks between mid-December to mid-January and another stretch of cold weather in early spring, Chun says this year is not that different from past winters.

“In the past, cold winters averaged temperatures of 15 to 17 below Celsius [5 degrees to 1 degree Fahrenheit]. In comparison, this winter temperatures averaged 13 to 15 below. In that regard, it’s not too far off the norm. The difference is in the recovery period,” stated Chun.

“Usually recovery periods of two to three warm days follow cold snaps, but the cold temperature persisted for an extended period of time this winter and spring, making it feel colder than usual.”

http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2918334
By Jason Kim [jason@joongang.co.kr]

金妍儿和韩著名设计师相见
(2010.04.13 08:30)
韩国花样滑冰明星金妍儿和著名设计师Lee Sang-bong9日在首尔某摄影棚各自手里拿着签名照片和T-衫接受记者拍照。朝鲜日报记者 摄影

朝鲜日报中文网 chn.chosun.com
本文内容归朝鲜日报和朝鲜日报网版权所有，未经许可，不得摘编

Buildings in royal palaces and shrine temporarily open to the public
Posted Apr. 16, 2010 ShareThis
Source : Cultural Heritage Administration



The Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) will temporarily open five buildings in royal palaces and shrine to the public from April 15 to October 31. The buildings are generally off limits.


The CHA's decision was made for better protection of the royal buildings, considering the general characteristics of Korean wooden cultural properties. It is known that the wooden structures of Korea are better preserved when being "hand-stained." The CHA expects the program will give visitors a special opportunity to relish the inside of the time-honored structures, addressing their curiosity about them and provide a place for rest, conversation and reading on tour.

The buildings that visitors are allowed to enter include Sujeongjeon in Gyeongbokgung (Gyeongbok Palace), Yeonghwadang in Changdeokgung (Changdeuk Palace), Tongmyeongjeon in Changgyeongung (Changgyeong Palace), Jeonggwanheon in Deoksugung (Deoksu Palace), and Mangmyoru in Jongmyo Shrine, all of which are known for their good locations to view outside sceneries. Meanwhile, food and inflammables are strictly banned, and access is denied to anyone who engages in inappropriate behaviors for safety reasons.

The CHA will thoroughly review the effects of this event on the preservation of cultural heritage of the royal palaces and according to the results, it will expand the program in time to come.

裴勇俊再展笑颜　努力当好宣传大使
体育朝鲜 (2010.05.03 14:12)
裴勇俊再展“代表韩国的微笑”，承担起了韩国文化传播者的职责。

为了迎接“韩国访问年”的到来，裴勇俊去年被委任为韩国宣传大使，2010年韩国旅游宣传海报于3日亮相。他在海报中展示出特有的迷人笑容，就要欣然地踏上旅程。

这张海报是去年12月以潭阳的竹林为背景拍摄，由韩国访问年组委会和韩国旅游发展局共同制作，将刊登在日本《读卖新闻》等20余种纸面媒体上。

韩国访问年组委会主席No Yeong-u说：“裴勇俊作为宣传大使积极参加相关活动，在向海外宣传韩国方面，起到了很大作用。这次宣传广告以韩国秀美自然风光为背景，赋予了裴勇俊旅行者的身份。除了展现他迷人的微笑，还带给人安宁惬意的感觉。”

另外，为了迎接“2010-2012韩国访问年”，裴勇俊从去年起一直在韩国、亚洲乃至全世界进行宣传活动。而且，他去年出版了一本名为《寻找韩国之美的旅行》的旅行随笔，这本书一直稳居韩日两国“畅销书”行列。
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Sunday, May 2, 2010
[News Trans]Bae Yong Joon’s ‘The Journey to Discover the Beauty of Korea’ will be released in an additional three countries.

Sports Hankook 2010-05-03 06:36

Bae Yong Joon’s book, ‘The Journey to Discover the Beauty of Korea’, will be released in an additional three counties.

In the middle of last year, he released the book, ‘The Journey to Discover the Beauty of Korea’, in Korea and Japan at the same time to introduce the traditional culture of Korea. After that, he got offers from overseas publishing companies and decided to release his book in USA, China and Taiwan recently.

He already made contracts with the local publishing companies. Including these deals, his book is translated into four languages and it’ll be an opportunity for his fans to read his book. A staff of Keyeast, BYJ’s management company, said, “We closely cooperate with the publishing companies in each country to release the book within this year. We expect high sales because BYJ is widely known in USA, China, and Taiwan through his movies and dramas.”

It’s known that BYJ had sales close to five billion won including its related tourism products with its continuous sales. So far, a total of 130,000 copies were sold in Korea and Japan, 65,000 copies in each country. The price of the book in Korea is 18,000 won, so the sales amount would be about 1.2 billion won. The total sales amount in Japan is over 2.4 billion won because its price in Japan is 2,835 yen (about 37,100 won) each book. The total sales amount of the book in both countries is over 3.6 billion won.

A company, Key To Korea related to Keyeast has brought four tourism products based on the famous places which appeared in his book for Japanese tourists. A 3 day-2 night tourism product, which has begun in early November last year, is sold out. The sales amount of the tourism products is about one billion won, so the total sales amount will easily be over five billion won. He added, “BYJ stresses the fact that his translated book could be of help even in introducing Korea.”

Reporter Ahn Jin Yong; realyong@sportshankook.co.kr

http://news.nate.com/view/20100503n01859 SOURCE* POST & REPORT BY SUEHAN SSI/BLOG

[News] Korea Tourism Official Poster - BYJ
source: nate

崔智友即將參加“微笑國家代表”委任儀式
來源：JES | 2010.06.22 07:37

崔智友將在6月23日在首爾昌德宮舉行的“韓國觀光之夜”活動上被第一夫人金潤玉女士授予“微笑國家代表”委任狀。

“微笑國家代表”是指為了迎接2010~2012年韓國訪問年，向來韓的外國人傳達韓國人的溫馨情意和微笑的誌願者。

金潤玉女士擔任韓國訪問之年委員會議名譽委員長。當天活動的時間為晚上7時至10時。



韓國中央日報中文網 http://cn.joins.com/big5


Choi Ji-woo will participate in " a smile by the representatives of " Appointment Ceremony
Source : JES | 2010.06.22 07:37


Choi Ji-woo will be June 23 in Seoul at the Changdeokgung Palace , " Korea Tourism Night " First Lady, Kim Yoon-ok been awarded the " smiling representatives of " certificates of appointment .

"Smile representatives " refers to the 2010 ~ 2012 Visit Korea Year , has always been South Korea 's foreign convey warm feelings and Korean volunteers smile .

First Lady, Kim Yoon-ok visit South Korea as honorary chairman of the annual members meeting . Activity for the day at 7 pm to 10 pm .



Korea Central Daily News Chinese net http://cn.joins.com/big5

Choi Ji-woo Named Honorary Tourism Supporter Choi Ji-woo Actress Choi Ji-woo has been chosen as an honorary tourism promotion supporter by the Visit Korea Committee. She will be appointed at a Visit Korea event on Wednesday evening.

Tourism supporters work to help attract foreign tourists as part of the nation's 2010-2012 Visit Korea Years campaign. Some 200 supporters are leading a drive to encourage Korean people to greet foreign tourists with warm and friendly smiles.

"Korean people are often misunderstood by foreigners due to our reserved demeanor or because of cultural differences," Choi said. "I will try my best to show our warm hearts to foreigners and promote the country as a great travel destination worth revisiting."

The Visit Korea event kicks off at 8 p.m. at Changdeok Palace and features a variety of cultural programs. The committee is also to announce visions to nurture Korea as a travel hot spot. It will be attended by the 200 supporters, Visit Korea Committee chairman Shin Dong-bin, Culture Minister Yu In-chon and Korea Tourism Organization head Lee Cham.
englishnews@chosun.com / Jun. 23, 2010 10:13 KST
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